Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion 10% Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) Versus Replenix Glycolix Elite Discoloration Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Treatment
Updated on July 26, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 5 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, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, fragrances, parabens 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
Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion 10% Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) 20 ingredients
Replenix Glycolix Elite Discoloration Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Treatment 15 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion 10% Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) 20 ingredients
Replenix Glycolix Elite Discoloration Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Treatment 15 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Ammonium Hydroxide
BufferingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
PEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Isopropyl Palmitate
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Petrolatum
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Myristyl Myristate
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSorbic Acid
Preservative
BHT
Antioxidant
Imidazolidinyl Urea
Preservative
Water, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Propylene Glycol, PEG-40 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Myristyl Myristate, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cellulose Gum, Sorbic Acid, BHT, Imidazolidinyl Urea
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
We don't have a description for Ammonium Hydroxide yet.
Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits.
It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability.
Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge.
AHAs work by breaking down the structural “glue” that holds old skin cells in place. When that buildup is gone, your skin can renew itself more efficiently.
Research also shows glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and thicken the skin over time. This is one of its biggest advantages over other AHAs.
Overall, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally.
To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3–4 (that’s where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin).
The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness:
It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts.
Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, it can penetrate deeper, which enhances its effectiveness but also makes it more likely to irritate sensitive skin.
If your skin is very sensitive or prone to rosacea, glycolic acid may be too strong; in that case, try milder options like lactic acid or a PHA instead.
Recent studies suggest glycolic acid might even help protect against UV damage. But don’t skip sunscreen! Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun.
Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar. It smooths, brightens, hydrates, and firms the skin. Unless you’re highly sensitive, it’s well worth adding to your routine.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidImidazolidinyl Urea is a preservative and isn't fungal acne safe. It can cause irritation and worsen eczema.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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
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