The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner Versus Krave Beauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA

The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner Versus Krave Beauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA

This smoothing toner is formulated around Glycolic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin.

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Water

Glycolic Acid

Propanediol

Hamamelis Virginiana Water

Sodium Hydroxide

Butylene Glycol

Phenoxyethanol

Alcohol

PPG-26-Buteth-26

Betaine

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract

Ethylhexylglycerin

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Water, Glycolic Acid, Propanediol, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Betaine, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water

Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract

1,2-Hexanediol

Potassium Hydroxide

Glycerin

Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract

Carum Petroselinum Extract

Chlorella Minutissima Extract

Malus Domestica Fruit Extract

Panthenol

Betaine Salicylate

Sodium Hyaluronate

Allantoin

Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Bacillus/Folic Acid/Soybean Ferment Extract

Coptis Japonica Root Extract

Malachite Extract

Polysorbate 80

Disodium EDTA

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Water, Butylene Glycol, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract, Glycolic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Potassium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract, Carum Petroselinum Extract, Chlorella Minutissima Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Betaine Salicylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Bacillus/Folic Acid/Soybean Ferment Extract, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Malachite Extract, Polysorbate 80, Disodium EDTA

Reviews

Alternatives

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

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:

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!

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