Superdrug Me+ PHA Toner Versus The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner

Superdrug Me+ PHA Toner Versus The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner Detailed comparison of Superdrug Me+ PHA Toner versus The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner. This smoothing toner is formulated around Gluconolactone to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. This smoothing toner is formulated around Gluconolactone and Niacinamide to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. Water Gluconolactone Propylene Glycol Phenoxyethanol Betaine Sodium Citrate PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Trideceth-9 Caprylyl Glycol Glycerin Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate Sodium Hyaluronate Butylene Glycol Centella Asiatica Extract Salix Alba Bark Extract Sodium Hydroxide Potassium Sorbate Sodium Benzoate Water, Gluconolactone, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Betaine, Sodium Citrate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trideceth-9, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate Propanediol Gluconolactone 3% Niacinamide 3% Pentylene Glycol Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice PPG-26-Buteth-26 1,2-Hexanediol Ethylhexylglycerin Citric Acid Water, Propanediol, Gluconolactone 3%, Niacinamide 3%, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide Be the first to review These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created. Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin. Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on). Gluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs. When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin. PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation. Gluconolactone has some interesting properties: In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily. This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol. Glycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum. Topically, glycerin does several things at once: Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3. Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin. This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products. Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity. Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine. PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an emulsifier derived from castor oil. As an emulsifying agent, it helps other ingredients like fragrances and fat-soluble vitamins dissolve cohesively. Due to its large molecule size, it doesn't penetrate beyond the skin's surface. This ingredient has a solid regulatory track record; the CIR Expert Panel first concluded it was safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 100% in 1997. A 2012 reassessment reaffirmed that finding. Safety studies have also found no irritation or evidence of toxicity. A 2019 study did find this ingredient to grow Malassezia, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products. This i