The Nue Co.

The Nue Co. Skin Filter Daily Brightening Phyto-Retinol + AHA Serum

Name: The Nue Co. - Skin Filter Daily Brightening Phyto-Retinol + AHA Serum
Brand: The Nue Co.

Efficacy87/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation

Glycolic acid, Lactic acid

Works well

What the product description says

“- AHAs: Five plant-based AHAs to exfoliate, visibly improving texture and blemishes.”

Source: Sephora

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~1.4–2.2%

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)~1.3–1.9%

Evens skin tone

Glycolic acid, Bakuchiol + 2 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Skin Filter Daily Brightening Phyto-Retinol + AHA Serum”

Source: Sephora

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

BakuchiolKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation~0.9–1.3%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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~0.3–0.75%

Moisturizing

Glycerin, Galactoarabinan + 5 more

Works

What the product description says

“What it is: A multi-step skincare routine in one; with bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, and AHAs, this phyto-retinol serum hydrates and visibly brightens and tightens.”

Source: Sephora

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

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~4.2–6.2%

GalactoarabinanKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~2.1–3.1%

Zinc pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing~0.35–0.8%

Saccharum officinarum extractKey activeEffect: HighSugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.8%

Hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.1–0.3%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedA 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~0.3–0.75%

Anti-blemish

Glycolic acid, Bakuchiol + 1 more

May help

What the product description says

“- AHAs: Five plant-based AHAs to exfoliate, visibly improving texture and blemishes.”

Source: Sephora

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

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

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~1.4–2.2%

Zinc pcaKey activeEffect: MediumA compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing~0.35–0.8%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Bakuchiol, Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract + 3 more

Works well

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

Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its efficacy in skin is lacking~1–1.6%

CaffeineEffect: LowMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes~0.4–0.9%

Zinc pcaEffect: LowA compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing~0.35–0.8%

Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking~0.1–0.4%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Glycolic acid, Bakuchiol + 3 more

Works well

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

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.

Hyaluronic acidEffect: LowOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.1–0.3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Citrus limon fruit extract

Medium risk

We flagged 15 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~1.4–2.2%est.

Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extractA plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.2–0.7%est.

Citrus limon fruit extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~0.15–0.55%est.

Isoamyl laurateHelps stabilize emulsions and create a nice product textureMedium~3.7–5.5%est.

GalactoarabinanHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~2.1–3.1%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~1.3–1.9%est.

Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its efficacy in skin is lackingMedium~1–1.6%est.

BakuchiolA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritationMedium~0.9–1.3%est.

CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~0.4–0.9%est.

Isoamyl cocoateHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agentMedium~0.35–0.8%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.55%est.

Acer saccharum extractA plant extract that contains small percentage of AHAs. Is unlikely to have any skin benefit due the small concentration of the active compoundsMedium~0.15–0.5%est.

Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateA preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determineMedium~0.1–0.45%est.

Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lackingMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateUsed to improve stability of the formulationMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

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Peace Out Dark Spots Serum

Higher efficacy · 100/10087% match

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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

Glycerin~4.2–6.2%

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

Isoamyl laurate~3.7–5.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps stabilize emulsions and create a nice product texture

More about Isoamyl laurate

Heptyl glucoside~2.7–4.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Heptyl glucoside

Galactoarabinan~2.1–3.1%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Galactoarabinan

Sclerotium gum~1.7–2.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum

Glycolic acid~1.4–2.2%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-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

Lactic acid~1.3–1.9%

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

Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract~1–1.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

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

More about Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract

Bakuchiol~0.9–1.3%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishEvens skin toneAnti-aging

A plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation

More about Bakuchiol

Sodium hydroxide~0.5–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Maltodextrin~0.45–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin

Caffeine~0.4–0.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine

Saccharum officinarum extract~0.35–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Sugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharum officinarum extract

Isoamyl cocoate~0.35–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent

More about Isoamyl cocoate

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.3–0.75%

Under-dosed

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

Zinc pca~0.35–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

A compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing

More about Zinc pca

Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract~0.2–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract

Citrus limon fruit extract~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivity

More about Citrus limon fruit extract

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Acer saccharum extract~0.15–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A plant extract that contains small percentage of AHAs. Is unlikely to have any skin benefit due the small concentration of the active compounds

More about Acer saccharum extract

Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine

More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate

Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking

More about Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract

Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to improve stability of the formulation

More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate

Hyaluronic acid~0.1–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation

More about Hyaluronic acid

Nephelium lappaceum branch/fruit/leaf extract~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Nephelium lappaceum branch/fruit/leaf extract

Heptanol~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Heptanol

Pinus strobus bark extract~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Pinus strobus bark extract

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Isoamyl laurate, Heptyl glucoside, Galactoarabinan, Sclerotium gum, Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract, Bakuchiol, Sodium hydroxide, Maltodextrin, Caffeine, Saccharum officinarum extract, Isoamyl cocoate, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Zinc pca, Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Citrus limon fruit extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acer saccharum extract, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Hyaluronic acid, Nephelium lappaceum branch/fruit/leaf extract, Heptanol, Pinus strobus bark extract

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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
	The Nue Co.Skin Filter Daily Brightening Phyto-Retinol + AHA SerumYOUR PRODUCT	Peace OutDark Spots Serum	Dr Dennis GrossRetinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Peel \| Dr. Dennis Gross	IconixPeel & revive
Match	—	87%	83%	83%
Price	—	—	$20.00	—
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 10	4 of 10	4 of 10
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Retinol	Magnesium Aspartate
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Medium	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"The Nue Co. - Skin Filter Daily Brightening Phyto-Retinol + AHA Serum" is effective for: Exfoliation, Anti-aging and Evens skin tone

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

Ingredient callouts

This product contains acids (lactic acid 1.30% - 1.90% and glycolic acid 1.40% - 2.20%). 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.
Bakuchiol in this product (the concentration is about 0.90% - 1.30%). Helps fight photodamage (wrinkles, elasticity loss and pigmentation) and can reduce clogged pores and blemishes. Bakuchiol is a compound extracted from a plant Babchi. It acts similar to retinoids, but with less irritation risk.
Humectants (hyaluronic acid 0.10% - 0.30%, zinc pca 0.35% - 0.80%, galactoarabinan 2.10% - 3.10% and glycerin 4.20% - 6.20%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.