Explore Routine Login

Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night versus Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin .

Published on July 14, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 29 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain niacinamide, retinoid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols or parabens

What's Inside

They both contain common allergens, fragrances, silicones and sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Night Moisturizer

Night Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin overnight.

Facial Treatment

Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.

Price

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Niacinamide

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin (2)
Redness Reducing (2)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (4)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

AHA
Retinoid
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Niacinamide

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin (2)
Redness Reducing (2)
Skin Texture (3)
Reduces Large Pores (3)
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing (3)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (5)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (5)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (3)
Join our community

Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.

Join SkinSort

Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

Loading ingredients...

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 1.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.

Glyceryl Stearate is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.

As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.

In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced. The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.

Learn more about Glyceryl Stearate

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 2.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Emollient, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Paraffinum Liquidum is also known as liquid paraffin. It is a type of highly refined mineral oil.

Like other oils, Paraffinum Liquidum has emollient properties. Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. By creating a barrier to trap moisture within, emollients help keep your skin hydrated.

Paraffinum Liquidum does not irritate the skin and is non-comedogenic. However, this ingredient may not work well for those with oily skin or fungal acne.

If you have concerns about using this ingredient in your routine, we recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Paraffinum Liquidum

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 3.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Stearyl Stearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 4.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 6.

5
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

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

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 5.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 4.

6
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.

This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.

Those with sensitive skin or conditions may deliver a rash when using this ingredient.

Learn more about Propylene Glycol

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 6.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 5.

7
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 7.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 7.

8
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Peg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.

Peg-100 Stearate helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. It helps prevent oil and water from separating in a product. By binding oil and water, it helps remove dirt and oil to be rinsed away.

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 8.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 9.

9
What it does: Cleansing, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Ceteareth-20 is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. It is derived from cetearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol.

As an emulsifier, Ceteareth-20 prevents oil and water from separating. It is also a surfactant. Surfactants help gather oil, pollution, and dirt to be washed away.

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 9.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 11.

10
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying

Peg-75 Lanolin is created from lanolin, a wax derived from animals with wool.

It is an emollient and emulsifier.

The 75 refers to the average number of ethylene oxide used to create this ingredient. (75 mol EO average molar ratio)

This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Peg-75 Lanolin

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 10.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 8.

11
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 11.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 10.

12
What it does: Emollient, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Isopropyl Myristate is an emollient, thickening agent, and texture enhancer. It is created from isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid.

It is used to help other ingredients be better absorbed. It is also an emollient and may help soften and hydrate the skin.

The comedogenic rating of this ingredient depends on the concentration. Lower amounts results in a lower rating.

Isopropyl Myristate may not be fungal acne safe. It can potentially worsen acne prone skin.

Learn more about Isopropyl Myristate

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 12.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 12.

13
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.

Why is retinol famous?

It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.

Retinol is proven to:

This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.

Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).

Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.

We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.

Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.

Read about Tretinoin

Learn more about Retinol

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 13.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 13.

14
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Tricholoma Matsutake Extract.

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 14.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 14.

15
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopheryl 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 Acetate

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 15.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 16.

16
What it does: Antioxidant
Community Rating: Liked

Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.

When applied to skin, Ascorbyl Glucoside turns into Ascorbic Acid.

Ascorbyl Glucoside is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage skin cells.

It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Learn more about Ascorbyl Glucoside

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 18.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 15.

17
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 19.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 21.

18
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

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

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 20.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 23.

19
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

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 EDTA

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 21.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 20.

20
What it does: Absorbent
Community Rating: Disliked

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate is a type of silica. It comes from naturally occuring minerals such as silicate ores and clay.

Magnesium aluminum silicate is used for enhancing texture and as an absorbent. Due to its large molecular size, it is unable to be absorbed into the skin.

Like other types of silica, this ingredient can be used to thicken a product. As an absorbent, it may be used to absorb extra water or help prevent clumping.

Learn more about Magnesium Aluminum Silicate

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 22.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 22.

21
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Sodium Sulfite is a preservative. Preservatives help prevent mold and bacteria from growing in cosmetics.

This ingredient has been shown to break the bonds in hair, acting as a natural straightener.

It is commonly used in food. It should be noted sodium sulfite degrades both vitamins B1 and E.

Fun fact: Sulfites are naturally occuring in wine.

Learn more about Sodium Sulfite

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 24.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 25.

22
What it does: Antioxidant, Preservative
Community Rating: Mixed

Sodium Metabisulfite is an antioxidant and is a preservative.

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 25.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 26.

23
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

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.

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 look more even.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 26.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 19.

24
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking
Community Rating: Liked

This BHA stands for butylated hydroxyanisole. If you are looking for the beta-hydroxy acid, aka as Salicylic Acid, click here.

In cosmetics, butylated hydroxyanisole is used as a perservative. It also has antioxidant properties. The concentrations usually used in skincare are low and do not penetrate through skin.

However, it is considered a carcinogen when ingested.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole is a synthetic and waxy petrochemical. It is used as a preservative in foods and cosmetics.

Learn more about BHA

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 27.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 29.

25
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 29.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 30.

26
What it does: Cleansing, Emulsifying, Foaming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a sulfate with surfactant properties.

The surfactant property make it a great foam creator and cleansing agent. Surfactants help bind ingredients that normally do not mix.

Some studies have shown skin irritation due to prolonged SLS use.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a milder version of SLS.

Learn more about Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 30.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 27.

27
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Sodium Sulfate is a type of sulfate.

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 31.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 28.

28
What it does: Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.

Linalool has the same effect as Limonene when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.

Linalool has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.

Learn more about Linalool

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 32.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 36.

29
What it does: Perfuming, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.

It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".

Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.

When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.

The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.

Learn more about Limonene

Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night contains this as ingredient number 33.

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 37.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

21% are loved or liked
12% have mixed ratings
61% are disliked or very disliked
6% have no rating yet
18% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
61% are disliked or very disliked
11% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

Loading routine usage...
Loading routine usage...

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 18 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Palmer's Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream Night.

See 18 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 6 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin.

See 6 alternatives
Loading similar comparisons...