Versus

Lacoco En Nature Dark Spot Essence Versus COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid

Essence
Essence
Indonesian Brand Indonesia
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on July 18, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe essences. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA 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, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Buffering

Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.

Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.

Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.

Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:

Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.

When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.

The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.

Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Glycolic Acid
Smoothing

Niacinamide 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 Niacinamide
Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene 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.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-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 

When to use

23 Routines
13% use in am
87% use in pm
52% use every day
776 Routines
22% use in am
78% use in pm
58% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Lacoco En Nature Dark Spot Essence 17 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Light (1) Light Scent (1)
AudreyLim's avatar

AudreyLim

9 months ago
Review

I had gut acne and seriously scarring my face with all the dark spots all over my cheeks and forehead, as far as ive taken care of my gut health and the gut acne reduced, i used this as my whole journey and definitely works on me cause i did stop using it for a year and dark spots showing everywhere and doesnt go away when i use different brand. Doesnt show any breakout although it may stings the Show more

#light
#absorbs well
#light scent
#works well

COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid 10 ingredients

3.2 /5
from 21 ratings
Absorbs Well (8) Great Value (7) No Scent (5)
Zienn's avatar

Zienn

1 year ago
Review

oily skin nothing change or happend when use
not working at all. but kinda clean my dead skin off.

#expensive
#irritating
#light
#absorbs well
SpaceyTrxsh's avatar

SpaceyTrxsh

1 year ago
Review

Seeing forever to see results

#light
#absorbs well
#no scent