Balea Beauty Expert Hydration Toner Versus Geek & Gorgeous Liquid Hydration
Updated on October 07, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and reef safe toners. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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
Balea Beauty Expert Hydration Toner 29 ingredients
Geek & Gorgeous Liquid Hydration 19 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Balea Beauty Expert Hydration Toner 29 ingredients
Geek & Gorgeous Liquid Hydration 19 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Urea
Buffering
Sodium PCA
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingPCA
HumectantMagnesium Aspartate
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Phragmites Karka Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Extract
Skin ConditioningPantolactone
HumectantSerine
MaskingAlanine
MaskingGlycine
Buffering
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningGlutamic Acid
HumectantLysine Hcl
Skin Conditioning
Threonine
Arginine
Masking
Copper Gluconate
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningDisodium Phosphate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Glycerin, Panthenol, Betaine, Allantoin, Urea, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, PCA, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Phragmites Karka Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Pantolactone, Serine, Alanine, Glycine, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Glutamic Acid, Lysine Hcl, Threonine, Arginine, Copper Gluconate, Proline, Disodium Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
HumectantSodium PCA
HumectantDiglycerin
HumectantUrea
Buffering
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
Humectant
Lysine
Skin ConditioningPCA
HumectantAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
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 WaterPanthenol 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 PanthenolAllantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinUrea is also called carbamide and is the diamide of carbonic acid. In cosmetics, urea is used to hydrate the skin. It also provides exfoliation in higher concentrations.
As a humectant, urea helps draw moisture from the air and from deep within the skin. This helps hydrate your skin. Studies show urea is an effective moisturizer for dry skin conditions. 40% urea is typical in medications for treating eczema and other skin conditions.
Urea has the strongest exfoliation effect in concentrations higher than 10%. It is a keratolytic agent, meaning it breaks down the keratin protein in the top layer of skin. This helps remove dead skin cells and flaking skin.
In medicine, urea has been shown to help increase the potency of other ingredients, such as fungal treatments.
Humans and animals use urea to metabolize nitrogen-containing compounds. Urea is highly soluble in water. Once dissolved, it is neither acidic nor alkaline.
Learn more about UreaSodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It is naturally occurring in our skin's natural moisturizing factors where it works to maintain hydration.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
This ingredient has skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCAPCA is derived from amino acids and is naturally found in our skin's barrier.
As a humectant, PCA helps draw and hold moisture to the skin. Studies show it is effective at helping the skin stay hydrated long-term.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
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.
Sodium 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 BenzoateCitric 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 AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Balea Beauty Expert Hydration Toner 29 ingredients
Geek & Gorgeous Liquid Hydration 19 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Balea Beauty Expert Hydration Toner 29 ingredients
A good hydrating toner. Doesn’t do overnight magic but it hydrates the skin and makes it look smooth and plump
Edit: caused breakouts
This drys my skin. This defeats the purpose. Overall i don’t like balea products .
Geek & Gorgeous Liquid Hydration 19 ingredients
This is my holy grail toner. I've literally used 9 bottles so far, and am currently using another one.
The first time I ever used it, I thought it was just nice but not necessarily more special than other toners I had tried. However, after a week of using it, I noticed visible improvements. My skin was looking noticeably more hydrated, more even, more healthy. Turns out my skin just loves this Show more
My favorite toner! The lactic acid and urea keep fungal acne at bay and it pairs well with other products. It’s hydrating and works great for my sensitive skin. It is gentle enough to use even if my skin is irritated, unlike other toners I have.
