Versus

Missha Chogongjin Geumsul Emulsion Versus Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Serum

Facial Treatment
Facial Treatment
Korean Brand South Korea
American Brand United States

Updated on December 21, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both facial treatments. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and Vitamin E

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 harsh alcohols, parabens 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

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 Side-by-side

found in both products
Chogongjin Geumsul Emulsion

Water

Skin Conditioning

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate

Emollient

Methylpropanediol

Solvent

Cyclohexasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

C12-16 Alcohols

Emollient

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying

Palmitic Acid

Emollient
2 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetearyl Olivate

Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sorbitan Olivate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Behenyl Alcohol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Stearate Se

Emulsifying
3 / 2 Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Ceramide NP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Dipropylene Glycol

Masking

Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Laminaria Japonica Extract

Skin Protecting

Fructooligosaccharides

Humectant

Beta-Glucan

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Centella Asiatica Extract

Cleansing
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Ficus Carica Fruit Extract

Humectant

Thymus Vulgaris Extract

Perfuming
Fragrance Icon

Velvet Extract

Humectant

Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Angelica Gigas Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Codonopsis Lanceolata Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Royal Jelly Extract

Skin Conditioning
Good for Scar Healing Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Good for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Disodium EDTA

Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Curcuma Longa Root Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Corallina Officinalis Extract

Skin Conditioning
Powerbright Dark Spot Serum

Water

Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexyl Isononanoate

Emollient

Triolein

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

C12-16 Alcohols

Emollient

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Extract

Skin Conditioning

C18-36 Acid Triglyceride

Emollient

Acrylates Copolymer

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Ectoin

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract

Skin Protecting

Jojoba Esters

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydroxyacetophenone

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Hexylresorcinol

Antimicrobial

Phytosteryl Macadamiate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Withania Somnifera Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Phytosterols

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Levulinate

Skin Conditioning

C12-18 Acid Triglyceride

Emollient

Raspberry Ketone

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract

Skin Protecting

Vanilla Planifolia Fruit

Masking

Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract

Perfuming
Fragrance Icon

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Emollient
0 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil

Skin Conditioning
3 / 0 Oil IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil Icon

Citrus Medica Peel Oil

Oil Icon

Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil Icon

Ricinus Communis Seed Oil

Masking
0-1 / 0 Fragrance IconOil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial

Cistus Ladaniferus Resin

Masking

Zingiber Officinale Root Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil Icon

Lavandula Angustifolia Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Jasminum Sambac Flower Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Cucumis Sativus Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract

Masking

Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Viola Odorata Leaf Extract

Masking

Juniperus Virginiana Oil

Masking
Oil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Titanium Dioxide

Cosmetic Colorant
0 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Sclerotium Gum

Emulsion Stabilising

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying

Lecithin

Emollient

Palmitic Acid

Emollient
2 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Octyldecanol

Emollient

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Octyldodecyl Oleate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Squalene

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate

Emollient
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Benzyl Glycol

Solvent

Laureth-21

Cleansing

Pullulan

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Alumina

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Sodium Dehydroacetate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Sodium Benzoate

Masking
Preservative Icon

Citral

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Limonene

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Linalool

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin 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 Glycerin
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
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 
Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising

We don't have a description for C12-16 Alcohols yet.

Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.

This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.

Emollient, Emulsifying

Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid found in our skin. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It is a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.

As an emollient, it helps hydrate the skin. The emulsifying properties keep ingredients together in a product.

Palmitic Acid may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Palmitic Acid
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.

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
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.

Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.

You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.

Learn more about Tocopherol

When to use

3 Routines
67% use in am
33% use in pm
67% use every day
10 Routines
70% use in am
30% use in pm
100% use every day