Peace Out Dark Spots Serum Versus So Fly Cosmetics Whitening Complex +MC Serum
Updated on January 25, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, niacinamide and peptides
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, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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
Peace Out Dark Spots Serum 30 ingredients
So Fly Cosmetics Whitening Complex +MC Serum 18 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Peace Out Dark Spots Serum 30 ingredients
So Fly Cosmetics Whitening Complex +MC Serum 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventLactic Acid
Buffering
Diglycerin
HumectantSqualane
Emollient
Triheptanoin
Skin ConditioningMandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSilica
Abrasive
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium PCA
HumectantKojic Acid
Antioxidant
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Nonapeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Oligopeptide-34
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Glycerin
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Sodium Carbonate
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Propanediol, Lactic Acid, Diglycerin, Squalane, Triheptanoin, Mandelic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Silica, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Niacinamide, Sodium PCA, Kojic Acid, Bakuchiol, Nonapeptide-1, Oligopeptide-34, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Sodium Carbonate, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingTranexamic Acid
Astringent
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Tetrasodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingBenzoic Acid
Masking
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
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 WaterLactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.
Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.
Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.
Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidTranexamic 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 AcidAlpha-Arbutin is made from hydroquinone and glucose. It may also be derived from the fermentation of soybeans.
This ingredient an antioxidant, meaning it helps protect your skin cells against damage.
Studies show this ingredient helps improve hyperpigmentation and fade discoloration.
Alpha-Arbutin may be used with other ingredients that help with hyperpigmentation. These ingredients include retinol, Vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid.
Learn more about Alpha-ArbutinSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideGlycerin 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 GlycerinEthylhexylglycerin (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.
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