Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum

Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Does Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10, Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Lightweight moisturizer ideal for oily skin and a humectant boost for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈75.0%), Propanediol (est. ≈6.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈75.0%), Arbutin (est. ≈4.1%), Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin soothing and calming potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈75.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4.1
4
2.1
2
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Arbutin
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroquinone
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Kojic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf
Function:
Origin:
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aspalathus Linearis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
85.6
75
6
4
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 85.6 10
10.0
75
6
4
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
75
6
4
0.3
0.3
All humectants 85.6 10
10
All humectants
85.6
75
6
4
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 4 6
Total
6
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
4
Anti-wrinkle rating
6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
75
4.1
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 86.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
86.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
75
Arbutin
4.1
Niacinamide
4
Hydroquinone
2
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Kojic Acid
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract
0.3
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
75
4
0.3
0.3
All soothing 79.6 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
79.6
75
4
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Est. %75
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractDerived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity.
Propanediol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Arbutin
Est. %4.1
Function
Origin
ArbutinOne of the few potent anti-pigment compounds found naturally in bearberry or cranberry leaves. When applied to the skin, this ingredient converts into hydroquinone, with tyrosinase inhibiting effects.
Niacinamide
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %2.1
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Hydroquinone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Hydroquinone

Description is coming soon

Citric Acid
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Sodium Citrate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Kojic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Kojic AcidA bioactive compound isolated from various fungi or fermented products. It is one of the most common and potent anti-pigment and brightening ingredients, and has been successfully tested on humans.
Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf ExtractComing from witch hazel leaves, this potent astringent and anti-inflammatory extract contains a mixture of various tannins and flavonoids, as well as a small amount of essential oil with a mild, spicy aroma.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) ExtractAn extract derived from rosemary leaves. It contains a fragrant essential oil and is a strong antioxidant with astringent tannins.
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) ExtractDerived from thyme, this antioxidant, antiseptic and fragrant extract consists mainly of thyme essential oil (with its spicy herbal scent), flavonoids, terpenes, and organic acids.
Aspalathus Linearis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aspalathus Linearis Extract
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.