The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner Versus e.l.f. cosmetics Skin Pure Skin + Dermatologist Developed Toner

The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner Versus e.l.f. cosmetics Skin Pure Skin + Dermatologist Developed Toner Detailed comparison of The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner versus e.l.f. cosmetics Skin Pure Skin + Dermatologist Developed Toner. This smoothing toner is formulated around Gluconolactone and Niacinamide to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. This barrier-repair toner is formulated around Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice and Niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier and calm redness. 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 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 Niacinamide Trehalose Ceramide NP Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP Glycolic Acid Sodium Hyaluronate Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water Tocopheryl Acetate Hamamelis Virginiana Water Avena Sativa Kernel Flour Sodium PCA Allantoin Phytosphingosine Cholesterol Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate Xanthan Gum Carbomer Phenoxyethanol Benzoic Acid Disodium EDTA Tromethamine Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Trehalose, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Avena Sativa Kernel Flour, Sodium PCA, Allantoin, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Benzoic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Tromethamine 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. Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath. However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products. Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH. In skincare formulas, citric acid can: While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants. Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations. Rosacea skin has a lower threshold for acids generally, with 62.5% of rosacea subjects in one study reacting to lactic acid in a sting test. This is why we mark citric acid as a potential rosacea trigger. However, this ingredient shows up as a pH adjuster or chelator at roughly 0.1-1% in many products. These low levels are unlikely to be an issue for rosacea skin and becomes a potential trigger at exfoliating concentrations (20%). Bec