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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Underated Azelaic Acid 9% GDL 5% Niacinamide 4% Cream versus Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel .

Last updated on March 22, 2024. Published on March 24, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free facial treatments. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain niacinamide and PHA

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, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances and oils

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 Indian Brand India
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

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
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

PHA
Niacinamide

Benefits

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

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

AHA (3)
PHA
Vitamin E
Niacinamide

Benefits

Hydrating (5)
Good For Oily Skin (2)
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores (3)
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots (4)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (6)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (3)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Water • Glycerin • Butylene Glycol • Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit Ferment Filtrate • Glycolic Acid • Polysorbate 20 • Niacinamide • Capryloyl Glycerin • Gluconolactone • Phytic Acid • Mandelic Acid • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Elaeis Guineensis Butter • Sodium Hydroxide • Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine • Hectorite • Behenyl Alcohol • Arachidyl Alcohol • Tranexamic Acid • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil • Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil • Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil • Citrus Limon Peel Oil • Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil • Ricinus Communis Seed Oil • Zingiber Officinale Root Oil • Lavandula Angustifolia Oil • Jasminum Sambac Flower Extract • Vanilla Planifolia Fruit • Viola Odorata Leaf Extract • Cocos Nucifera Oil • Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate • Peat Extract • Juniperus Virginiana Oil • Curcuma Longa Root Extract • Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil • Isochrysis Galbana Extract • Nannochloropsis Gaditana Extract • Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract • Cucumis Sativus Seed Oil • Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract • Tocopherol • Squalene • Phosphatidylcholine • Caprylyl Glycol • Lecithin • Glyceryl Stearate • Lauryl Alcohol • Ethoxydiglycol • Arachidyl Glucoside • Palmitic Acid • Myristyl Alcohol • Bisabolol • Polyquaternium-80 • Didecyldimonium Chloride • Beta-Sitosterol • Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract • Xanthan Gum • Methylpropanediol • Cetyl Alcohol • Titanium Dioxide • Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate • Citric Acid • Stearic Acid • Hydroxyethylcellulose • Cistus Ladaniferus Resin • Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract • Sodium Benzoate • Potassium Sorbate • Limonene

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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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

Underated Azelaic Acid 9% GDL 5% Niacinamide 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.

Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Gluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs have a larger structure than AHAs and BHAs and are more gentle. It is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.

When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This helps improve texture and brightens the skin.

Gluconolactone is a humectant and helps draw moisture to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.

PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.

PHAs also exhibit antioxidant activity by neutralizing free-radical molecules. This can help with anti-aging.

In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells. However, we still recommend wearing SPF especially after using exfoliating ingredients.

Learn more about Gluconolactone

Underated Azelaic Acid 9% GDL 5% Niacinamide 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 4.

Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel contains this as ingredient number 9.

3
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

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 Niacinamide

Underated Azelaic Acid 9% GDL 5% Niacinamide 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 7.

Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel contains this as ingredient number 7.

4
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin 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 Glycerin

Underated Azelaic Acid 9% GDL 5% Niacinamide 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 8.

Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel contains this as ingredient number 2.

5
What it does: Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Arachidyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol made from peanut oil. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener.

You'll most likely find this ingredient as an emulsifier in water-based cosmetics.

Underated Azelaic Acid 9% GDL 5% Niacinamide 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 10.

Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel contains this as ingredient number 18.

6
What it does: Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Disliked

A type of fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as traditional alcohols.

Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.

Behenyl Alcohol is usually derived from the fats in vegetable oils.

In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.

Learn more about Behenyl Alcohol

Underated Azelaic Acid 9% GDL 5% Niacinamide 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 11.

Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel contains this as ingredient number 17.

7
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Mixed

We don't have a description for Arachidyl Glucoside.

Underated Azelaic Acid 9% GDL 5% Niacinamide 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 12.

Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel contains this as ingredient number 51.

8
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.

Cetyl Alcohol is not related to SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or ethyl alcohol. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

Underated Azelaic Acid 9% GDL 5% Niacinamide 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 13.

Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel contains this as ingredient number 61.

9
What it does: Cleansing, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.

As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.

Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.

Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.

This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Stearic Acid

Underated Azelaic Acid 9% GDL 5% Niacinamide 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 14.

Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel contains this as ingredient number 65.

10
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.

Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.

The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.

Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polysorbate 20

Underated Azelaic Acid 9% GDL 5% Niacinamide 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 17.

Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel contains this as ingredient number 6.

11
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a plant lipid from the fruit of the Shea Tree. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.

Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.

Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.

While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.

Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Underated Azelaic Acid 9% GDL 5% Niacinamide 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 18.

Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel contains this as ingredient number 12.

12
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Liked

Curcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.

Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant. Antioxidants help neutralize unstable free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin's cells and DNA. Curcumin may help with anti-aging.

Curcumin also has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe skin and reduce irritation. On top of that, curcumin has been shown to help prevent hyperpigmentation from sun damage.

The anti-microbial property of turmeric can make it effective in treating acne. It has also been shown to help regulate the production of sebum.

Learn more about Curcuma Longa Root Extract

Underated Azelaic Acid 9% GDL 5% Niacinamide 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 21.

Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel contains this as ingredient number 36.

13
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of fatty acids. These fatty acids usually are a mixture of phosphoric acid's choline ester connected to stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Most lecithins are created from plant ingredients scuh as sunflower.

Lecithin is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.

As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin. The phospholipids in Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.

Learn more about Lecithin

Underated Azelaic Acid 9% GDL 5% Niacinamide 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 30.

Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel contains this as ingredient number 47.

14
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Mixed

Sodium 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 Hydroxide

Underated Azelaic Acid 9% GDL 5% Niacinamide 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 31.

Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel contains this as ingredient number 14.

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

34% are loved or liked
19% have mixed ratings
44% are disliked or very disliked
3% have no rating yet
27% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
37% are disliked or very disliked
25% have no rating yet

Usage

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