My Scheming 7% Alpha Arbutin Whitening Serum Versus Obagi Nu-Derm Clear
Updated on May 28, 2025
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or oils
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
My Scheming 7% Alpha Arbutin Whitening Serum 18 ingredients
Obagi Nu-Derm Clear 18 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
My Scheming 7% Alpha Arbutin Whitening Serum 18 ingredients
Obagi Nu-Derm Clear 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Lactobacillus
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Diglucosyl Gallic Acid
Water, Alpha-Arbutin, Glycerin, Propanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Lactobacillus, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Diglucosyl Gallic Acid
Hydroquinone
Stabilising
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
BHT
Antioxidant
Butylparaben
Masking
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Glycerin
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Methylparaben
Preservative
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate
EmollientPropylparaben
Preservative
Saponins
CleansingSodium Lauryl Sulfate
Cleansing
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Water
Skin ConditioningIngredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Disodium 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 EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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