Nø Cosmetics Liquid Illuminator Versus Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum

Nø Cosmetics Liquid Illuminator Versus Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum Detailed comparison of Nø Cosmetics Liquid Illuminator versus Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum. This brightening exfoliator is formulated around Niacinamide and Tranexamic Acid to fade the look of dark spots and brighten dull-looking skin. This brightening serum is formulated around Hydroquinone and Arbutin to fade the look of dark spots and brighten dull-looking skin. Water Pentylene Glycol Niacinamide Tranexamic Acid Acetyl Glucosamine Propylene Glycol Kojic Acid Hydrogenated Lecithin Glycerin Cholesterol Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Maltodextrin Xanthan Gum Chondrus Crispus Powder Alcohol Citric Acid Phytic Acid Water, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Acetyl Glucosamine, Propylene Glycol, Kojic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glycerin, Cholesterol, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Alcohol, Citric Acid, Phytic Acid Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Propanediol Arbutin 1,2-Hexanediol Hydroquinone Sodium Citrate Sodium Hyaluronate Salicylic Acid Lactic Acid Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Thymus Vulgaris Extract Aspalathus Linearis Extract Disodium EDTA Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Arbutin, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroquinone, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid, Kojic Acid, Lactic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Disodium EDTA These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath. However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products. Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH. In skincare formulas, citric acid can: While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants. Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations. Rosacea skin has a lower threshold for acids generally, with 62.5% of rosacea subjects in one study reacting to lactic acid in a sting test. This is why we mark citric acid as a potential rosacea trigger. However, this ingredient shows up as a pH adjuster or chelator at roughly 0.1-1% in many products. These low levels are unlikely to be an issue for rosacea skin and becomes a potential trigger at exfoliating concentrations (20%). Because everybody's skin is unique, we recommend a patch test if you are unsure. Kojic Acid is a naturally occurring organic acid that is produced during the fermentation of certain fungi. It is one of the most well-studied brightening ingredients (tyrosinase inhibitors) out there. That's why you'll see Kojic Acid in products that target dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and general uneven skin tone. It also pairs well with other brightening actives like Alpha Arbutin, Glycolic Acid, and Vitamin C derivatives. By latching onto the copper that the enzyme tyrosinase needs to function, Kojic Acid prevents less pigment from being made. It's so well-established that researchers regularly use it as the go-to benchmark when testing new brightening ingredients. Some other perks include documented antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) Expert Panel concluded Kojic Acid is safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 1% and the EU's SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) considers it safe as a skin lightening agent at concentrations up to 0.7%. One thing to know about Kojic Acid is that stability is its weak spot; it is sensitive to light, heat, and air exposure and will oxidize/turn brown in formulations. Its derivative, Kojic Dipalmitate, was developed as a stable alternative. Some individuals have reported contact sensitization so be sure to patch test if you have reactive or sensitive skin. Fun fa