Balance Me AHA Glow Mask Versus Serious Skincare Glycolic Gommage Extreme Renewal Exfoliating Facial
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and exfoliants
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 parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens, fragrances and 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
Balance Me AHA Glow Mask 38 ingredients
Serious Skincare Glycolic Gommage Extreme Renewal Exfoliating Facial 39 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Balance Me AHA Glow Mask 38 ingredients
Serious Skincare Glycolic Gommage Extreme Renewal Exfoliating Facial 39 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Cetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingMalic Acid
Buffering
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Medica Fruit Juice Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingAngelica Archangelica Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Pelargonium Roseum Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Tilia Cordata Oil
Masking
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Oil
Masking
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
Masking
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
Masking
Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil
Astringent
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningSilica
Abrasive
Chondrus Crispus Powder
Abrasive
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Cetearyl Glucoside, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Fruit Juice Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Angelica Archangelica Leaf Oil, Pelargonium Roseum Leaf Oil, Tilia Cordata Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Silica, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Tocopherol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Montmorillonite
AbsorbentSilica
Abrasive
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Sodium PCA
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingStearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Skin ConditioningPhytic Acid
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentDisodium EDTA
Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil
Masking
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Masking
Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil
Emollient
Lavandula Hybrida Oil
Emollient
Cistus Ladaniferus Oil
Emollient
Illite
Abrasive
Malic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Pullulan
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCitric Acid
Buffering
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Water, Kaolin, Montmorillonite, Silica, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Glycerin, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Sodium PCA, Beta-Glucan, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Phytic Acid, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Cistus Ladaniferus Oil, Illite, Malic Acid, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Pullulan, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 77492, Citric Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Allantoin, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterKaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinGlycerin 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 GlycerinCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglyceridePrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil comes from the sweet almond, a tree native to Iran. This oil has no fragrance and is non-volatile.
Almonds contain healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is a rich source of Vitamin E, a great antioxidant and skin conditioning ingredient. Sweet almond oil contains fatty acids such as linolenic acid and triglycerides.
The content of sweet almond oil makes it a great emollient; it can help soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a barrier over your skin to trap moisture in. Sweet almond oil has antioxidant properties.
Those with an almond allergy should be careful of this ingredient and speak with a professional about using it in your skincare.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis OilCitric 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 AcidLactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.
Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.
Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.
Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidMalic Acid is an acid with both AHA and BHA properties, but is considered an AHA because its AHA properties are stronger.
Like other AHAs, it removes the top layer of old and dead skin to reveal the newer layer underneath. It also helps with improving fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone, skin texture, and acne blemishes.
Due to its exfoliating properties, you should wear SPF when using Malic Acid.
Fun fact: The word "Malic" comes from the word "Malum". In Latin, "Malum" means apple. This ingredient is often derived from unripe fruit.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Malic AcidThis ingredient is also called sugarcane extract. It is a moisturizing humectant and has skin soothing properties.
Similar to hyaluronic acid, sugarcane can attract moisture to your skin.
Glycolic acid is a derivative of sugarcane. While glycolic acid is an AHA with exfoliating properties, sugarcane is not an AHA.
A study from 2021 found the compounds in sugarcane extract to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity. The study also suggests these compounds can inhibit skin ageing enzymes and promote collagen synthesis.
Learn more about Saccharum Officinarum ExtractSilica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.
Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.
Learn more about SilicaIngredient Ratings
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Balance Me AHA Glow Mask 38 ingredients
Serious Skincare Glycolic Gommage Extreme Renewal Exfoliating Facial 39 ingredients
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