Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner Versus Then I Met You Birch Milk Refining Toner
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe toners. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or silicones
What's Inside
They both contain 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
Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner 27 ingredients
Then I Met You Birch Milk Refining Toner 24 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
Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner 27 ingredients
Then I Met You Birch Milk Refining Toner 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Glycerin
Humectant
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Water
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
Cleansing
Betaine Salicylate
Antimicrobial
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Flower Water
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelissa Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract
TonicAmber Powder
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Pelargonium Graveolens Oil
Masking
Citronellol
Perfuming
Water, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Glycerin, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Water, Squalane, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Betaine Salicylate, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract, Amber Powder, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Citronellol
Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Squalane
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingTrehalose
Humectant
Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Masking
Sodium Dodoxynol-40 Sulfate
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin Conditioning
Styrene/Vp Copolymer
Disodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Gluconolactone, Water, Sodium Lactate, Trehalose, Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Sodium Dodoxynol-40 Sulfate, Sorbic Acid, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Styrene/Vp Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid
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 AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneWater. 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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When to use
Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner 27 ingredients
Then I Met You Birch Milk Refining Toner 24 ingredients
Reviews
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