Bolden Dark Spot Fix Versus Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and niacinamide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Bolden Dark Spot Fix 23 ingredients
Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment 45 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Bolden Dark Spot Fix 23 ingredients
Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment 45 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Phytic Acid
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Ceteareth-12
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Glutathione
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Bisabolol
Masking
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Tetrapeptide-30
Skin Conditioning
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Allantoin, Behenyl Alcohol, Squalane, Ceteareth-20, Phytic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ceteareth-12, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Alpha-Arbutin, Glutathione, Kojic Acid, Bisabolol, Azelaic Acid, Tetrapeptide-30
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventTranexamic Acid
Astringent
Dimethicone
Emollient
Propanediol
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAlpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
C9-12 Alkane
SolventCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Morus Alba Root Extract
BleachingResveratrol
Antioxidant
Scutellaria Lateriflora Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrangea Arborescens Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
PEG-100 Stearate
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-75 Stearate
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Steareth-20
CleansingSilica
Abrasive
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethiconol
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Sodium Phytate
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Water, Niacinamide, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tranexamic Acid, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Alpha-Arbutin, Glyceryl Stearate, C9-12 Alkane, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Citric Acid, Kojic Acid, Morus Alba Root Extract, Resveratrol, Scutellaria Lateriflora Extract, Hydrangea Arborescens Root Extract, Squalane, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-100 Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, PEG-75 Stearate, Ceteareth-20, Steareth-20, Silica, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Phytate, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 20, T-Butyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideTranexamic Acid is best used for treating hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and melasma. It can also help build a stronger skin barrier.
Once applied, Tranexamic Acid starts decreasing inflammation from UV exposure. Tranexamic Acid also prevents our skin cells from meeting the pigment production cells.
Its brightening property makes it great at reducing the appearance of acne scars and marks.
Fun fact: Tranexamic Acid is also a medication used to reduce heavy bleeding.
This acid is derived from lysine, an amino acid.
Learn more about Tranexamic AcidGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualaneCeteareth-20 is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. It is derived from cetearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol.
As an emulsifier, Ceteareth-20 prevents oil and water from separating. It is also a surfactant. Surfactants help gather oil, pollution, and dirt to be washed away.
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a plant lipid from the fruit of the Shea Tree. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.
Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterAlpha-Arbutin is made from hydroquinone and glucose. It may also be derived from the fermentation of soybeans.
This ingredient an antioxidant, meaning it helps protect your skin cells against damage.
Studies show this ingredient helps improve hyperpigmentation and fade discoloration.
Alpha-Arbutin may be used with other ingredients that help with hyperpigmentation. These ingredients include retinol, Vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid.
Learn more about Alpha-ArbutinKojic acid comes from fungi and can also be from fermented foods. It helps even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
This ingredient works by blocking tyrosine, an enzyme that starts the process of skin darkening.
Kojic Acid is antifungal and often used to treat fungal infections. Additionally, it can help fight bacteria with its antimicrobrial properties. This can help treat acne as well.
A similar ingredient is arbutin.
Learn more about Kojic AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Bolden Dark Spot Fix 23 ingredients
Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment 45 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Bolden Dark Spot Fix 23 ingredients
The key is consistency
This has been wonderful for my skin! Most products that are aiming to tackle dark spots contain vitamin C, which is a great ingredient to tackle things like hyperpigmentation, however my skin absolutely can NOT handle it in any form. Finding a dark spot product without vitamin C that works had been a bit of a challenge, but this is it! I love this product! Niacinamide, Show more
