Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA Versus The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA Versus The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum Detailed comparison of The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA versus The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Lactic Acid and Sod

This source-based comparison does not add ratings or recommend a winner.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA Versus The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum Detailed comparison of The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA versus The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Lactic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. This acne serum is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Zinc PCA to clear breakouts and refine the look of pores. Water Lactic Acid Glycerin Pentylene Glycol Propanediol Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract Acacia Senegal Gum Xanthan Gum Isoceteth-20 Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Sodium Hydroxide Ethylhexylglycerin 1,2-Hexanediol Caprylyl Glycol Water, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Isoceteth-20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol Betaine Salicylic Acid Sodium Hyaluronate Zinc PCA Phenoxyethanol Hydroxyethylcellulose Maltodextrin Biosaccharide Gum-1 Water, Propanediol, Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zinc PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Maltodextrin, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. 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. 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 with a clear color and no scent. Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective. In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline. Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated. "Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic. Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product. It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful. Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product. So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation. You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!