Balea

Balea Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector

Name: Balea - Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector
Brand: Balea

Efficacy50/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Glycerin + 5 more

Works well

What the product description says

“The Balea Dark Spot Corrector with Panthenol effectively moisturizes and protects the skin from drying out.”

Source: German Drugstore

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, butylene glycol.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

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

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.5–0.8%

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~4.2–5.2%

Dicaprylyl ether· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients~6.9–8.5%

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~3.1–3.8%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.2–0.35%

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~1.2–1.5%

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~0.1–0.2%

Evens skin tone

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate ~1.2–1.5%, below the ~5% it needs

Under-dosed

What the product description says

“The formula with efficient active ingredients has been developed to lighten pigment spots and delivers visible results.”

Source: German Drugstore

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Pisum sativum extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be helpful in protecting skin collagen and elastin from breaking down but solid research is lacking~0.7–1.05%

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateUnder-dosedA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~1.2–1.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

5 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Bellis perennis flower extract + 3 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

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

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~2–2.4%est.

Bellis perennis flower extractA plant extract. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.95–1.2%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.35–0.6%est.

AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

Phenethyl alcoholA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

Melissa officinalis leaf extractA plant extract that is added for its fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

MethylpropanediolHelps dissolve other ingredients in a formulationMedium~2.4–2.9%est.

Aluminum starch octenylsuccinateUsed to thicken the product's consistencyMedium~1.7–2.1%est.

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)Medium~1.2–1.5%est.

Pisum sativum extractMight be helpful in protecting skin collagen and elastin from breaking down but solid research is lackingMedium~0.7–1.05%est.

Sucrose dilaurateHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentMedium~0.65–0.95%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~0.5–0.75%est.

Sodium acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerHelps create a nice product texture. It can be an allergen. It can cause skin irritation when acrylate monomer residue has not been removed during the ingredient manufacturing process. Most reputable cosmetic manufacturers used the purified version of this ingredient that is not irritatingMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

Disodium cocoyl glutamateHelps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agentMedium~0.35–0.6%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Dicaprylyl ether~6.9–8.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients

More about Dicaprylyl ether

Glycerin~4.2–5.2%

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

Butylene glycol~3.1–3.8%

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

Methylpropanediol~2.4–2.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about Methylpropanediol

Alcohol denat.~2–2.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.

Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate~1.7–2.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to thicken the product's consistency

More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate

Maltodextrin~1.5–1.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate~1.2–1.5%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizing

A vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

More about Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate

Bellis perennis flower extract~0.95–1.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A plant extract. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Bellis perennis flower extract

Pisum sativum extract~0.7–1.05%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin tone

Might be helpful in protecting skin collagen and elastin from breaking down but solid research is lacking

More about Pisum sativum extract

Sucrose dilaurate~0.65–0.95%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Sucrose dilaurate

Panthenol~0.5–0.8%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Tocopheryl acetate~0.5–0.75%

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

Sodium acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps create a nice product texture. It can be an allergen. It can cause skin irritation when acrylate monomer residue has not been removed during the ingredient manufacturing process. Most reputable cosmetic manufacturers used the purified version of this ingredient that is not irritating

More about Sodium acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer

Carbomer~0.45–0.65%

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

Parfum~0.35–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Xanthan gum~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Disodium cocoyl glutamate~0.35–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent

More about Disodium cocoyl glutamate

Disodium phosphate~0.25–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation

More about Disodium phosphate

Disodium edta~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Caprylyl glycol~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Alcohol~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol

Phenethyl alcohol~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Phenethyl alcohol

Tocopherol~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

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

Melissa officinalis leaf extract~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A plant extract that is added for its fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Melissa officinalis leaf extract

Ingredient list view

Water, Dicaprylyl ether, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Methylpropanediol, Alcohol denat., Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Maltodextrin, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, Bellis perennis flower extract, Pisum sativum extract, Sucrose dilaurate, Panthenol, Tocopheryl acetate, Sodium acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Carbomer, Parfum, Xanthan gum, Disodium cocoyl glutamate, Disodium phosphate, Disodium edta, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Alcohol, Phenethyl alcohol, Tocopherol, Melissa officinalis leaf extract

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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
	BaleaVitamin C Dark Spot CorrectorYOUR PRODUCT	REVOLUTION SKINCAREAnytime Anywhere 1% Salicylic Acid Blemish Touch Up Stick	ZirhFix Targeted Skin Clearing Gel	Dr. CeuracleTea Tree Purefine 70 Spot
Match	—	49%	44%	44%
Price	—	$6.03	$30.12	—
Shared key ingredients	—	2 of 3	2 of 3	2 of 3
Key difference	—	Salicylic Acid	Salicylic Acid	Beta-Glucan
Irritancy	High	Low	High	High
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	Contains drying alcohol	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Balea - Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector" is effective for: Moisturizing

Ingredient callouts

An effective concentration of Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 0.50% - 0.80%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.
Humectants (panthenol 0.50% - 0.80% and glycerin 4.20% - 5.20%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.