Alliance

Alliance Bio-Taches Serum

Name: Alliance - Bio-Taches Serum
Brand: Alliance

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Evens skin tone

Retinol, Niacinamide + 2 more

Works well

What the product description says

“The spots are much less visible and the complexion is more even.Without perfume. Paraben free.Made in France.”

Source: Cocoon Center

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: retinol.

In addition, this product contains niacinamide, undecylenoyl phenylalanine. This ingredient (ingredients) might help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the effect, if any, is likely to be small.

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

RetinolHeroEffect: HighTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating~0.05–0.25%

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~4.6–7%

Undecylenoyl phenylalanineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid based compound that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help lighten sun spots and support more even skin tone.~1.2–1.8%

Morus bombycis root extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract that might contain arbutin, a compound that has skin-lightening properties. Might have some anti-oxidant activity. Is unlikely to be effective though in the concentrations typically used in skincare products~0.05–0.2%

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Retinol + 1 more

Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide, retinol. These ingredients is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~4.6–7%

Sodium ascorbyl phosphateUnder-dosedA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C~1.8–2.8%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Scutellaria baicalensis extract, Retinol + 4 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (retinol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - scutellaria baicalensis extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Scutellaria baicalensis extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare typically too low. Can be used for its fragrant properties~0.1–0.3%

RetinolKey activeEffect: HighTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating~0.05–0.25%

Vitis vinifera fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds~0.4–0.95%

Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.~0.35–0.85%

TocopherolUnder-dosedPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.05–0.15%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Retinol, Niacinamide + 2 more

Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains retinol, niacinamide.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: Low, below effective doseA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C~1.8–2.8%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.05–0.15%

Exfoliation

Side benefit · Retinol

Works well

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: retinol.

Moisturizing

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Squalane + 9 more

Works well

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: biosaccharide gum-1, glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: squalane, glycine soja oil.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide

SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~3.6–5.4%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2.5–3.8%

Hydrogenated starch hydrolysateKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can add sweet taste to lip products~1–1.5%

Vitis vinifera fruit extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds~0.4–0.95%

Glycine soja oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~0.3–0.75%

Biosaccharide gum-1Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin~0.1–0.4%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~1.3–1.9%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.8%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.2–0.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Diazolidinyl urea, Retinol

Medium risk

We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Undecylenoyl phenylalanineAn amino-acid based compound that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help lighten sun spots and support more even skin tone.High~1.2–1.8%est.

Diazolidinyl ureaA preservative. Works by releasing formaldehyde. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.3%est.

Scutellaria baicalensis extractA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare typically too low. Can be used for its fragrant propertiesHigh~0.1–0.3%est.

RetinolTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

Morus bombycis root extractA plant extract that might contain arbutin, a compound that has skin-lightening properties. Might have some anti-oxidant activity. Is unlikely to be effective though in the concentrations typically used in skincare productsHigh~0.05–0.2%est.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphateA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin CMedium~1.8–2.8%est.

Ceteareth-20Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient propertiesMedium~1.6–2.4%est.

Vitis vinifera fruit extractA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seedsMedium~0.4–0.95%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.35–0.85%est.

Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~0.3–0.75%est.

Sorbic acidA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.7%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.2–0.7%est.

Sodium metabisulfiteA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Sodium sulfiteHelps stabilize and preserve a product formulationMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Acacia senegal gumHelps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product textureMedium~0.05–0.2%est.

Comedogenic

2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

2 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Ceteareth-20Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties2/5~1.6–2.4%est.

Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~0.3–0.75%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Niacinamide~4.6–7%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-agingMoisturizingReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Squalane~3.6–5.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane

Glycerin~2.5–3.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate~1.8–2.8%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C

More about Sodium ascorbyl phosphate

Ceteareth-20~1.6–2.4%

Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties

More about Ceteareth-20

Glyceryl stearate~1.3–1.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Undecylenoyl phenylalanine~1.2–1.8%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin tone

An amino-acid based compound that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help lighten sun spots and support more even skin tone.

More about Undecylenoyl phenylalanine

Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate~1–1.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can add sweet taste to lip products

More about Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate

Tromethamine~0.8–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Carbomer~0.5–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Vitis vinifera fruit extract~0.4–0.95%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds

More about Vitis vinifera fruit extract

Phenoxyethanol~0.4–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Tocopheryl acetate~0.35–0.85%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate

Butylene glycol~0.35–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Saxifraga sarmentosa extract~0.3–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Saxifraga sarmentosa extract

Xanthan gum~0.35–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Glycine soja oil~0.3–0.75%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil

Sorbic acid~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Sorbic acid

Disodium edta~0.15–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Pentylene glycol~0.2–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Sodium metabisulfite~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium metabisulfite

Sodium sulfite~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps stabilize and preserve a product formulation

More about Sodium sulfite

Biosaccharide gum-1~0.1–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

More about Biosaccharide gum-1

Diazolidinyl urea~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Works by releasing formaldehyde. Can be irritating

More about Diazolidinyl urea

Scutellaria baicalensis extract~0.1–0.3%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare typically too low. Can be used for its fragrant properties

More about Scutellaria baicalensis extract

Retinol~0.05–0.25%

Hero · Anti-aging, Evens skin tone, Anti-blemishIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-blemishMattifyingExfoliationAnti-aging

Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating

More about Retinol

Morus bombycis root extract~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin tone

A plant extract that might contain arbutin, a compound that has skin-lightening properties. Might have some anti-oxidant activity. Is unlikely to be effective though in the concentrations typically used in skincare products

More about Morus bombycis root extract

Acacia senegal gum~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture

More about Acacia senegal gum

Tocopherol~0.05–0.15%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Propylene glycol alginate~0.05–0.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Propylene glycol alginate

Ingredient list view

Water, Niacinamide, Squalane, Glycerin, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Ceteareth-20, Glyceryl stearate, Undecylenoyl phenylalanine, Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Vitis vinifera fruit extract, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl acetate, Butylene glycol, Saxifraga sarmentosa extract, Xanthan gum, Glycine soja oil, Sorbic acid, Disodium edta, Pentylene glycol, Sodium metabisulfite, Sodium sulfite, Biosaccharide gum-1, Diazolidinyl urea, Scutellaria baicalensis extract, Retinol, Morus bombycis root extract, Acacia senegal gum, Tocopherol, Propylene glycol alginate

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🇫🇷 Cocoon Center (FR)30 ml

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	AllianceBio-Taches SerumYOUR PRODUCT	Honest BeautyHonestly Pure Retinol Serum	Dr. RoebuckPERKY Collagen Boosting Serum	REMEDY SCIENCEREMEDY for healthy aging
Match	—	81%	80%	80%
Price	—	$29.99	—	$35.00
Shared key ingredients	—	1 of 9	4 of 9	4 of 9
Key difference	—	Alanine	Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride	Retinal
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	Contains drying alcohol	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Alliance - Bio-Taches Serum" is effective for: Anti-blemish, Anti-aging, Exfoliation, Evens skin tone and Moisturizing

Ingredient callouts

A good concentration of Niacinamide (4.60% - 7.00%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
This product contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinol 0.05% - 0.25%. Retinoids are potent multitasking actives. They work to improve and prevent early signs of aging, reduce hyperpigmentation (age spots and post-acne marks), and prevent inflamed blemishes and clogged pores. The downside of Retinoids is that they can be irritating. If you are not already using a Retinoid in your routine, it is best to start slowly and apply the Retinoid product only a few times per week. If your skin tolerates it well, you can gradually increase the frequency to daily.
Humectants (biosaccharide gum-1 0.10% - 0.40% and glycerin 2.50% - 3.80%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.