Hero Cosmetics Lightning Wand Dark Spot Brightening Serum Versus Cos De BAHA Tranexamic Acid 5% Serum with Niacinamide 5%
Updated on October 10, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid 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 and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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 Wand Dark Spot Brightening Serum 35 ingredients
Cos De BAHA Tranexamic Acid 5% Serum with Niacinamide 5% 15 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Hero Cosmetics Lightning Wand Dark Spot Brightening Serum 35 ingredients
Cos De BAHA Tranexamic Acid 5% Serum with Niacinamide 5% 15 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventTromethamine
BufferingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTranexamic Acid
Astringent
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Citrate
BufferingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningGardenia Jasminoides Fruit Extract
Cosmetic ColorantMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
UV AbsorberButeth-3
SolventTributyl Citrate
SolventTris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate
StabilisingAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate
Water, Propanediol, Tromethamine, Glycolic Acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, Sodium Citrate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Beta-Glucan, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Gardenia Jasminoides Fruit Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Allantoin, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cellulose Gum, Butylene Glycol, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Buteth-3, Tributyl Citrate, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate, Alcohol, Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf
Masking
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Glycereth-26
HumectantBetaine
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Camellia Sinensis Leaf
Perfuming
Sambucus Nigra Flower
Skin ConditioningMomordica Charantia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Callus Lysate
Skin ConditioningIngredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 Propanediol1,2-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
Tranexamic 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 AcidNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideAllantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Hero Cosmetics Lightning Wand Dark Spot Brightening Serum 35 ingredients
Cos De BAHA Tranexamic Acid 5% Serum with Niacinamide 5% 15 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Hero Cosmetics Lightning Wand Dark Spot Brightening Serum 35 ingredients
Does what it’s supposed to do. It will fade your marks, especially when you’re consistent with it. Leaves tiny whiteheads though, probably the glycolic acid. But it has most of the lightening agents in it, except for kogic acid. Wait till your face is 100% dry to use it. And the roller ball is a little useless, I just use my finger.
Doesn't fit well into routines-- I feel like you have to apply it to clean skin, but that means letting your face dry as you apply it to different spots and then let it dry. Maybe its not bad if you don't have dry skin or just a few places where you're applying it.
Also, I didn't realize it had alcohol in it-- it lead to some bad irritation around my nose.
Cos De BAHA Tranexamic Acid 5% Serum with Niacinamide 5% 15 ingredients
Did a patch test on my arm to see if it works for hyperpigmentation - tried for 3 days (once a day) and my arm had small pimples/ irritation bumps! I never have breakouts on my body.
Don’t know if the concentrations are too potent (even for the body) or the formulation is just bad.
I think this is one of the best serums for hyperpigmentation IF you are a BEGINNER (keep that in mind), I have sensitive skin and I find it very soothing but didn’t see much results.
Also this serum is quite sticky so I recommend you that after you apply it on your face, leave it for 10-15 minutes so your skin can fully absorb the product. Then you can use other products as you wish. Hope it Show more
