HERA

HERA Melasolv Program Brightening Cream Only

Name: HERA - Melasolv Program Brightening Cream Only
Brand: HERA

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Evens skin tone

Tranexamic acid, Glutathione + 2 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“The skin fills up with its natural glow by reduce the appearance of dark spots base on intensive melanin control.”

Source: Yesstyle

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: acetyl glucosamine, glutathione, tranexamic acid

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.

Tranexamic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally~0.3–0.55%

GlutathioneKey activeEffect: HighA peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.15%

Acetyl glucosamineKey activeEffect: HighAn effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin~0.45–0.7%

Yeast extractEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin~0.3–0.55%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Glutathione, Malpighia glabra fruit extract + 4 more

Strong evidence

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

Malpighia glabra fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lacking~0.3–0.5%

Dipalmitoyl hydroxyprolineEffect: LowIs claimed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as work as an anti-oxidant. There is however not enough evidence for its effectiveness~0.35–0.65%

Euterpe oleracea fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can have some anti-oxidant effect in skin~0.2–0.35%

TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure 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~0.15–0.3%

Yeast extractUnder-dosedEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin~0.3–0.55%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Acetyl glucosamine, Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline + 1 more

Strong evidence

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

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.

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~0.15–0.3%

Moisturizing

Not advertised by the brand · Panthenol, Acetyl glucosamine + 21 more

Strong evidence

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: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.

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: dimethicone, squalane.

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

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.~1.7–2.1%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~2–2.5%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.7–1.05%

Acetyl glucosamineHero· HumectantEffect: HighAn effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin~0.45–0.7%

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~3–3.7%

Dipalmitoyl hydroxyprolineKey activeEffect: MediumIs claimed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as work as an anti-oxidant. There is however not enough evidence for its effectiveness~0.35–0.65%

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~4.1–5%

Ethylhexyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture~0.5–0.7%

Dextrin· HumectantEffect: LowA sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.6%

Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product consistency while softening the upper layer of the skin~1.5–1.8%

Polyglyceryl-10 stearateEffect: LowHelps water and oil mix together and softens the upper layer of the skin~0.6–0.9%

Polysilicone-11Effect: LowA silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel~0.5–0.75%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.25–0.45%

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~0.3–0.55%

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%

Hydrogenated polyisobutene· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowUsed to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.6%

Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.6–0.85%

Yeast extractUnder-dosedEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin~0.3–0.55%

Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.6–0.9%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Parfum, Hexyl cinnamal + 1 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

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.3–0.5%est.

Hexyl cinnamalA fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritantHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

Sucrose polystearateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.2–1.5%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.75–1.1%est.

Polyglyceryl-10 stearateHelps water and oil mix together and softens the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.6–0.9%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.4–0.6%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.35–0.65%est.

Malpighia glabra fruit extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lackingMedium~0.3–0.5%est.

Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenicMedium~0.3–0.5%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Euterpe oleracea fruit extractA plant extract that can have some anti-oxidant effect in skinMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

GlutathioneA peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.1–0.15%est.

Comedogenic

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

3 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

Ethylhexyl palmitateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture3/5~0.5–0.7%est.

Theobroma cacao extract—3/5~0.3–0.55%est.

Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.3–0.5%est.

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Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

La Roche-Posay HYALU B5 SURACTIVATED CREAM

Cheaper62% match

$27.99

Hanskin Seven Layer Ceramide Cream

Cheaper61% match

$22.02

View all alternatives

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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

Propanediol~4.4–5.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Cyclopentasiloxane~4.1–5%

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

Glycerin~3–3.7%

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

Hydrogenated olive oil lauryl esters~2.4–2.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hydrogenated olive oil lauryl esters

Dimethicone~2–2.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone

Squalane~1.7–2.1%

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

Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate~1.5–1.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product consistency while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate

Sucrose polystearate~1.2–1.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sucrose polystearate

1,2-hexanediol~0.75–1.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Panthenol~0.7–1.05%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

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

More about Panthenol

Polyglyceryl-10 stearate~0.6–0.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps water and oil mix together and softens the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglyceryl-10 stearate

Sucrose stearate~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Sucrose stearate

Palmitic acid~0.6–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid

Stearic acid~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Acetyl glucosamine~0.45–0.7%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-agingExfoliation

An effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin

More about Acetyl glucosamine

Polysilicone-11~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MattifyingMoisturizing

A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel

More about Polysilicone-11

Ethylhexyl palmitate~0.5–0.7%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Ethylhexyl palmitate

Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline~0.35–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

Is claimed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as work as an anti-oxidant. There is however not enough evidence for its effectiveness

More about Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.4–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer

Hydrogenated polyisobutene~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated polyisobutene

Tromethamine~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Tranexamic acid~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin tone

An amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally

More about Tranexamic acid

Polymethyl methacrylate~0.35–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Is used to enhance product texture and can help to optically mask skin imperfections

More about Polymethyl methacrylate

Parfum~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

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

Thymol trimethoxycinnamate~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Thymol trimethoxycinnamate

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Disodium edta~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate

Glycolipids~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Glycolipids

Sodium polyacrylate~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions

More about Sodium polyacrylate

Silica dimethyl silylate~0.35–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Silica dimethyl silylate

Dextrin~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Dextrin

Theobroma cacao extract~0.3–0.55%

Comedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

More about Theobroma cacao extract

Yeast extract~0.3–0.55%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Yeast extract

Butylene glycol~0.3–0.55%

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

Malpighia glabra fruit extract~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lacking

More about Malpighia glabra fruit extract

Sodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Hexyl cinnamal~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritant

More about Hexyl cinnamal

Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Myristic acid~0.3–0.5%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic

More about Myristic acid

Caprylyl glycol~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Euterpe oleracea fruit extract~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can have some anti-oxidant effect in skin

More about Euterpe oleracea fruit extract

Arachidic acid~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Arachidic acid

Limonene~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Hexylene glycol~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol

Tocopherol~0.15–0.3%

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

Sodium magnesium silicate~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Sodium magnesium silicate

Glutathione~0.1–0.15%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingEvens skin tone

A peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glutathione

Ingredient list view

Water, Propanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Hydrogenated olive oil lauryl esters, Dimethicone, Squalane, Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, Sucrose polystearate, 1,2-hexanediol, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 stearate, Sucrose stearate, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Acetyl glucosamine, Polysilicone-11, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Tromethamine, Tranexamic acid, Polymethyl methacrylate, Parfum, Glyceryl caprylate, Thymol trimethoxycinnamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium edta, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Glycolipids, Sodium polyacrylate, Silica dimethyl silylate, Dextrin, Theobroma cacao extract, Yeast extract, Butylene glycol, Malpighia glabra fruit extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Hexyl cinnamal, Phenoxyethanol, Myristic acid, Caprylyl glycol, Euterpe oleracea fruit extract, Arachidic acid, Limonene, Hexylene glycol, Tocopherol, Sodium magnesium silicate, Glutathione

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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
	HERAMelasolv Program Brightening Cream OnlyYOUR PRODUCT	La Roche-PosayHYALU B5 SURACTIVATED CREAM	HanskinSeven Layer Ceramide Cream	ManyoPanthetoin Cream 80ml
Match	—	62%	61%	58%
Price	$57.06	$27.99−$29.07	$22.02−$35.04	$23.39−$33.67
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 12	5 of 12	4 of 12
Key difference	—	Adenosine	Ceramide Np	Phytosphingosine
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	Contains drying alcohol	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

Based on the ingredient list, "HERA - Melasolv Program Brightening Cream Only" can work well for skin moisturization. As we expect from a proper moisturizer, the formula includes a combo of effective humectants and emollients. These are the two different types of ingredients that are essential for improving the skin hydration and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Acetyl glucosamine, panthenol, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and butylene glycol in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Emollients in this formulation (dimethicone, squalane, cyclopentasiloxane, ethylhexyl palmitate and caprylyl glycol) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

Ingredient callouts

Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 0.70% - 1.05% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: vitamin e, yeast extract and stearic acid

Irritation risk

There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.