Updated on June 28, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols and 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
Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum 2% Hydroquinone 14 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Hero Cosmetics Lightning Wand Dark Spot Brightening Serum 35 ingredients
Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum 2% Hydroquinone 14 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
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Ingredients Side-by-side
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.
Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.
7 Benefits 2 Concerns
Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
5 Benefits
You might know this ingredient as Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a more stable version of ascorbic acid.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
Tranexamic Acid is best used for treating hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and melasma. It can also help build a stronger skin barrier.
6 Benefits
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
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.
Acetyl Glucosamine is an antioxidant and humectant. It is a form of Vitamin C.
Salix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.
Curcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.
Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.
Corallina Officinalis Extract is from the red seaweed, Corallina Officinalis. This seaweed is found all over the world but is most common in the rocky shores of Great Britain and Ireland.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract comes from the Holy Basil plant. Holy Basil is native to India.
Hydrolyzed 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.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
Cellulose Gum is a water-soluble polymer that comes from cellulose. It is used to change the texture of a product and to help stabilize emulsions.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Lactobacillus Ferment is created by fermenting the Lactobacillus bacteria. It helps keep our skin's natural barrier and microbiome healthy.
We don't have a description for Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate.
5 Concerns
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
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, Tristearyl Citrate, Alcohol, Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate
May worsen Rosacea
Hydroquinone is used to treat hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and age spots.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
5 Concerns
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
2 Concerns
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil also known as seabuckthorn oil. This oil is usually extracted from the fruit pulp or seeds.
Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is used as a emollient and emulsifier.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
Preservative
Sodium Metabisulfite is an antioxidant and is a preservative.
Sodium Sulfite is a preservative. Preservatives help prevent mold and bacteria from growing in cosmetics.
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.
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 Water1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.
Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
Hydroxyethylcellulose helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.
This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.
Learn more about HydroxyethylcelluloseIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
When to use
Hero Cosmetics Lightning Wand Dark Spot Brightening Serum 35 ingredients
Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum 2% Hydroquinone 14 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Hero Cosmetics Lightning Wand Dark Spot Brightening Serum 35 ingredients
Azibeth
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...
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.
KaitlinH
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...
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.
