Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb Versus The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum

Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb Versus The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum Detailed comparison of Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb versus The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum. This oil-control serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Zinc PCA to balance excess oil and refine the look of pores. This acne serum is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Zinc PCA to clear breakouts and refine the look of pores. No concerns Water Niacinamide Butylene Glycol Glycereth-26 Zinc PCA Sarcosine Propanediol Pentylene Glycol Xanthan Gum Ethylhexylglycerin Phenoxyethanol Water, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Zinc PCA, Sarcosine, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol Betaine Salicylic Acid Sodium Hyaluronate Hydroxyethylcellulose Maltodextrin Sodium Hydroxide Biosaccharide Gum-1 Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Water, Propanediol, Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zinc PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Maltodextrin, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that: The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure. Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations. Phenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!). It has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and especially effective bacteria, yeast, and mold while only having a weak effect on your skin's natural microbiome. On a cellular level, it disrupts the cell membranes of microbes by poking holes that make the cell leak. This shuts down the chemical reactions the microbe needs to make energy so it can no longer survive. Another perk of this ingredient is that it stays functional across a wide pH range (3-10). You'll often see it paired with boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin; one study showed that a 1:9 ratio of Ethylhexylglycerin to Phenoxyethanol damages bacterial membranes as effectively as doubling the Phenoxyethanol concentration on its own. Typical use concentrations range from 0.3-1% depending on the formula, and this ingredient is capped at 1% int the EU. Safety-wise, the fear mongering does not hold up to the evidence. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and FDA consider it safe as a preservative at up to 1%, including for children of all ages. Adverse systemic effects only showed up in animal studies at exposures roughly 200x higher than what people get from cosmetics. And despite its very widespread use, this ingredient is a rare sensitizer and allergic reactions are uncommon. Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin. It’s often used to: Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent. 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! Zinc PCA is a clever two-in-one molecule: the zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA). Think of it as two useful things bonded together; the PCA half is one of your skin's own natural moisturizing factors (NMF) so it helps hold water in the upper layers. On the other hand, the zinc half does the heavy lifting on oil and bacteria. The zinc part slo