Bareness Refresh. Exfoliant Tonic Versus Glytone Enhance Brightening Solution
Updated on October 30, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe toners. They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and BHA
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 common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols
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
Bareness Refresh. Exfoliant Tonic 34 ingredients
Glytone Enhance Brightening Solution 25 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Bareness Refresh. Exfoliant Tonic 34 ingredients
Glytone Enhance Brightening Solution 25 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Saccharide Isomerate
HumectantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingLactic Acid
Buffering
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentCitric Acid
Buffering
Glucose
HumectantGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Sodium Citrate
BufferingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialMalic Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Alcohol, Glycolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Saccharide Isomerate, Potassium Hydroxide, Aminomethyl Propanol, Lactic Acid, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Centella Asiatica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Citric Acid, Glucose, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Sodium Citrate, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Malic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Isopropyl Alcohol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Citric Acid
Buffering
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingMalachite Extract
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
HumectantSalicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium PCA
HumectantSymphytum Officinale Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBlue 1 Lake
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycolic Acid, Isopropyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Niacinamide, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Alcohol, Allantoin, Chlorphenesin, Citric Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Malachite Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, Saccharide Isomerate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium PCA, Symphytum Officinale Root Extract, Blue 1 Lake
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 WaterPropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolPolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Glycerin 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 GlycerinAlcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
These alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Learn more about AlcoholGlycolic 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 AcidButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Saccharide Isomerate comes from sugars found in corn. It is a skin hydrator.
The structure of this ingredient can be altered to be more similar to the carbohydrates found in our skin. This ability to mimic our skin gives it hydrating properties.
Specifically, saccharide Isomerate is a humectant. Humectants draw moisture from the air to our skin.
Research shows Saccharide Isomerate to be an effective moisturizer.
Learn more about Saccharide IsomeratePotassium hydroxide is commonly known as caustic potash. It is used to fix the pH of a product or as a cleaning agent in soap. In cleansers, it is used for the saponification of oils.
Sapnification is the process of creating fatty acid metal salts from triglycerides and a strong base. During this process, Potassium Hydroxide is used up and is not present in the final product.
Using high concentrations of Potassium Hydroxide have shown to irritate the skin.
Learn more about Potassium HydroxideEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
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 a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidCitric 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 AcidPhenoxyethanol 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.
Ingredient Ratings
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