Urban Skin Advanced Even Tone Day & Night Treatment Versus Kiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment
Updated on August 16, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, niacinamide and Vitamin E
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, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or sulfates
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
Urban Skin Advanced Even Tone Day & Night Treatment 27 ingredients
Kiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment 26 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Urban Skin Advanced Even Tone Day & Night Treatment 27 ingredients
Kiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment 26 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTranexamic Acid
Astringent
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Dimethicone
Emollient
Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientSqualane
Emollient
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Emulsion Stabilising
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Water, Glycolic Acid, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tranexamic Acid, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Butylene Glycol, Kojic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Bakuchiol, Dimethicone, Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Squalane, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA
Sulfur
Antiseborrhoeic
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Zea Mays Starch
AbsorbentGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Octyldodecyl Myristate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyacrylamide
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPEG-100 Stearate
Phenylethyl Resorcinol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Sulfur, Water, Niacinamide, Zea Mays Starch, Glycolic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, Ceteareth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-100 Stearate, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Tocopheryl Acetate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Disodium EDTA, Laureth-7, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra 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 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 AcidNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideGlycerin 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 GlycerinSodium 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 HydroxideCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholPhenoxyethanol 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.
Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
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 AcetateEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAIngredient Ratings
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