PCA Skin Smoothing Toner Versus Obagi Nu-Derm Toner

PCA Skin Smoothing Toner Versus Obagi Nu-Derm Toner Detailed comparison of PCA Skin Smoothing Toner versus Obagi Nu-Derm Toner. This smoothing toner is formulated around Lactic Acid and Citric Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. This calming toner is formulated around Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice to calm redness. No key ingredients Water Lactic Acid Citric Acid Glycerin Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Hydrastis Canadensis Extract Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract Arctium Lappa Root Extract Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract Tetrasodium EDTA Water, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrastis Canadensis Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract, Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA Hamamelis Virginiana Water Potassium Alum Sodium PCA Panthenol DMDM Hydantoin Polysorbate 80 Allantoin Borago Officinalis Extract Saponins Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate Parfum CI 42090 Water, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Potassium Alum, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, DMDM Hydantoin, Polysorbate 80, Allantoin, Glycerin, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Saponins, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Parfum, CI 42090 These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is the filtered, stabilized liquid pressed from the inner gel of the aloe vera leaf. In cosmetics, it shows up as either soothing active or a water-replacement base. It is roughly 98-99% water and the last 1-2% is an interesting mix of polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. The polysaccharides do most of the work: they bind water at the skin surface for a light, non-greasy hydration boost. And one of the polysaccharides, glycomannan, is linked to fibroblast stimulation + collagen synthesis. This is also why aloe has such a long track record in wound and burn healing. This ingredient is also calming with anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity, making it a great pick for sensitive, irritated, or post-sun skin. Realistic expectations matter though; the solid evidence is mostly limited to hydration, soothing, and wound support. Deeper claims about anti-aging or sun protection are not well backed, and science reviews note it does not prevent radiation-induced skin injury. Because it plays well with almost everything, it's commonly used as a base alongside other actives like niacinamide or vitamin C. Typical usage concentrations range from 0.5% (where hydration benefits already show up) all the way to 90%+ (where it replaces water as the main base). The safety for this ingredient is well-establish as well. Overall, this is a great supporting ingredient for those who want a boost in hydration. Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract comes from the marigold flower and has been used on skin for centuries for its calming effect. In the lab, its active compounds appear to calm inflammation and support the early "healing" phase of minor wounds. This is why Europe's medicines regulator has approved calendula extracts as a traditional remedy for minor skin inflammation and healing small wounds. The stronger human evidence is around would/ulcer care rather than everyday cosmetic claims; a review that pulled together 14 studies found that calendula helped calm the early, inflamed stage of a wound and helped new skin tissue form faster. Two studies also showed it shrank leg ulcers (the kind caused by poor circulation). Results were mixed for burns and for the skin irritation people get from radiation treatment, so it's not a sure thing there. In cosmetics, it's mostly a skin conditioning and soothing agent. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel concluded that calendula-derived ingredients are safe as used and that the ingredients are not irritating, sensitizing, or photosensitizing in clinical tests (though they may be mild eye irritants). Typical use levels are quite low; industry data reported it used at under 0.5% (one supplier noted a 10-25% extract blend used at 1-10% in the finished product). Historical use goes up to 10%. The only thing to keep in mind is if you have d