Works for
ExfoliationRetinyl retinoateWorks well
“Verso Dark Spot Fix A brand new dawn in age-defying skin care, Verso’s Dark Spot Fix harnesses the skin strengthening and resurfacing properties of retinol,”
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: retinyl retinoate.
Evens skin toneRetinyl retinoate, Niacinamide + 1 moreWorks well
“Reduce the visibility of dark spots with the Verso Dark Spot Fix, a corrector that works to lighten darker patches caused by the sun, acne and age.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: retinyl retinoate.
In addition, this product contains niacinamide. This ingredient (ingredients) might help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the effect, if any, is likely to be small.
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: retinyl retinoate, tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane.
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.
Anti-agingRetinyl retinoate, Niacinamide + 3 moreWorks well
“This dark spot solution works to boost the body’s collagen production.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains retinyl retinoate, 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.
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Niacinamide, C12-15 alkyl benzoate + 13 moreWorks well
“Hyaluronic acid improves skin elasticity, making the skin plump and firm.”
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: butyrospermum parkii oil, jojoba esters.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Anti-blemishSide benefit the brand mentions · Niacinamide, Retinyl retinoateWorks well
“This treatment is designed to help these blemishes to fade seamlessly into the natural skin tone.”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide, retinyl retinoate. These ingredients is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Butyrospermum parkii oil + 2 moreMay help
This product contains antioxidants (tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane) 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Retinyl retinoate, ParfumMedium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~6.7–8.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateNiacinamide~4.2–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 NiacinamideC12-15 alkyl benzoate~3.2–4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateCanola oil~2.4–3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant oil that can help soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Canola oilDiethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~2.6–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Uvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoateButylene glycol~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolDiethylhexyl carbonate~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Diethylhexyl carbonateHeptyl undecylenate~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss from the skin surface over time and create a nice product finish
More about Heptyl undecylenateGlycerin~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinGlyceryl stearate~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearatePeg-100 stearate~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateButyrospermum parkii oil~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Ethylhexyl triazone~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Uvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Ethylhexyl triazoneCetearyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholJojoba esters~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function
More about Jojoba estersRetinyl retinoate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A "hybrid" of retinol and retinoic acid. It is more stable than retinol and is likely to be more effective based on the early research data available. Is as irritating as retinol
More about Retinyl retinoateTetrahydrodiferuloylmethane~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
An anti-oxidant derived from curcumin (naturally present in tumeric). Is a part of the tetrahydrocurcuminoids complex (THC). The complex might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin and possibly help even out the skin tone. Can be irritating
More about TetrahydrodiferuloylmethaneTocopheryl acetate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acetateHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.3–0.5%
- 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 copolymerTetrahydropiperine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Curcuma longa root extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant
More about Curcuma longa root extractSodium hyaluronate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateTocopherol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolTapioca starch~0.2–0.35%
Polymethylsilsesquioxane~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
More about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneCitric acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidPhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCaprylyl glycol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolSodium hydroxide~0.15–0.25%
Bht~0.1–0.15%
Parfum~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Niacinamide, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Canola oil, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Butylene glycol, Diethylhexyl carbonate, Heptyl undecylenate, Glycerin, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Butyrospermum parkii oil, Ethylhexyl triazone, Cetearyl alcohol, Jojoba esters, Retinyl retinoate, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Tocopheryl acetate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Tetrahydropiperine, Curcuma longa root extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Tapioca starch, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Citric acid, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Sodium hydroxide, Bht, Parfum
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| VERSODark Spot FixYOUR PRODUCT | MedicubeDeep Reviving Bakuchiol Retinol Serum | Fenty SkinWatch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C | NaturiumAzelaic Topical Acid 10% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 70% | 63% | 61% |
| Price | — | $19.62 | $44.95 | $20.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 12 | 4 of 12 | 3 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid |
| Irritancy | Medium | High | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Matas The Core Niacinamid 10% & HA SerumMedik8 Clarity Peptides
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Canola Oilsciencedirect.com
- 4
- 5
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.