Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment versus Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment .
Published on June 07, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, niacinamide, retinoid and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Price
Ingredient Info
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment 32 ingredients
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment 47 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment 32 ingredients
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment 47 ingredients
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Concerns
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Concerns
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment 32 ingredients
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment 47 ingredients
Water • Niacinamide • Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil • Polyacrylamide • Kojic Acid • C13-14 Isoparaffin • Phenoxyethanol • Retinyl Palmitate • Laureth-7 • Tocopherol • Retinol • Polysorbate 20 • Sodium Metabisulfite • Ethylhexylglycerin • Citric Acid • Sodium Phytate • Squalane • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate • Glycerin • Alpha-Arbutin • Ascorbic Acid • Glutathione • Azelaic Acid • Alchemilla Vulgaris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract • Malva Sylvestris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract • Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract • Primula Veris Flower Extract • Veronica Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract • Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract • Sodium Sulfite • Sodium Hyaluronate • Achillea Millefolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Benzoyl Peroxide 5% • Glycolic Acid • Propanediol • Glycerin • Sodium Acrylates Copolymer • Oligopeptide-68 • Alpha-Arbutin • Glutathione • Kojic Acid • Retinyl Palmitate • Tocopherol • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice • Salix Nigra Bark Extract • Hamamelis Virginiana Water • Arnica Montana Extract • Niacinamide • Azelaic Acid • Zinc Oxide • Echinacea Angustifolia Root Extract • Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract • Alcohol • Citric Acid • Lecithin • Sodium Phytate • Butylene Glycol • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Sodium Oleate • Disodium EDTA • Sodium Hydroxide • Polyacrylate-13 • Polyisobutene • Polysorbate 20 • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Phenoxyethanol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Propylene Glycol • Carbomer • Dimethicone • Peg-40 Stearate • Silica • Sodium Citrate • Dicapryl Succinate • Sorbitan Stearate • Xanthan Gum • Sorbitan Isostearate • Benzoic Acid • Glycine Soja Oil
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 NiacinamideUrban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 2.
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 16.
Kojic acid comes from fungi and can also be from fermented foods.
Kojic Acid helps even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation. It works by blocking tyrosine, an enzyme that starts the process of skin darkening.
Kojic Acid is antifungal and often used to treat fungal infections. Additionally, Kojic Acid can help fight bacteria with its antimicrobrial properties. A side effect may be treating acne caused by bacteria.
Kojic Acid has similar benefits to arbutin.
Learn more about Kojic AcidUrban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 5.
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 9.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 7.
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 35.
Retinyl palmitate is a form of retinoid. It is created from palmitic acid and retinol.
This ingredient has antioxidant and exfoliating properties. Like other types of retinols, retinyl palmitate increases cell turnover. Removing dead skin cells and encouraging the growth of new ones improves skin tone and unclogs pores. This in turn promotes brighter looking skin and even skin texture.
As an antioxidant, retinyl palmitate helps neutralize free-radical molecules. These molecules have the potential to damage skin cells. Thus, antioxidants may help with anti-aging.
Retinyl palmitate can be good for be good for oily skin by helping to unclog pores. However, it may not be good for dry skin and fungal acne.
After using this product, you should follow up with sunscreen.
This ingredient is often added to low-fat milk to increase the levels of Vitamin A.
Learn more about Retinyl PalmitateUrban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 8.
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 10.
Tocopherol (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 TocopherolUrban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 10.
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 11.
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 20Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 12.
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 33.
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 14.
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 36.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
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.
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 look more even.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidUrban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 15.
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 22.
Sodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 16.
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 24.
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 GlycerinUrban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 19.
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 4.
Alpha-Arbutin is made from hydroquinone and glucose. It may be derived from the fermentation of soybeans.
It is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage your skin cells.
Studies show this ingredient helps improve hyperpigmentation and fade discoloration.
Alpha-Arbutin may be used with other ingredients that help with hyperpigmentation. These ingredients include retinol, Vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid.
Learn more about Alpha-ArbutinUrban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 20.
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 7.
Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally found in our bodies. It is also naturally occurring in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria. As an antioxidant, Glutathione helps prevent oxidative damage to parts of our cell.
While Glutathione is said to help with skin lightening, the results from research are inconclusive. Further studies are needed.
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 22.
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 8.
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid that is derived from grains. However, the lab-created form is typically used within cosmetic products as it has better shelf-stability.
It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions. Azelaic acid helps reduce the growth of bacteria that cause acne and helps to reduce inflammation.
It also helps to improve the appearance of skin by reducing the production of sebum and unclogging pores.
Azelaic Acid also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
One of the main benefits of azelaic acid is that it is gentle and well-tolerated by most people. It is also non-comedogenic, meaning that it will not clog pores.
Learn more about Azelaic AcidUrban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 23.
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment contains this as ingredient number 17.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment 32 ingredients
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment 47 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment 32 ingredients
Urban Skin Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment 47 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 1 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Urban Skin Retinol Rapid Repair and Dark Spot Treatment.
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