Aesthetics Rx Bio-Fermented Triple Action Scrub Versus PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment
Updated on February 03, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Aesthetics Rx Bio-Fermented Triple Action Scrub 37 ingredients
PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment 23 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Aesthetics Rx Bio-Fermented Triple Action Scrub 37 ingredients
PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
PEG-100 Stearate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil
Masking
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Carica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Foeniculum Vulgare Oil
Emollient
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil
Astringent
Acer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingTerminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Lactic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Jojoba Esters, Glycolic Acid, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbitan Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Niacinamide, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Mandelic Acid, Allantoin, Panthenol, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Foeniculum Vulgare Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, Acer Saccharum Extract, Glycine Soja Oil, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Bentonite
Absorbent
Glycerin
Humectant
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
Emollient
Pumice
Abrasive
Isopropyl Palmitate
Emollient
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Oryza Sativa Powder
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Oleth-10
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingBisabolol
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarrageenan
Glucose
Humectant
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Papain
Skin ConditioningWater, Kaolin, Bentonite, Glycerin, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Pumice, Isopropyl Palmitate, Mandelic Acid, Oryza Sativa Powder, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Oleth-10, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Bisabolol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Glucose, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Papain
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinMandelic Acid helps exfoliate skin. It also contains antioxidant properties.
As an AHA, Mandelic Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Mandelic Acid may be an alternative to Glycolic Acid for those with sensitive skin.
Mandelic Acid may help reduce wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Mandelic AcidPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil is oil expressed from the leaves of the rosemary plant.
Rosemary Leaf Oil is a fragrance and helps give your product a scent. If you are sensitive to irritating fragrances, this one contains camphor. Camphor has been found to irritate skin.
This oil also contains antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. As an antioxidant, it may protect you skin against damage. This can help slow down the signs of aging.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf OilSodium 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.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
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