Hero Cosmetics

Hero Cosmetics Lightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening Pad

Name: Hero Cosmetics - Lightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening Pad
Brand: Hero Cosmetics

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation

Glycolic acid, Tartaric acid + 2 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Lightning Swipe gently buffs away yesterday’s dull, dead skin as it lays down intense brighteners for a shiny new you.”

Source: Target

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.

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~1.2–1.9%

Tartaric acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels~0.05–0.2%

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~0.9–1.3%

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)~0.05–0.15%

Evens skin tone

Niacinamide, Glycolic acid + 3 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Lightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening Pad”

From product name

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

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~2.1–3.1%

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~0.5–1.15%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.15–0.6%

Anti-blemish

Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Glycolic acid + 4 more

Works well

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

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

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~2.1–3.1%

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~1.2–1.9%

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~0.9–1.3%

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally 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~0.15–0.5%

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~0.3–0.7%

Moisturizing

Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Glycerin + 12 more

Works well

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

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

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~2.8–4.1%

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.8–1.2%

Calcium pantothenateKey activeEffect: HighHelps support skin barrier function improving skin hydration and reducing sensitivity~0.35–0.8%

Saccharomyces ferment filtrateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.45%

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~5.6–8.3%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.35–0.8%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.9–1.3%

Lycium barbarum fruit extractUnder-dosedA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer~0.1–0.5%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Glycolic acid + 5 more

Works well

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

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~0.3–0.7%

Lycium barbarum fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer~0.1–0.5%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Tartaric acid, Pyridoxine hcl + 3 more

May help

This product contains antioxidants (tartaric acid) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Pyridoxine hclEffect: LowMight help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.15–0.65%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractUnder-dosedCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.15–0.6%

Lycium barbarum fruit extractUnder-dosedA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer~0.1–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Illicium verum fruit extract

Medium risk

We flagged 14 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~1.2–1.9%est.

Illicium verum fruit extractAnise fruit extract. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.35%est.

Benzyl glycolHelps dissolve other ingredients and preserve productsMedium~1.4–2.2%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.35–0.8%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.35–0.8%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.75%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~0.3–0.7%est.

Pyridoxine hclMight help neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.15–0.65%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally 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~0.15–0.5%est.

Lycium barbarum fruit extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layerMedium~0.1–0.5%est.

HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.3%est.

Tartaric acidAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levelsMedium~0.05–0.2%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~0.05–0.15%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

The closest match we found

Balea Niacinamide Peeling Concentrate

Closest match83% match

View all alternatives

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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

Butylene glycol~5.6–8.3%

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

Propanediol~3.7–5.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Glycerin~2.8–4.1%

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

Niacinamide~2.1–3.1%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-agingReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterial

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

Tromethamine~1.7–2.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Benzyl glycol~1.4–2.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps dissolve other ingredients and preserve products

More about Benzyl glycol

Glycolic acid~1.2–1.9%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-agingExfoliationAnti-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

Allantoin~0.9–1.3%

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

Betaine~0.8–1.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine

Tranexamic acid~0.5–1.15%

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

Xanthan gum~0.4–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

1,2-hexanediol~0.35–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Calcium pantothenate~0.35–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationMoisturizing

Helps support skin barrier function improving skin hydration and reducing sensitivity

More about Calcium pantothenate

Caprylyl glycol~0.35–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.3–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate~0.3–0.7%

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

Houttuynia cordata extract~0.2–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Houttuynia cordata extract

Pyridoxine hcl~0.15–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Might help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Pyridoxine hcl

Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.15–0.6%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-agingMoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-blemish

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.15–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAntibacterialReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAnti-blemishAnti-aging

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

Lycium barbarum fruit extract~0.1–0.5%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer

More about Lycium barbarum fruit extract

Saccharomyces ferment filtrate~0.1–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharomyces ferment filtrate

Illicium verum fruit extract~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Anise fruit extract. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Illicium verum fruit extract

Hydroxyacetophenone~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone

Citric acid~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Malic acid~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust the product pH

More about Malic acid

Tartaric acid~0.05–0.2%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationExfoliationMoisturizing

An AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels

More about Tartaric acid

Lactic acid~0.05–0.15%

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

Ingredient list view

Water, Butylene glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Tromethamine, Benzyl glycol, Glycolic acid, Allantoin, Betaine, Tranexamic acid, Xanthan gum, 1,2-hexanediol, Calcium pantothenate, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Houttuynia cordata extract, Pyridoxine hcl, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Lycium barbarum fruit extract, Saccharomyces ferment filtrate, Illicium verum fruit extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric acid, Malic acid, Tartaric acid, Lactic acid

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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
	Hero CosmeticsLightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening PadYOUR PRODUCT	BaleaNiacinamide Peeling Concentrate	CreamyTônico clareador	Comfort ZoneSublime Skin Peel Pad
Match	—	83%	82%	82%
Price	—	—	—	$50.86
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 11	4 of 11	3 of 11
Key difference	—	Panthenol	Alpha-Arbutin	3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Hero Cosmetics - Lightning Swipe Dark Spot Brightening Pad" is effective for: Anti-blemish, Exfoliation, Evens skin tone, Moisturizing and Anti-aging

Ingredient callouts

A good concentration of Niacinamide (2.10% - 3.10%). 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 0.05% - 0.15% and glycolic acid 1.20% - 1.90%). 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.
In addition, this product contains Allantoin (0.90% - 1.30%). Allantoin is helpful in wound-healing and can help restore the skin barrier faster. It might also be able to improve scars, but the evidence is not very strong for this.
Humectants (saccharomyces ferment filtrate 0.10% - 0.45%, glycerin 2.80% - 4.10% and betaine 0.80% - 1.20%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.