Algenist Genius Liquid Skin Resurfacing 2% BHA Toner Versus L'Oreal Revitalift Derm Intensives 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner
Updated on March 11, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe toners. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, BHA 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, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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
Algenist Genius Liquid Skin Resurfacing 2% BHA Toner 27 ingredients
L'Oreal Revitalift Derm Intensives 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner 17 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Algenist Genius Liquid Skin Resurfacing 2% BHA Toner 27 ingredients
L'Oreal Revitalift Derm Intensives 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner 17 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Collagen Amino Acids
Moisturising
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Skin ProtectingHydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Lauryl Glucoside
CleansingRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialMentha Piperita Extract
CleansingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Dextrin
AbsorbentAmylopectin
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhytic Acid
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Collagen Amino Acids, Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Azelaic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Decyl Glucoside, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Lauryl Glucoside, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Mentha Piperita Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Dextrin, Amylopectin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Phytic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Glycolic Acid, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Allantoin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Potassium Sorbate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate
Ingredients Explained
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 AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium 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 HydroxideTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
