Hero Cosmetics Lightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening Pads Versus Sephora Collection Glow Peel Pads With AHA + PHA
Updated on June 05, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for 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, 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
Sephora Collection Glow Peel Pads With AHA + PHA 16 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Hero Cosmetics Lightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening Pads 29 ingredients
Sephora Collection Glow Peel Pads With AHA + PHA 16 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Tromethamine
BufferingBenzyl Glycol
SolventGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Xanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Calcium 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
Astringent
Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Illicium 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
Water
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycerin
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
Acer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Gluconolactone, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Acer Saccharum Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCitric 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 AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinLactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.
Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.
Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.
Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Hero Cosmetics Lightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening Pads 29 ingredients
Sephora Collection Glow Peel Pads With AHA + PHA 16 ingredients
Reviews
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