PRODUCT REVIEW
HELP Anti Dark Spot Serum
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Price as of 11/2/2023 22:47 GMT.
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Product summary
What can the product work for?
Anti-blemish
What does the product description say?
azelaic acid
2.6% -
3.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Is produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals
salicylic acid
0.5% -
1.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
niacinamide
4.4% -
6.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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
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Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
glycolic acid
1.4% -
2.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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
alpha-arbutin
23% -
34%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Might help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin
azelaic acid
2.6% -
3.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Is produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals
Show more
Anti-aging
glycolic acid
1.4% -
2.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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
niacinamide
4.4% -
6.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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
ferulic acid
4.4% -
6.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%
Show more
Exfoliation
glycolic acid
1.4% -
2.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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
salicylic acid
0.5% -
1.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
azelaic acid
2.6% -
3.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
Is produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals
Show more
Anti-oxidation
azelaic acid
2.6% -
3.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Is produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals
ferulic acid
4.4% -
6.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%
sodium ascorbyl phosphate
0.4% -
0.95%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
Promise | Can it deliver? |
---|---|
Evens skin tone | |
Anti-blemish |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
100/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 0
Potential irritants
glycolic acid
1.4% -
2.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone,
Exfoliation,
Anti-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
salicylic acid
0.5% -
1.2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Anti-inflammatory,
Exfoliation,
Antibacterial,
Evens skin tone
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
No comodogenic ingredients detected
Similar products & dupes
HELP - Anti Dark Spot Serum | TOUN28 - AHA + BHA + PHA Serum Sponsored | Tula - Clear It Up Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel | Urban Skin Rx - PHA + 10% Niacinamide Smaller Pores Serum | PharmaClinix - Lightenex Gold Cream | Skinfix USA - Acne+ 2% BHA Spot Treatment | Honest Beauty - In The Clear Acne Serum | SKINCITY skincare - Enlightening Second Concentrate | SVR - SEBIACLEAR Ampoule Flash | By BEAUTY BAY - Skincare Superstars | Facetheory - Porebright Serum N10 with 10% Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid | REVOLUTION SKINCARE - Revolution Skincare Dark Spot Corrector | |
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WIMJ similarity score |
60%
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78%
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62%
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Key ingredients |
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Irritancy | IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
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LOW
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LOW
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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Potential Irritants |
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
niacinamide
4.4% -
6.6%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging,
Moisturizing,
Reduces irritation,
Reduces redness,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial
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
niacinamide
0.55% -
1.25%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Evens skin tone,
Moisturizing,
Anti-aging,
Reduces irritation,
Antibacterial,
Reduces redness,
Anti-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
Show more
Potential irritants
glycolic acid
1.4% -
2.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone,
Exfoliation,
Anti-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
salicylic acid
0.5% -
1.2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Anti-inflammatory,
Exfoliation,
Antibacterial,
Evens skin tone
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
We couldn't find any comodogenic ingredients in this product
All ingredients
alpha-arbutin
23% -
34%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone
Might help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin
niacinamide
4.4% -
6.6%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging,
Moisturizing,
Reduces irritation,
Reduces redness,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial
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
ferulic acid
4.4% -
6.7%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-inflammatory,
Anti-aging
A potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%
Show more
Ingredient list view
Alpha-arbutin, Niacinamide, Ferulic acid, Unspecified form of vitamin c, Azelaic acid, Lactic acid, Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, Water, Alpha-arbutin, Niacinamide, Polysorbate 20, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Ferulic acid, Azelaic acid, Lactic acid, Glycolic acid, Citric acid, Malic acid, Salicylic acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, Parfum
Sources
- Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology
- Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x
- Ferulic Acid: Therapeutic Potential Through Its Antioxidant Property
- Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin
- Antioxidant Properties of Ferulic Acid and Its Possible Application
- Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acid
- Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review
- Beta Hydroxy Acids
- A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations
- Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Study
- Sodium ascorbyl phosphate shows in vitro and in vivo efficacy in the prevention and treatment of acne vulgaris
- Sodium ascorbyl phosphate in topical microemulsions
- Final report of the safety assessment of L-Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbate, and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate as used in cosmetics
- Regulation of collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts by the sodium and magnesium salts of ascorbyl-2-phosphate
- Comparison of clinical efficacies of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinol and their combination in acne treatment
- Application of l-ascorbic acid and its derivatives (sodium ascorbyl phosphate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) in topical cosmetic formulations: stability studies