{
  "name": "The Dark Spot Cost Index",
  "description": "Every product across eight over-the-counter brightening actives that discloses its active percentage, ranked by what a gram of the working ingredient actually costs. Prices are refreshed weekly and do move.",
  "license": "CC BY 4.0",
  "license_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "source_page": "https://verifiedbeautydata.com/brightening/#cost-index",
  "publisher": "Verified Beauty Data",
  "generated": "2026-09-19",
  "row_count": 51,
  "actives_covered": 6,
  "rows_with_amazon_listing": 12,
  "caveat": "Products are priced at the retailer named in priced_at_retailer — mostly Ulta and brand DTC, because that is where disclosed percentages are published. Only some have a matching in-stock Amazon listing, and the amazon_listing column says which.",
  "columns": [
    "active",
    "active_id",
    "brand",
    "product",
    "disclosed_pct",
    "price_usd",
    "size_ml",
    "price_per_g_active_usd",
    "priced_at_retailer",
    "amazon_listing"
  ],
  "rows": [
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "The Ordinary",
      "product": "Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% Serum with Pure L-Ascorbic Acid",
      "disclosed_pct": 23,
      "price_usd": 8.1,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 1.1908,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "yes"
    },
    {
      "active": "Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)",
      "active_id": "niacinamide",
      "brand": "The Ordinary",
      "product": "Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum for Oily Skin - 1.0 oz",
      "disclosed_pct": 10,
      "price_usd": 6,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 2.0288,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "yes"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "Trader Joe's",
      "product": "Vitamin C Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 15,
      "price_usd": 9.99,
      "size_ml": 29,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 2.0878,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Brand/DTC",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)",
      "active_id": "niacinamide",
      "brand": "The Ordinary",
      "product": "Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion for Dark Spots & Uneven Tone",
      "disclosed_pct": 5,
      "price_usd": 14,
      "size_ml": 100,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 2.8012,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)",
      "active_id": "niacinamide",
      "brand": "The INKEY List",
      "product": "SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 20,
      "price_usd": 19.5,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 3.2969,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "TIRTIR",
      "product": "Pure Vitamin C24 Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 24,
      "price_usd": 25,
      "size_ml": 29.9,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 3.4874,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "Geek & Gorgeous",
      "product": "C-Glow",
      "disclosed_pct": 15,
      "price_usd": 15.9,
      "size_ml": 30,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 3.5333,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Brand/DTC",
      "amazon_listing": "yes"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "e.l.f. Cosmetics",
      "product": "Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 15,
      "price_usd": 16,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 3.6068,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "yes"
    },
    {
      "active": "Azelaic Acid",
      "active_id": "azelaic-acid",
      "brand": "Good Molecules",
      "product": "10% Azelaic Acid Treatment",
      "disclosed_pct": 10,
      "price_usd": 12,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 4.0577,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Azelaic Acid",
      "active_id": "azelaic-acid",
      "brand": "The Ordinary",
      "product": "Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Cream for Redness and Blemish-Prone Skin",
      "disclosed_pct": 10,
      "price_usd": 12.2,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 4.1253,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Brand/DTC",
      "amazon_listing": "yes"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "Kate Somerville",
      "product": "Mega-C 30% Vitamin C Brightening Facial",
      "disclosed_pct": 30,
      "price_usd": 79,
      "size_ml": 59.1,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 4.4522,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "Mixsoon",
      "product": "Vitamin C 20% Brightening Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 20,
      "price_usd": 10,
      "size_ml": 9.8,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 5.1233,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "COSRX",
      "product": "Advanced The Vitamin C 23 Serum with Super Vitamin E & Hyaluronic Acid",
      "disclosed_pct": 23,
      "price_usd": 25,
      "size_ml": 20.7,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 5.2506,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)",
      "active_id": "niacinamide",
      "brand": "medicube",
      "product": "TXA Niacinamide 15% Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 15,
      "price_usd": 23.9,
      "size_ml": 29.9,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 5.3344,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)",
      "active_id": "niacinamide",
      "brand": "Good Molecules",
      "product": "5% Niacinamide Serum with Ectoin",
      "disclosed_pct": 5,
      "price_usd": 8,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 5.4102,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "Vichy",
      "product": "Hydration + Radiance Kit",
      "disclosed_pct": 16,
      "price_usd": 60.49,
      "size_ml": 68,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 5.5582,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "Wildfleur",
      "product": "Pure Vitamin C 15% + Marigold Brightening Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 15,
      "price_usd": 26,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 5.8611,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "Timeless Skin Care",
      "product": "20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 20,
      "price_usd": 35.95,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 6.0781,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Brand/DTC",
      "amazon_listing": "yes"
    },
    {
      "active": "Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)",
      "active_id": "niacinamide",
      "brand": "FARMACY",
      "product": "10% Niacinamide Night Mask",
      "disclosed_pct": 10,
      "price_usd": 45,
      "size_ml": 50.3,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 8.9508,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "Maelove",
      "product": "Glow Maker Vitamin C Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 15,
      "price_usd": 39.9,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 8.9945,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Brand/DTC",
      "amazon_listing": "yes"
    },
    {
      "active": "Tranexamic Acid",
      "active_id": "tranexamic-acid",
      "brand": "FARMACY",
      "product": "Brighten Up 3% TXA Dark Spot Toner - 4.0 oz",
      "disclosed_pct": 3,
      "price_usd": 34,
      "size_ml": 118.3,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 9.5806,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "Vichy",
      "product": "16% Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 16,
      "price_usd": 34.99,
      "size_ml": 19.8,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 11.0369,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "Kiehl's Since 1851",
      "product": "Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate - 1.7 oz",
      "disclosed_pct": 12.5,
      "price_usd": 79,
      "size_ml": 50.3,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 12.5709,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "Cosmetic Skin Solutions",
      "product": "Phloretin Serum Advanced Formula",
      "disclosed_pct": 10,
      "price_usd": 38.5,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 13.0184,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Brand/DTC",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "La Roche-Posay",
      "product": "Pure 12% Vitamin C Serum for Wrinkle Reduction and Radiance",
      "disclosed_pct": 12,
      "price_usd": 46.99,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 13.241,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "La Roche-Posay",
      "product": "Vitamin C12 Oil Control Face Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 12,
      "price_usd": 46.99,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 13.241,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Tranexamic Acid",
      "active_id": "tranexamic-acid",
      "brand": "Naturium",
      "product": "Tranexamic Topical Acid 5%",
      "disclosed_pct": 5,
      "price_usd": 19.99,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 13.5189,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Brand/DTC",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Azelaic Acid",
      "active_id": "azelaic-acid",
      "brand": "Paula's Choice",
      "product": "10% Azelaic Acid Booster",
      "disclosed_pct": 10,
      "price_usd": 42,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 14.2019,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Brand/DTC",
      "amazon_listing": "yes"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "Urban Skin Rx",
      "product": "Even Tone Super Glow Serum with 10% L-Ascorbic Acid + Kojic Acid",
      "disclosed_pct": 10,
      "price_usd": 21.99,
      "size_ml": 14.8,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 14.8715,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "OLEHENRIKSEN",
      "product": "Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 15,
      "price_usd": 70,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 15.7799,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "Dr. Althea",
      "product": "Vitamin C Boosting Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 5,
      "price_usd": 23.9,
      "size_ml": 29.9,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 16.0031,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "FARMACY",
      "product": "10% Waterless Vitamin C Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 10,
      "price_usd": 47.5,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 16.0617,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "yes"
    },
    {
      "active": "Alpha-Arbutin",
      "active_id": "alpha-arbutin",
      "brand": "The Ordinary",
      "product": "Alpha Arbutin 2% + Hyaluronic Acid for Hyperpigmentation",
      "disclosed_pct": 2,
      "price_usd": 11.5,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 19.4431,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "yes"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "goop",
      "product": "20% Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Glow Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 20,
      "price_usd": 125,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 21.1338,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)",
      "active_id": "niacinamide",
      "brand": "SUNDAY RILEY",
      "product": "B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 10,
      "price_usd": 65,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 21.9791,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)",
      "active_id": "niacinamide",
      "brand": "belif",
      "product": "Super Drops 5% Niacinamide and Vitamin C Brightening Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 5,
      "price_usd": 34,
      "size_ml": 29.9,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 22.7659,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "belif",
      "product": "Super Drops 5% Niacinamide and Vitamin C Brightening Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 5,
      "price_usd": 34,
      "size_ml": 29.9,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 22.7659,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Alpha-Arbutin",
      "active_id": "alpha-arbutin",
      "brand": "COSRX",
      "product": "The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 2,
      "price_usd": 24.99,
      "size_ml": 50,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 25.0004,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Brand/DTC",
      "amazon_listing": "yes"
    },
    {
      "active": "Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)",
      "active_id": "niacinamide",
      "brand": "Paula's Choice",
      "product": "10% Niacinamide Booster",
      "disclosed_pct": 10,
      "price_usd": 53,
      "size_ml": 19.8,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 26.7485,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Brand/DTC",
      "amazon_listing": "yes"
    },
    {
      "active": "Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)",
      "active_id": "niacinamide",
      "brand": "Kiehl's Since 1851",
      "product": "Ultra Pure High-Potency 5.0% Niacinamide Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 5,
      "price_usd": 40,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 27.0512,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "RODAN + FIELDS",
      "product": "Pure C Serum with 10% Ascorbic Acid",
      "disclosed_pct": 10,
      "price_usd": 90,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 30.4327,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)",
      "active_id": "l-ascorbic-acid",
      "brand": "SkinCeuticals",
      "product": "SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (1 fl. oz.)",
      "disclosed_pct": 15,
      "price_usd": 185,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 37.9127,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Brand/DTC",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)",
      "active_id": "niacinamide",
      "brand": "bareMinerals",
      "product": "SKIN RESCUE Pure Smooth Serum with 5% Niacinamide and Chebula",
      "disclosed_pct": 5,
      "price_usd": 65,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 43.9583,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)",
      "active_id": "niacinamide",
      "brand": "First Aid Beauty",
      "product": "Daily Resurfacing Moisturizer with 2% Niacinamide",
      "disclosed_pct": 2,
      "price_usd": 30,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 50.7211,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Retinol (Vitamin A)",
      "active_id": "retinol",
      "brand": "The Ordinary",
      "product": "Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, Intermediate Retinol Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 0.5,
      "price_usd": 9.3,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 62.8941,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Retinol (Vitamin A)",
      "active_id": "retinol",
      "brand": "Good Molecules",
      "product": "1% Retinol Night Oil",
      "disclosed_pct": 1,
      "price_usd": 12,
      "size_ml": 11.8,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 101.4422,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Retinol (Vitamin A)",
      "active_id": "retinol",
      "brand": "No7",
      "product": "Pure Retinol 1% Retinol Night Concentrate",
      "disclosed_pct": 1,
      "price_usd": 42.99,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 145.3666,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Retinol (Vitamin A)",
      "active_id": "retinol",
      "brand": "Paula's Choice",
      "product": "1% Retinol Treatment",
      "disclosed_pct": 1,
      "price_usd": 48.75,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 164.8435,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Brand/DTC",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Retinol (Vitamin A)",
      "active_id": "retinol",
      "brand": "Wildfleur",
      "product": "Pure Retinol 0.3% + Bakuchiol Renewing Serum",
      "disclosed_pct": 0.3,
      "price_usd": 26,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 293.0552,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
      "active": "Retinol (Vitamin A)",
      "active_id": "retinol",
      "brand": "OLEHENRIKSEN",
      "product": "Double Rewind Pro-Grade 0.3% Retinol for Fine Lines & Wrinkles",
      "disclosed_pct": 0.3,
      "price_usd": 72,
      "size_ml": 29.6,
      "price_per_g_active_usd": 811.5374,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
    },
    {
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      "price_per_g_active_usd": 954.7498,
      "priced_at_retailer": "Ulta",
      "amazon_listing": "no"
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}