Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner Versus Tarte Knockout Tingling Toner

The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner Versus Tarte Knockout Tingling Toner Detailed comparison of The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner versus Tarte Knockout Tingling Toner. This smoothing toner is formulated around Gluconolactone and Niacinamide t

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The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner Versus Tarte Knockout Tingling Toner Detailed comparison of The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner versus Tarte Knockout Tingling Toner. This smoothing toner is formulated around Gluconolactone and Niacinamide to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. This smoothing toner is formulated around Niacinamide and Lactic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores. 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 Lactic Acid Gluconolactone Malic Acid Phytic Acid Salicylic Acid Magnesium Chloride Acetic Acid Allium Cepa Bulb Extract Calcium Gluconate Cochlearia Armoracia Root Extract Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract Myrtus Communis Extract Rumex Acetosa Leaf Extract Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract Calcium Chloride Sodium Chloride Potassium Chloride Sulfur Water, Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Propanediol, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Malic Acid, Phytic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Magnesium Chloride, Acetic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Calcium Gluconate, Cochlearia Armoracia Root Extract, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, Myrtus Communis Extract, Rumex Acetosa Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Sulfur These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. 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%). Because everybody's skin is unique, we recommend a patch test if you are unsure. 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 a