Shani Darden Skin Care Rescue Serum

Shani Darden Skin Care Rescue Serum

Efficacy68/100IrritancyLow

Works for

Evens skin tone
Potassium azeloyl diglycinate, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“A treatment serum powered by a 10% Azelaic Complex to target blemishes and fade uneven skin tone, dark spots, and post-blemish marks for brighter, smoother, more even-toned skin.”
Source: Shani Darden Skin Care

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: potassium azeloyl diglycinate

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: dipotassium glycyrrhizate.

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.

Potassium azeloyl diglycinateKey activeEffect: HighA 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~3.6–5.4%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEffect: LowA 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~0.9–1.35%
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)~0.2–0.75%
Moisturizing
Panthenol, Potassium azeloyl diglycinate + 8 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Soothing oat kernel, aloe extracts, and anti-inflammatory licorice brighten and calm redness, while hyaluronic acid and panthenol hydrate and nourish.”
Source: Shani Darden Skin Care

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

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: panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.45–1%
Potassium azeloyl diglycinateKey activeEffect: MediumA 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~3.6–5.4%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA 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~0.9–1.35%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.55–1.3%
Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.15–0.5%
Dicaprylyl carbonate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin~4–6%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.05–0.2%
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~1.1–1.7%
Avena sativa kernel extractUnder-dosedAn effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties~1.4–2%
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)~0.2–0.75%
Anti-blemish
Potassium azeloyl diglycinate, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
May help
What the product description says
“A treatment serum powered by a 10% Azelaic Complex to target blemishes and fade uneven skin tone, dark spots, and post-blemish marks for brighter, smoother, more even-toned skin.”
Source: Shani Darden Skin Care

This product might be able to help reduce blemishes and clogged pores because it contains potassium azeloyl diglycinate.

Potassium azeloyl diglycinateKey activeEffect: HighA 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~3.6–5.4%
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~1.1–1.7%
Exfoliation
Lactic acid ~0.2–0.75%, below the ~2% it needs
Under-dosed

This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.

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)~0.2–0.75%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
8 flagged ingredients
Low risk
We flag 8 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.4–0.9%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~1.1–1.7%est.
HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.4–0.9%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~0.2–0.75%est.
Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.15–0.55%est.
Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.15–0.5%est.
Polyglyceryl-2 stearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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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
Dicaprylyl carbonate~4–6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin

More about Dicaprylyl carbonate
Potassium azeloyl diglycinate~3.6–5.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryEvens skin toneAnti-blemishMoisturizing

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
Maltodextrin~2.7–4.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin
1,2-hexanediol~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Propanediol~1.6–2.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Propanediol
Avena sativa kernel extract~1.4–2%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAnti-oxidation

An effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties

More about Avena sativa kernel extract
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~1.1–1.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces 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
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.9–1.35%
Key active
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
Sodium hyaluronate~0.55–1.3%
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
Panthenol~0.45–1%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

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

More about Panthenol
Hydroxyacetophenone~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone
Lactic acid~0.2–0.75%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-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
Benzoic acid~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid
Citric acid~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Sodium lactate~0.15–0.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate
Sodium gluconate~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium gluconate
Sclerotium gum~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum
Polyglyceryl-2 stearate~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-2 stearate
Xanthan gum~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Glyceryl stearate~0.05–0.2%
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
Stearyl alcohol~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Stearyl alcohol
Ingredient list view

Water, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Potassium azeloyl diglycinate, Maltodextrin, 1,2-hexanediol, Propanediol, Avena sativa kernel extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Sodium hyaluronate, Panthenol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Lactic acid, Benzoic acid, Citric acid, Sodium lactate, Sodium gluconate, Sclerotium gum, Polyglyceryl-2 stearate, Xanthan gum, Glyceryl stearate, Stearyl alcohol

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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
Shani Darden Skin CareRescue SerumYOUR PRODUCTSKIN 1004.Azelaic Acid 10 AmpouleMiss SpaCoarse Correct Blemish Banishing SerumThe ConstantMulti-Active Complex 12 Modern Actives Face Serum
Match—76%69%68%
Price$68.00$21.60−$46.40—$10.43−$57.57
Shared key ingredients—3 of 61 of 63 of 6
Key difference—Azelaic AcidAcetyl Tetrapeptide-15Salicylic Acid
Irritancy Low Low Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: Naturium Azelaic Acid Derivative Complex 10%Dr. David Jack Good Morning Vitamin C Serum

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Product summary

"Shani Darden - Rescue Serum" is effective for: Moisturizing and Evens skin tone

This product could be helpful for: Anti-blemish, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • An effective concentration of Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 0.35% - 0.80%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.
  • Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (3.60% - 5.40%). It is a derivative of Azelaic Acid. 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.
  • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate in this product (0.90% - 1.35%) can also further help improve the skin barrier. It might be able to calm down inflammation and reduce sensitivity. Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate is an active compound from the licorice root.
  • Humectants (sodium lactate 0.10% - 0.45%, panthenol 0.35% - 0.80% and sodium hyaluronate 0.40% - 1.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Shani Darden" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.

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Shani Darden Skin Care Rescue Serum
Shani Darden Skin CareRescue Serum

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.