Hero Cosmetics Lightning Wand Dark Spot Brightening Serum Versus Good Molecules Daily Brightening Serum
Updated on June 28, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any 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 Wand Dark Spot Brightening Serum 35 ingredients
Good Molecules Daily Brightening Serum 12 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
Good Molecules Daily Brightening Serum 12 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
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 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
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.
Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.
One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.
Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic 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 GlycerinIngredient 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
Good Molecules Daily Brightening Serum 12 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.
Good Molecules Daily Brightening Serum 12 ingredients
I don’t notice a huge difference when using it in my routine but I do like it
Great hydrating product, containing both Hyla acid and Vitamin e oil this product is perfect for dehydrated skin (and lips)!
