Skin science article
boscia Resurfacing Treatment Toner with Apple Cider Vinegar Versus The INKEY List Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Peel
boscia Resurfacing Treatment Toner with Apple Cider Vinegar Versus The INKEY List Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Peel This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. This smoothin
boscia Resurfacing Treatment Toner with Apple Cider Vinegar Versus The INKEY List Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Peel
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin.
This smoothing treatment is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Salix Alba Bark Extract to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin.
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Glycolic Acid
Dipropylene Glycol
Sodium Hydroxide
Salicylic Acid
Acetic Acid
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Extract
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Hydroxyacetophenone
1,2-Hexanediol
Caprylyl Glycol
Butylene Glycol
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Sodium Polyacrylate
Water, Glycolic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Acetic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Sodium Polyacrylate
Glycerin
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
Polysorbate 20
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Acetum
Propanediol
Xanthan Gum
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
Lactobacillus
Phenoxyethanol
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Maltodextrin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Citronellyl Methylcrotonate
Acer Saccharum Extract
Ethylhexylglycerin
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Phytic Acid
Agastache Mexicana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Water, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Polysorbate 20, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Acetum, Sodium Hydroxide, Propanediol, Xanthan Gum, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Lactobacillus, Phenoxyethanol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Maltodextrin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Citronellyl Methylcrotonate, Acer Saccharum Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Phytic Acid, Agastache Mexicana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
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Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits.
It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability.
Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge.
AHAs work by breaking down the structural “glue” that holds old skin cells in place. When that buildup is gone, your skin can renew itself more efficiently.
Research also shows glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and thicken the skin over time. This is one of its biggest advantages over other AHAs.
Overall, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally.
To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (that’s where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin).
The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness:
It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts.
Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, it can penetrate deeper, which enhances its effectiveness but also makes it more likely to irritate sensitive skin.
If your skin is very sensitive or prone to rosacea, glycolic acid may be too strong; in that case, try milder options like lactic acid or a PHA instead.
Recent studies suggest glycolic acid might even help protect against UV damage. But don’t skip sunscreen! Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun.
Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar. It smooths, brightens, hydrates, and firms the skin. Unless you’re highly sensitive, it’s well worth adding to your routine.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!