Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads Versus Topicals Faded Serum
Updated on March 17, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and niacinamide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, 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, parabens, silicones 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 RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads 20 ingredients
Topicals Faded Serum 35 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads 20 ingredients
Topicals Faded Serum 35 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract
HumectantPisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningGlucosamine Hcl
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Arbutin
Antioxidant
Glutathione
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Polysorbate 20, Ethoxydiglycol, Niacinamide, Retinol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Pisum Sativum Extract, Glucosamine Hcl, Ascorbic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Glutathione, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Lactic Acid, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Arbutin
Antioxidant
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Behenate
Emollient
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Oxidized Glutathione
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Lecithin
EmollientSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingZinc Ricinoleate
Arginine Hcl
Skin ConditioningAzelaic Acid
Buffering
Squalane
Emollient
Ceteareth-12
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine
Curcuma Longa Callus Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Phytic Acid
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Melatonin
Antioxidant
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Tranexamic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Arbutin, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Behenate, Kojic Acid, Oxidized Glutathione, Phenoxyethanol, Ceteareth-20, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Zinc Ricinoleate, Arginine Hcl, Azelaic Acid, Squalane, Ceteareth-12, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, Curcuma Longa Callus Extract, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Phytic Acid, Allantoin, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Melatonin, 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 WaterNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideAzelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid derived from grains. This ingredient is effective in treating acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions.
It has been shown to reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce inflammation. On top of that, it helps reduce the production of sebum and unclog pores.
Azelaic Acid also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect our skin cells from free-radical damage.
One of the main benefits of azelaic acid is that it is gentle and well-tolerated by most people.
Fun fact: The lab-created form of azelaic acid is typically used within cosmetic products for its shelf-stability.
Learn more about Azelaic AcidKojic acid comes from fungi and can also be from fermented foods. It helps even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
This ingredient 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, it can help fight bacteria with its antimicrobrial properties. This can help treat acne as well.
A similar ingredient is arbutin.
Learn more about Kojic AcidArbutin is derived from the bearberry plant. It helps even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
This ingredient has the ability to block tyrosinase, an enzyme that starts the process of skin darkening. When applied to the skin, arbutin works at a slow pace. This can make it less irritating than similar ingredients.
Kojic Acid is a similar ingredient.
Learn more about ArbutinPhenoxyethanol 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.
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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads 20 ingredients
Topicals Faded Serum 35 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads 20 ingredients
Topicals Faded Serum 35 ingredients
(Tried Nov 2022) One of the few brightening creams that I tried where I actually saw results. I only ever applied this as a spot treatment and not all over. Giving it 4 stars because I did find it slightly irritating and the smell was rather strong, so I ended up switching over to applying it as needed. I think the $18 Mini version was more than enough for me!
give it time to fade dark spots-glowy skin comes faster
Love this product. I was worried about all the actives in it because of my sensitive skin, but I had no reactions or breakouts. It takes some time to fade dark spots & acne scars but after a few weeks (3-4) they should be noticeably lighter or almost gone. I noticed my skin seemed glowier and more clarified within a week or two. No noticeable Show more
