Colorbar Cosmetics Dark Spot And Pigmentation Serum Versus Flamingo Calming Serum
Updated on May 15, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain PHA and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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
Colorbar Cosmetics Dark Spot And Pigmentation Serum 18 ingredients
Flamingo Calming Serum 24 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Colorbar Cosmetics Dark Spot And Pigmentation Serum 18 ingredients
Flamingo Calming Serum 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Arbutin
Antioxidant
Propanediol
SolventSodium Lactate
BufferingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningHeptyl Glucoside
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Saccharide Isomerate
HumectantCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Water, Niacinamide, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Arbutin, Propanediol, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Gluconate, Heptyl Glucoside, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Saccharide Isomerate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Isoceteth-20
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventAmodimethicone
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Saccharide Isomerate
HumectantSqualane
Emollient
Sodium PCA
HumectantSodium Benzoate
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Trideceth-10
CleansingMenthol
Masking
Enteromorpha Compressa Extract
Skin ProtectingOrmenis Multicaulis Oil
Masking
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantSilybum Marianum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingLinalool
Perfuming
Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Isoceteth-20, Xanthan Gum, Propanediol, Amodimethicone, Gluconolactone, Saccharide Isomerate, Squalane, Sodium PCA, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Trideceth-10, Menthol, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Calcium Gluconate, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Linalool
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 WaterPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSaccharide Isomerate comes from sugars found in corn. It is a skin hydrator.
The structure of this ingredient can be altered to be more similar to the carbohydrates found in our skin. This ability to mimic our skin gives it hydrating properties.
Specifically, saccharide Isomerate is a humectant. Humectants draw moisture from the air to our skin.
Research shows Saccharide Isomerate to be an effective moisturizer.
Learn more about Saccharide IsomerateCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
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