Skinfood Pink Grapefruit AHA Toner Versus Hero Cosmetics Lightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening Pads
Updated on February 27, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, niacinamide and Vitamin C
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 common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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
Skinfood Pink Grapefruit AHA Toner 29 ingredients
Hero Cosmetics Lightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening Pads 29 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Skinfood Pink Grapefruit AHA Toner 29 ingredients
Hero Cosmetics Lightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening Pads 29 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingTromethamine
BufferingGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
EmulsifyingBetaine
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlycerophosphocholine
Skin ConditioningSucrose Laurate
Emollient
Creatine
Skin ConditioningBakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Mannitol
HumectantLysolecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Water, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Tromethamine, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Betaine, Gluconolactone, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Niacinamide, Allantoin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Beta-Glucan, Caprylyl Glycol, Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glycerophosphocholine, Sucrose Laurate, Creatine, Bakuchiol, Mannitol, Lysolecithin, Ceramide NP, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Disodium EDTA
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Tromethamine
BufferingBenzyl Glycol
SolventGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Xanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCalcium Pantothenate
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantIllicium Verum Fruit Extract
Perfuming
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Malic Acid
Buffering
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Tromethamine, Benzyl Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Allantoin, Betaine, Tranexamic Acid, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Calcium Pantothenate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Pyridoxine Hcl, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Lactic Acid
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 WaterGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. 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.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineGlycerin 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 GlycerinButylene 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.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Learn more about BetaineEthylhexylglycerin (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.
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 NiacinamideAllantoin 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 AllantoinCaprylyl 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 GlycolSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a form of Vitamin C. It is the salt of ascorbic acid.
This ingredient is more gentle than ascorbic acid. It is also more stable when exposed to light and oxygen.
Vitamin C helps reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Your skin uses Vitamin C to produce collagen and collagen production plays a role in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. As an antioxidant, this ingredient also helps reduce the signs of aging such as fine-lines and wrinkles.
VItamin C helps brighten skin by blocking the process of skin darkening.
In a 2011 study, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate was found to have antibacterial properties. This may help treat acne.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Skinfood Pink Grapefruit AHA Toner 29 ingredients
Hero Cosmetics Lightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening Pads 29 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Skinfood Pink Grapefruit AHA Toner 29 ingredients
Hero Cosmetics Lightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening Pads 29 ingredients
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