Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Evens skin tone
Niacinamide, Tranexamic acid + 3 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Niacinamide: Helps reduce the look of discoloration and uneven skin tone.”
Source: Sephora CA

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

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: resveratrol.

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~5.4–6.6%
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~2.2–2.7%
Alpha-arbutinKey activeEffect: HighMight help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin~0.75–1.15%
Kojic acidKey activeEffect: HighHelps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritating~0.4–0.6%
ResveratrolEffect: LowHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone~0.35–0.6%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Kojic acid, Resveratrol + 3 more
Works well

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

Kojic acidKey activeEffect: HighHelps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritating~0.4–0.6%
ResveratrolKey activeEffect: HighHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone~0.35–0.6%
Hydrangea arborescens root extractEffect: LowPlant extract that might help neutralize free radicals, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.25–0.5%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: Low, below effective doseA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.5–0.75%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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.~0.25–0.45%
Anti-aging
Side benefit the brand mentions · Niacinamide, Resveratrol + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“This cream works to reduce the look of dark patches, post-blemish marks, and uneven skin tone caused by sun damage and aging with a high-potency 15-percent Active Brightening Complex of niacinamide, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, alpha arbutin, and pentapeptide.”
Source: Sephora

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

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: resveratrol.

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.

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~5.4–6.6%
ResveratrolKey activeEffect: MediumHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone~0.35–0.6%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: Low, below effective doseA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.5–0.75%
Moisturizing
Side benefit the brand mentions · Niacinamide, Tranexamic acid + 12 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Hydroquinone-free.”
Source: Peter Thomas Roth

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

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

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~5.4–6.6%
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~2.2–2.7%
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~1.9–2.3%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.6–0.85%
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.~0.3–0.55%
DimethiconolKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time~0.25–0.5%
Hydrolyzed vegetable proteinKey activeEffect: Medium~0.25–0.45%
Coco-caprylate/caprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~0.25–0.5%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.15–0.3%
Isononyl isononanoate· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowForms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness~4.4–5.4%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~1.4–1.7%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.7–1.05%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.15–0.3%
Butyrospermum parkii butterUnder-dosedA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.5–0.75%
Anti-blemish
Side benefit the brand mentions · Niacinamide
Works well
What the product description says
“Dullness, Uneven Texture, and Acne and Blemishes Formulation.”
Source: Sephora

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.

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~5.4–6.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
19 flagged ingredients
Medium risk
We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Kojic acidHelps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritatingHigh~0.4–0.6%est.
Hydrangea arborescens root extractPlant extract that might help neutralize free radicals, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lackingHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~1.4–1.7%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~1.1–1.4%est.
Alpha-arbutinMight help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutinMedium~0.75–1.15%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.4–0.6%est.
ResveratrolHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin toneMedium~0.35–0.6%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~0.25–0.45%est.
Peg-75 stearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Ceteareth-20Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient propertiesMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Steareth-20Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate crosspolymerUsed to stabilize product formulationsMedium~0.25–0.4%est.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonateUsed to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
T-butyl alcoholUsed to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritatingMedium~0.1–0.15%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 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
Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~0.5–0.75%est.
Ceteareth-20Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties2/5~0.3–0.55%est.

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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
Niacinamide~5.4–6.6%
Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-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
Isononyl isononanoate~4.4–5.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Forms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness

More about Isononyl isononanoate
Dimethyl isosorbide~2.9–3.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to dissolve other ingredients in a product and can enhance their ability to penetrate the skin

More about Dimethyl isosorbide
Tranexamic acid~2.2–2.7%
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
Dimethicone~1.9–2.3%
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
Propanediol~1.5–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Propanediol
Pentylene glycol~1.4–1.7%
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
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.1–1.4%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Alpha-arbutin~0.75–1.15%
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
Glyceryl stearate~0.7–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
C9-12 alkane~0.55–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about C9-12 alkane
Cetyl alcohol~0.6–0.85%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.5–0.75%
Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter
Citric acid~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Kojic acid~0.4–0.6%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-oxidation

Helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritating

More about Kojic acid
Morus alba root extract~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Resveratrol~0.35–0.6%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin tone

Helps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone

More about Resveratrol
Scutellaria lateriflora extract~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Hydrangea arborescens root extract~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Hydrangea arborescens root extract
Squalane~0.3–0.55%
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
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Peg-100 stearate~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture

More about Peg-100 stearate
Tocopheryl acetate~0.25–0.45%
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
Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Peg-75 stearate~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Peg-75 stearate
Ceteareth-20~0.3–0.55%
Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties

More about Ceteareth-20
Steareth-20~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Steareth-20
Silica~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer~0.25–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer
Dimethiconol~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time

More about Dimethiconol
Coco-caprylate/caprate~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture

More about Coco-caprylate/caprate
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish

More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer
Titanium dioxide~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide
Sodium phytate~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate
Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to stabilize the product formulation

More about Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate
Potassium sorbate~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Sodium benzoate~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Polysorbate 60~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60
Polysorbate 20~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
T-butyl alcohol~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritating

More about T-butyl alcohol
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.15–0.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Caprylyl glycol~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Hexylene glycol~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol
Sorbitan isostearate~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan isostearate
Ingredient list view

Water, Niacinamide, Isononyl isononanoate, Dimethyl isosorbide, Tranexamic acid, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Pentylene glycol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Alpha-arbutin, Glyceryl stearate, C9-12 alkane, Cetyl alcohol, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Citric acid, Kojic acid, Morus alba root extract, Resveratrol, Scutellaria lateriflora extract, Hydrangea arborescens root extract, Squalane, Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, Phenoxyethanol, Peg-100 stearate, Tocopheryl acetate, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Peg-75 stearate, Ceteareth-20, Steareth-20, Silica, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Titanium dioxide, Sodium phytate, Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 20, T-butyl alcohol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Caprylyl glycol, Hexylene glycol, Sorbitan isostearate

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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
Peter Thomas RothPRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration TreatmentYOUR PRODUCTDr. IdrissMajor Fade Hyper SerumPillowtalkDermMajor Fade Hyper SerumTopicalsFaded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration
Match—87%87%84%
Price—$68.00—$18.00
Shared key ingredients—7 of 117 of 116 of 11
Key difference—GlycerinGlycerinAzelaic Acid
Irritancy Medium Medium Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 21 studies and safety reviews.

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Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment
Peter Thomas RothPRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment

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