Louis Widmer Pigmanorm® Creme Versus Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum
Updated on August 20, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any silicones
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
Louis Widmer Pigmanorm® Creme 27 ingredients
Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum 18 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Louis Widmer Pigmanorm® Creme 27 ingredients
Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydroquinone 5%
Stabilising
Tretinoin 0.03%
Skin Conditioning
Dexamethasone 0.03%
Propylene Glycol 0.3%
Humectant
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Methyl 2,4-Dihydroxybenzoate
Skin ConditioningPropylparaben
Preservative
BHA
Antioxidant
BHT
Antioxidant
PEG-40 Glyceryl Stearate
Emulsifying
Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate
Cleansing
Paraffin
Perfuming
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Petrolatum
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Camphor
Masking
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Sorbitol 70%
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
Water
Skin ConditioningHydroquinone 5%, Tretinoin 0.03%, Dexamethasone 0.03%, Propylene Glycol 0.3%, Cetyl Alcohol, Methyl 2,4-Dihydroxybenzoate, Propylparaben, BHA, BHT, PEG-40 Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Paraffin, Isopropyl Myristate, Petrolatum, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Panthenol, Alcohol Denat., Camphor, Titanium Dioxide, Sorbitol 70%, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Lactic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Water
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Arbutin
Antioxidant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroquinone
Stabilising
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialEucalyptus Globulus Leaf
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
Perfuming
Aspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Arbutin, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroquinone, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid, Kojic Acid, Lactic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Disodium EDTA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAHydroquinone is used to treat hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and age spots.
It works by decreasing the melanocytes in your skin. Melanocytes are cells that create melanin (the color pigment in skin).
Be sure to use this ingredient as prescribed by your doctor. Wearing sunscreen is also a must (you should be wearing sunscreen anyway!).
Most hydroquinone prescriptions are not to be used for longer than 3 months. Long term usage can cause ochronosis, or a condition in which the skin darkens more than before.
This ingredient is banned in the EU for being skin sensitizer. In the US, this ingredient is not allowed for over-the-counter sale.
However, it is still possible to get hydroquinone in the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and Japan from a doctor's prescription.
There is no known research backing this ingredient to be carcinogenic in humans.
Check out the European alternative to hydroquinone here.
Gentle reminder that all skin tones are beautiful!
Learn more about HydroquinoneLactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they don’t penetrate as deeply. This means they’re less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skin’s microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the product’s pH.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Louis Widmer Pigmanorm® Creme 27 ingredients
Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum 18 ingredients
Reviews
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