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PCA Skin Daily Cleansing Oil Versus Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

PCA Skin Daily Cleansing Oil Versus Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil This oil-based makeup remover is made to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup. What's inside Key Ingredients Benefits Concerns Ingredients Side-by-side Caprylic/Capric Trigl

PCA Skin Daily Cleansing Oil Versus Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

This oil-based makeup remover is made to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup.

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil

PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate

Isopropyl Isostearate

Tocopherol

Parfum

Glycine Soja Oil

Retinyl Palmitate

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Glycerin

Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil

Triethyl Citrate

Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract

Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract

Pimpinella Anisum Fruit Extract

Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract

Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract

Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract

Cucumis Melo Cantalupensis Fruit Extract

Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract

Gardenia Jasminoides Fruit Extract

Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract

Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Isopropyl Isostearate, Tocopherol, Parfum, Glycine Soja Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glycerin, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Triethyl Citrate, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Pimpinella Anisum Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract, Cucumis Melo Cantalupensis Fruit Extract, Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract, Gardenia Jasminoides Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract, Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

Ethylhexyl Palmitate

Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate

Sorbitan Sesquioleate

Butyl Avocadate

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil

Olea Europaea Fruit Oil

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

Caprylyl Glycol

Ethylhexylglycerin

Curcuma Longa Root Extract

Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

Houttuynia Cordata Extract

Corallina Officinalis Extract

Melia Azadirachta Bark Extract

Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil

Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyl Avocadate, Parfum, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Melia Azadirachta Bark Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf 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.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.

Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that it is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid.

In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Just patch test if you have concerns.

Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.

This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.

This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.

The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.

One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Tocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.

You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.

Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.

It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.

This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.

This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.

In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.

Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.

Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil comes from the grape vine. Grape seeds are a byproduct of creating grape juice or wine.

The components of grape seeds have many skin benefits. Research has found it to be antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It also contains many potent antioxidants such as Vitamin E , Vitamin C, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Proanthocyanidin has been shown to help even out skin tone.

Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons. Grape seed extract may help reduce the signs of aging.

The antimicrobial properties of grape seed may help treat acne. However, more research is needed to support this claim.

Grape seed has also been found to help absorb UV rays. Grape seed extract should not replace your sunscreen.

The fatty acids of grape seed oil give it emollient properties. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin by creating a film. This film traps moisture within, keeping your skin hydrated.

Similar Comparisons

The reference edit

Ingredients, questions
& further reading.

Connected source records selected through this article’s public topic index.

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Formula cabinet

Ingredients & structured notes

Ingredient index

Ingredients Explained

  1. 01These ingredients are found in both products.
  2. 02Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
  3. 03BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
  4. 04As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
  5. 05As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
  6. 06The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
  7. 07However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
  8. 08Lactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
  9. 09Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
  10. 10Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they don’t penetrate as deeply. This means they’re less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
  11. 11Like glycolic acid, it can:
  12. 12Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
  13. 13Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skin’s microbiome.
  14. 14To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
  15. 15Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
  16. 16Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
  17. 17When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the product’s pH.
  18. 18Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
  19. 19Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
  20. 20Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Source · skinsort.com
02

Product index

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03

Comparison edit

Read side by side