Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

PCA Skin Pigment Gel Pro Versus PCA Skin Pigment Gel

PCA Skin Pigment Gel Pro Versus PCA Skin Pigment Gel Detailed comparison of PCA Skin Pigment Gel Pro versus PCA Skin Pigment Gel. This brightening serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Lactic Acid to fade the look of dark spots and brighten dull-looking s

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PCA Skin Pigment Gel Pro Versus PCA Skin Pigment Gel Detailed comparison of PCA Skin Pigment Gel Pro versus PCA Skin Pigment Gel. This brightening serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Lactic Acid to fade the look of dark spots and brighten dull-looking skin. This brightening serum is formulated around Lactic Acid and Kojic Acid to fade the look of dark spots and brighten dull-looking skin. Water Alcohol Hamamelis Virginiana Water Butylene Glycol Niacinamide Lactic Acid Gluconolactone Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate Tranexamic Acid Bisabolol Hexylresorcinol Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Propyl Gallate Pentylene Glycol 4-Butylresorcinol Glabridin Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Rosa Damascena Flower Oil Rosa Damascena Flower Water Water, Alcohol, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, Gluconolactone, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Tranexamic Acid, Bisabolol, Hexylresorcinol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Propyl Gallate, Pentylene Glycol, 4-Butylresorcinol, Glabridin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Water Alcohol Denat. Kojic Acid Azelaic Acid Hydroxyethylcellulose Phenylethyl Resorcinol BHT Glutathione Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract Water, Alcohol Denat., Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Lactic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Kojic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Alcohol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, BHT, Glutathione, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use. In formulas, it: Is it bad for your skin? The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration. Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration. In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily. This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes. Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling). Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier. According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients. True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin. 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. Hamamelis Virginiana Water is made by distilling parts of the witch hazel plant. You can also call this ingredient "witch hazel water". The name 'Hamamelis Virginiana Water' refers to the distillation product used in cosmetics. On the other hand, 'Witch Hazel' refers to the active drug ingredient. Unless it is specified to be non-alcohol, many types of witch hazel ingredients are distilled in denatured alcohol. Witch Hazel water is an astringent, anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient. It contains tannins. Tannins have a drying effect when used on skin by constricting proteins. The constriction also minimizes the appearance of pores. Both the tannins and fragrance found in witch hazel may be skin-sensitizing. Witch hazel water gets anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties from its catechin and gallic acid content. Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation in North America for centuries. Lactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (