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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Targeted Spot Brightener versus Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment .

Published on January 28, 2021

Overview

What they are

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

Cool Features

They both contain Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain silicones

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

Facial Treatment American Brand United States
Facial Treatment American Brand United States

Facial Treatment

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

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

Shop

Buy Potent-C Targeted Spot Brightener

Starts at $23.99
Shop

Buy PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment

Starts at $88.00

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

Vitamin C
Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger (2)
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

AHA
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Niacinamide

Benefits

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

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Irritating
Rosacea (2)
Eczema
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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.

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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

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Targeted Spot Brightener contains this as ingredient number 1.

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
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

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Targeted Spot Brightener contains this as ingredient number 7.

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment contains this as ingredient number 25.

3
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

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Targeted Spot Brightener contains this as ingredient number 8.

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment contains this as ingredient number 11.

4
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.

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Targeted Spot Brightener contains this as ingredient number 9.

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment contains this as ingredient number 24.

5
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.

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Targeted Spot Brightener contains this as ingredient number 13.

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment contains this as ingredient number 28.

6
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.

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Targeted Spot Brightener contains this as ingredient number 14.

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment contains this as ingredient number 6.

7
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

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Targeted Spot Brightener contains this as ingredient number 19.

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment contains this as ingredient number 15.

8
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Mixed

Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.

Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.

With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.

Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.

Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.

Learn more about Titanium Dioxide

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Targeted Spot Brightener contains this as ingredient number 21.

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment contains this as ingredient number 35.

9
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.

Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.

Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.

Learn more about Potassium Sorbate

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Targeted Spot Brightener contains this as ingredient number 24.

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment contains this as ingredient number 38.

10
What it does: Masking, Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.

Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.

Sodium Benzoate is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.

Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.

We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Sodium Benzoate

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Targeted Spot Brightener contains this as ingredient number 25.

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment contains this as ingredient number 39.

11
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Targeted Spot Brightener contains this as ingredient number 26.

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment contains this as ingredient number 23.

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

27% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
15% have no rating yet
28% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
48% are disliked or very disliked
15% have no rating yet

Usage

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

When to use

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Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 14 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Targeted Spot Brightener.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 4 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment.

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