Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner Versus Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner

The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner Versus Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner Detailed comparison of The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner versus Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner. This smoothing toner is formulated around Glycolic Acid to refine sk

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The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner Versus Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner Detailed comparison of The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner versus Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner. This smoothing toner is formulated around Glycolic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. This smoothing toner is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. Water Glycolic Acid Propanediol Hamamelis Virginiana Water Sodium Hydroxide Butylene Glycol Phenoxyethanol Alcohol PPG-26-Buteth-26 Betaine PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract Ethylhexylglycerin Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Water, Glycolic Acid, Propanediol, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Betaine, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Dipropylene Glycol Sodium Citrate 1,2-Hexanediol Glycerin Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate Whey Filtrate Salicylic Acid Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Pentylene Glycol Niacinamide Tricholoma Matsutake Extract Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract Rhododendron Chrysanthum Leaf Extract Sodium Hyaluronate Hyaluronic Acid Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Citrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Whey Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract, Rhododendron Chrysanthum Leaf Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. 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. 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. Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits. It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability. Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge. AHAs work by breaking down the structural “glue” that holds old skin cells in place. When that buildup is gone, your skin can renew itself more efficiently. Research also shows glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and thicken the skin over time. This is one of its biggest advantages over other AHAs. Overall, glycolic acid helps with: Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally. To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (that’s where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin). The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness: It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts. Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, it can penetrate deeper, which enhances its effectiveness but also makes it more likely to irritate sensitive skin. If your skin is very sensitive or prone to rosacea, glycolic acid may be too strong; in that case, try milder options like lactic acid or a PHA instead. Recent studies suggest glycolic acid might even help protect against UV damage. But don’t skip sunscreen! Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun. Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar. It smooths, brightens, hydrates, and firms the skin. Unless you’re highly sensitive, it’s well worth adding to your routine. Read more about some other popular AHA's here: 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 w