Dermal Therapy

Dermal Therapy Acne Spot Cream

Name: Dermal Therapy - Acne Spot Cream
Brand: Dermal Therapy

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-blemish

Colloidal sulfur, Niacinamide + 4 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Triple AHA clears blackheads and whiteheads without irritation”

Source: Dermal Therapy

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

In addition, this product contains bakuchiol. It can help in reducing blemishes, even though it is less effective.

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: glycolic acid

Colloidal sulfurHeroEffect: High~5.6–6.9%

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~3.1–3.8%

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~1.3–1.6%

BakuchiolKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation~0.5–0.75%

AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.65%

Potassium azeloyl diglycinateUnder-dosedA derivative of azelaic acid. It is obtained by reacting the chloride of azelaic acid with two molecules of glycine (an amino acid) and potassium hydroxide. It is less studied than azelaic acid, but the available research suggests that it also can be effective in reducing skin redness, hyperpigmentation and blemishes. There are claims that it is more bio-available and more effective than azelaic acid, but no comparison study is available. Potassium azeloyl diglycinate is better soluble in water compared with azelaic acid. Because of this property, products with potassium azeloyl digclycinate can have a nicer texture~0.65–0.95%

Evens skin tone

Niacinamide, Glycolic acid + 5 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Bakuchiol and Alpha Arbutin visibly fade acne marks”

Source: Dermal Therapy

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: alpha-arbutin, bakuchiol, glycolic acid, niacinamide

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.

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~3.1–3.8%

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~1.3–1.6%

Alpha-arbutinKey activeEffect: HighMight help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin~0.8–1.2%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEffect: Low, below effective doseA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.45–0.65%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.55–0.8%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Bakuchiol, Bisabolol

Works well

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

BisabololEffect: Low, below effective doseAn active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties~0.2–0.35%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Glycolic acid + 2 more

Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains bakuchiol, glycolic acid, 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.

Exfoliation

Side benefit · Glycolic acid, Allantoin + 1 more

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: glycolic acid.

AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.65%

Moisturizing

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Sodium pca + 9 more

Works well

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": sodium pca.

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: niacinamide

Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~1.1–1.3%

CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~0.45–0.7%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~2.3–2.9%

Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.35–0.65%

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powderEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.2–0.4%

CyclohexasiloxaneEffect: Low, below effective doseA silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels~0.45–0.65%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.45–0.65%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Farnesol

Medium risk

We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Glycolic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acidHigh~1.3–1.6%est.

Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

FarnesolAdded to create a nice product smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05%est.

Colloidal sulfur—Medium~5.6–6.9%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~2.3–2.9%est.

Alpha-arbutinMight help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutinMedium~0.8–1.2%est.

Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.55–0.8%est.

BakuchiolA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritationMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Acacia senegal gumHelps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product textureMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powderTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.15%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

The closest match we found

Transparent Lab PIH Sun Spot Fading Treatment

Closest match55% match

$18.74

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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

Colloidal sulfur~5.6–6.9%

Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-blemish

More about Colloidal sulfur

Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6~4.4–5.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6

Niacinamide~3.1–3.8%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-blemishEvens skin toneAnti-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

Pentylene glycol~2.3–2.9%

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

Propanediol~1.9–2.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Hydroxyethylcellulose~1.6–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose

Glycolic acid~1.3–1.6%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-blemish

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid

More about Glycolic acid

Sodium pca~1.1–1.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca

Alpha-arbutin~0.8–1.2%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin tone

Might help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin

More about Alpha-arbutin

Potassium azeloyl diglycinate~0.65–0.95%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-blemishEvens skin toneAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

A derivative of azelaic acid. It is obtained by reacting the chloride of azelaic acid with two molecules of glycine (an amino acid) and potassium hydroxide. It is less studied than azelaic acid, but the available research suggests that it also can be effective in reducing skin redness, hyperpigmentation and blemishes. There are claims that it is more bio-available and more effective than azelaic acid, but no comparison study is available. Potassium azeloyl diglycinate is better soluble in water compared with azelaic acid. Because of this property, products with potassium azeloyl digclycinate can have a nicer texture

More about Potassium azeloyl diglycinate

Lactic acid~0.55–0.8%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid

Bakuchiol~0.5–0.75%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation

More about Bakuchiol

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.45–0.65%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate

Allantoin~0.35–0.65%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishReduces irritationReduces rednessExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Cyclopentasiloxane~0.45–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane

Cyclohexasiloxane~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels

More about Cyclohexasiloxane

Citric acid~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Glyceryl caprylate~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate

Sodium magnesium silicate~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Sodium magnesium silicate

Xanthan gum~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Acacia senegal gum~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Acacia senegal gum

Bisabolol~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder

Maclura cochinchinensis leaf prenylflavonoids~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Maclura cochinchinensis leaf prenylflavonoids

Silver citrate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Silver citrate

Maltodextrin~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin

Disodium phosphate~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation

More about Disodium phosphate

Sodium phosphate~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Sodium phosphate

Polysorbate 60~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60

Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Dehydroacetic acid~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid

Benzyl alcohol~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol

Farnesol~0.05%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Added to create a nice product smell. Can be irritating

More about Farnesol

Ingredient list view

Water, Colloidal sulfur, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Niacinamide, Pentylene glycol, Propanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glycolic acid, Sodium pca, Alpha-arbutin, Potassium azeloyl diglycinate, Lactic acid, Bakuchiol, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Citric acid, Glyceryl caprylate, Sodium magnesium silicate, Xanthan gum, Acacia senegal gum, Bisabolol, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder, Maclura cochinchinensis leaf prenylflavonoids, Silver citrate, Maltodextrin, Disodium phosphate, Sodium phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium hydroxide, Dehydroacetic acid, Benzyl alcohol, Farnesol

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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
	Dermal TherapyAcne Spot CreamYOUR PRODUCT	Transparent LabsPIH SUN SPOT FADING TREATMENT	Transparent LabPIH Sun Spot Fading Treatment	Kiehl'ss Breakout Control Targeted Blemish Spot Treatment
Match	—	55%	55%	44%
Price	—	$18.74	$18.74	—
Shared key ingredients	—	2 of 12	2 of 12	2 of 12
Key difference	—	Salicylic Acid	Salicylic Acid	Sulfur
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Dermal Therapy - Acne Spot Cream" is effective for: Exfoliation, Anti-blemish, Moisturizing, Anti-aging and Evens skin tone

Ingredient callouts

A good concentration of Niacinamide (3.10% - 3.80%). 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 acids (lactic acid 0.55% - 0.80% and glycolic acid 1.30% - 1.60%). Their concentration is low, and they will not have a strong exfoliating effect. Instead, they work to support the skin natural acid mantle and to attract water (as humectants). Lactic acid is particularly good in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin and improving the skin barrier.
Bakuchiol in this product (the concentration is about 0.50% - 0.75%). Helps fight photodamage (wrinkles, elasticity loss and pigmentation) and can reduce clogged pores and blemishes. Bakuchiol is a compound extracted from a plant Babchi. It acts similar to retinoids, but with less irritation risk.
Humectants (sodium pca 1.10% - 1.30%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.