Naturium Multi-Bright Tranexamic Acid Treatment 5% Versus Paula's Choice Discoloration Repair Serum
Updated on June 28, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
Naturium Multi-Bright Tranexamic Acid Treatment 5% 45 ingredients
Paula's Choice Discoloration Repair Serum 29 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Naturium Multi-Bright Tranexamic Acid Treatment 5% 45 ingredients
Paula's Choice Discoloration Repair Serum 29 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialTranexamic Acid
Astringent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropanediol
SolventKaolin
Abrasive
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Isostearyl Alcohol
Emollient
C13-15 Alkane
SolventMyrica Cerifera Fruit Wax
EmollientEthylhexyl Olivate
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol Cocoate
Emulsifying
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTriheptanoin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningC9-12 Alkane
SolventDilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBetaine
Humectant
Sorbitol
Humectant
Ethylcellulose
Lecithin
EmollientRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Phytate
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientWater, Butylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Tranexamic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Kaolin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Isostearyl Alcohol, C13-15 Alkane, Myrica Cerifera Fruit Wax, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Butylene Glycol Cocoate, Kojic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Acetyl Glucosamine, Allantoin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Squalane, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Triheptanoin, Citric Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, C9-12 Alkane, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Betaine, Sorbitol, Ethylcellulose, Lecithin, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Phytate, Ectoin, Phenoxyethanol, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Glyceryl Caprylate
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
C13-15 Alkane
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientEthyl Macadamiate
Skin Conditioning
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Silybum Marianum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Lactobacillus/Coconut Fruit Juice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientBakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingBoerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Skin Protecting
Glycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Phytate
Malic Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Tranexamic Acid, C13-15 Alkane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethyl Macadamiate, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Silybum Marianum Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Lactobacillus/Coconut Fruit Juice Ferment Filtrate, Lecithin, Bakuchiol, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Allantoin, Glycine Soja Oil, Hexylene Glycol, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Glycine Soja Sterols, Citric Acid, Sodium Phytate, Malic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
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 WaterButylene 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.
Tranexamic Acid is best used for treating hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and melasma. It can also help build a stronger skin barrier.
Once applied, Tranexamic Acid starts decreasing inflammation from UV exposure. Tranexamic Acid also prevents our skin cells from meeting the pigment production cells.
Its brightening property makes it great at reducing the appearance of acne scars and marks.
Fun fact: Tranexamic Acid is also a medication used to reduce heavy bleeding.
This acid is derived from lysine, an amino acid.
Learn more about Tranexamic AcidThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGlycerin 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 GlycerinC13-15 Alkane is a group of alkanes with 13 to 15 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain.
It is a solvent and texture enhancer. Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolXanthan 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 GumLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinSodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Naturium Multi-Bright Tranexamic Acid Treatment 5% 45 ingredients
Paula's Choice Discoloration Repair Serum 29 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Naturium Multi-Bright Tranexamic Acid Treatment 5% 45 ingredients
Works well but...
With ingredients like tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and alpha-arbutin, this product is effective when it comes to combating dark spots and hyperpigmentation. I did notice that my post acne marks faded quicker when using this product HOWEVER this product always left a yellowish tint to my skin wherever I applied it. I suspect something in here oxidized (the kojic acid maybe?). This Show more
