Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream Versus Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
Updated on June 26, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances and 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
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream 58 ingredients
Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution 24 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
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream 58 ingredients
Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Sd Alcohol 40-B
Astringent
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Myristyl Myristate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Trehalose
Humectant
Potassium Methoxysalicylate
BleachingPhytosteryl Macadamiate
Skin Conditioning
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
PEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Hydrogenated Palm Oil
Emollient
Elaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil
Emollient
Elaeis Guineensis Oil
Emollient
Sorbitan Tristearate
EmulsifyingTrisodium EDTA
Erythritol
Humectant
PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingParfum
Masking
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Silica
Abrasive
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Linalool
Perfuming
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Metaphosphate
BufferingPPG-3 Dipivalate
Skin ConditioningHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Citronellol
Perfuming
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Geraniol
Perfuming
Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningLimonene
Perfuming
Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCrataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingFructose
Humectant
Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPrunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningZiziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrola Incarnata Extract
Skin ConditioningPotentilla Erecta Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Sd Alcohol 40-B, Triethylhexanoin, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Behenyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Trehalose, Potassium Methoxysalicylate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 60, PEG-40 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Elaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Sorbitan Tristearate, Trisodium EDTA, Erythritol, PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether, Sodium Citrate, Parfum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Alcohol, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Caffeine, Linalool, Citric Acid, Sodium Metaphosphate, PPG-3 Dipivalate, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Tocopherol, Citronellol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Geraniol, Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract, Limonene, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Fructose, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, CI 77491, Prunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Pyrola Incarnata Extract, Potentilla Erecta Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Benzoic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
HumectantHydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol
Skin Conditioning3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Linalool
Perfuming
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantium Tachibana Peel Extract
HumectantPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingWater, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30, Phenoxyethanol, Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Potassium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Linalool, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Citrus Aurantium Tachibana Peel Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
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:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolGlycerin 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateXanthan 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 GumLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolCitric 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 AcidTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream 58 ingredients
Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution 24 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream 58 ingredients
Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution 24 ingredients
Normally I avoid products with alcohol, but it’s not an issue with this one. It’s well formulated so that it’s balanced out with other more hydrating ingredients. It absorbed nearly immediately and doesn’t dry out the skin. The results aren’t massive. But I just love the apothecary aesthetic and it works about as well as any other dark spot corrector.
Works as said
I have dark skin and lots of PIH. It lightens them. You can see quicker results with new PIH spots. Holygrail in my routine
