Bolden Dark Spot Fix Versus Urban Skin After Breakout Fade + Clarify Serum
Updated on June 12, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain 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 harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens, silicones 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
Urban Skin After Breakout Fade + Clarify Serum 23 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
Urban Skin After Breakout Fade + Clarify Serum 23 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 ConditioningPropanediol
SolventAzelaic Acid
Buffering
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Isopentyldiol
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Morus Alba Root Extract
BleachingAlpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Glutathione
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Water, Propanediol, Azelaic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tranexamic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Glycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isopentyldiol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Gluconate, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Tocopherol, Jojoba Esters, Morus Alba Root Extract, Alpha-Arbutin, Glutathione, Niacinamide, Kojic Acid
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 TriglycerideGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinNiacinamide 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 AcidCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholAlpha-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-ArbutinGlutathione is an antioxidant naturally found in our bodies. It is made up of three amino acids: glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid.
As an antioxidant, it prevents oxidative damage to parts of our cell.
While glutathione is said to help with fading dark spots, the results from research are inconclusive. Further studies are needed. With that said, gluthatione has been shown to protect our skin from UV-B induced damage.
This ingredient is naturally occurring in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria.
Learn more about GlutathioneKojic 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 AcidAzelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid derived from grains. This ingredient is effective in treating acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions.
It has been shown to reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce inflammation. On top of that, it helps reduce the production of sebum and unclog pores.
Azelaic Acid also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect our skin cells from free-radical damage.
One of the main benefits of azelaic acid is that it is gentle and well-tolerated by most people.
Fun fact: The lab-created form of azelaic acid is typically used within cosmetic products for its shelf-stability.
Learn more about Azelaic AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Bolden Dark Spot Fix 23 ingredients
Urban Skin After Breakout Fade + Clarify Serum 23 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
