Hero Cosmetics Lightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening Pads Versus Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
Updated on March 27, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe . They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, 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
Hero Cosmetics Lightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening Pads 29 ingredients
Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad 22 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Hero Cosmetics Lightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening Pads 29 ingredients
Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Tromethamine
BufferingBenzyl Glycol
SolventGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Xanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCalcium Pantothenate
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantIllicium Verum Fruit Extract
Perfuming
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Malic Acid
Buffering
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Tromethamine, Benzyl Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Allantoin, Betaine, Tranexamic Acid, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Calcium Pantothenate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Pyridoxine Hcl, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Lactic Acid
Houttuynia Cordata Extract 77%
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
SolventTromethamine
BufferingButylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Phytate
Houttuynia Cordata Extract 77%, Water, Gluconolactone, Propanediol, Tromethamine, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Sodium Phytate
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 WaterButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Propanediol 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 PropanediolTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. 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.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineBetaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Learn more about Betaine1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Houttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
The components found in Heart Leaf give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart Leaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and more. It also contains polysaccharides, the most common type of carbs in food.
Flavonoids have been shown to be effective antioxidants. They help neutralize free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA. The flavonoids in Heart Leaf also help soothe the skin.
Polysaccharides are naturally found in our skin. They play a role in hydrating and repairing the top layer of skin. The polysaccharides in Heart Leaf help moisturize our skin.
Studies show decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of Heart Leaf oil, is effective at killing bacteria.
The name 'Fish Mint' comes from the herb's natural fishy smell. Is is native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent for traditional cooking and medicine.
Learn more about Houttuynia Cordata ExtractCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Hero Cosmetics Lightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening Pads 29 ingredients
Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad 22 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Hero Cosmetics Lightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening Pads 29 ingredients
Olvidé cuál es el propósito de este producto, jamás hizo nada.
Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad 22 ingredients
If you have Acne struggles, this product is for you.. this product is too perfect! Works well with my combo skin!
I've heard nothing but good things so I'm very confused about my reaction. It broke me out so bad (especially my chin) and it wasn't just an allergic reaction or over-exfoliation, I got big juicy pimples everywhere and I have no idea why.
