IVY AÏA Cleansing Mousse Versus PCA Skin Facial Wash

IVY AÏA Cleansing Mousse Versus PCA Skin Facial Wash Detailed comparison of IVY AÏA Cleansing Mousse versus PCA Skin Facial Wash. This mild foaming cleanser is made to cleanse while respecting your skin barrier. This lactic acid gel cleanser is formulated around Lactic Acid to exfoliate and smooth skin. Water Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate Propanediol Cocamidopropyl Betaine Niacinamide Sodium Benzoate Sodium Chloride Coconut Acid Phenoxyethanol Sodium Hyaluronate Lactic Acid Sodium Phytate Ethylhexylglycerin Water, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Niacinamide, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Coconut Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Ethylhexylglycerin Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate Sodium Cocoamphoacetate Sodium Hydroxide Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine Caprylyl Glycol Chlorphenesin Potassium Sorbate Allantoin Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Salix Nigra Bark Extract Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lactic Acid, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Sodium Chloride, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups. This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy. Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin. While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study. 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. Lactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective. Its 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. Because 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. Like glycolic acid, it can: Lactic 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. Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skin’s microbiome. To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4. Lower 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. Though 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. When 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. Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles. Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and