Some By Mi Yuja Niacin 30 Days Miracle Brightening Sleeping Mask Versus SKIN1004 Tone Brightening Capsule Cream
This brightening overnight mask is formulated around Niacinamide and Arbutin to brighten dull-looking skin and fade the look of dark spots.
This brightening moisturizer is formulated around Centella Asiatica Extract and Niacinamide to brighten dull-looking skin and fade the look of dark spots.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract 70.5%
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide 5%
SmoothingGlycerin
HumectantPanthenol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientThuja Orientalis Leaf Extract
AntioxidantZanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Aquatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
TonicNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningArbutin
AntioxidantGlutathione
Ascorbic Acid
AntioxidantAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicTocopherol
AntioxidantCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
AntioxidantAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantMenadione
MaskingArginine
MaskingTrehalose
HumectantMadecassoside
AntioxidantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingPolyisobutene
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Phenyl Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Benzyl Glycol
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningRaspberry Ketone
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Citrus Junos Peel Oil
AstringentLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingCitrus Junos Fruit Extract 70.5%, Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide 5%, Glycerin, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Thuja Orientalis Leaf Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Mentha Aquatica Leaf Extract, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Arbutin, Glutathione, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Biotin, Tocopherol, Cyanocobalamin, Bisabolol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Menadione, Arginine, Trehalose, Madecassoside, Adenosine, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Behenyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Oleate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Polyisobutene, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dimethicone/Phenyl Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Benzyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Raspberry Ketone, Disodium EDTA, Citrus Junos Peel Oil, Linalool, Limonene
Centella Asiatica Extract 60%
CleansingWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
SmoothingIsotridecyl Isononanoate
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTranexamic Acid
AstringentDiglycerin
HumectantSqualane
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingXylitylglucoside
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAnhydroxylitol
HumectantPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingTrehalose
HumectantZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentXylitol
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentMannitol
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantGlucose
HumectantMadecassoside
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBisabolol
AntioxidantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantPyrus Communis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract 60%, Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Isotridecyl Isononanoate, Phenyl Trimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tranexamic Acid, Diglycerin, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Xylitylglucoside, Cetyl Alcohol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Anhydroxylitol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Arginine, Trehalose, Zea Mays Starch, Xylitol, Panthenol, Pentylene Glycol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Mannitol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Glycerin, Glucose, Madecassoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bisabolol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Pyrus Communis Flower Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerArginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineBisabolol is a gentle skin conditioner, antioxidant, and soothing ingredient.
It's primary claim to fame is soothing and research shows topically applied bisabolol can quiet the chemical messengers that cause your skin to become inflamed, helping to sooth any irritation.
A clinical study found that applying 0.5% bisabolol daily for 8 weeks produced an average 9% decrease in skin pigmentation. Researchers found it can also suppress the process that leads to excess melanin production in skin.
In vitro studies found that bisabolol combined with propylene glycol significantly increased skin permeability by increasing lipid fluidity in the stratum corneum.
You'll likely see use concentrations quite low, usually 0.1-0.2%.
Overall, this is a well-tolerated ingredient that works well in formulas designed for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.
Learn more about BisabololButylene 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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinMadecassoside is one of four active compounds found in Centella asiatica and is one of the main reasons Centella is so effective at calming irritated skin and supporting the moisture barrier.
There's a solid body of peer-reviewed research backing Madecassoside for several skin benefits. Studies have found:
Madecassoside pairs well with other hydrating or antioxidant ingredients like Ascorbic Acid or Hyaluronic Acid.
Learn more about MadecassosideNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
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.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolTrehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water