CeraVe Hydrating Toner Versus Thayers 2% AHA Exfoliating Toner With Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid And Witch Hazel
Updated on February 03, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe toners. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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
CeraVe Hydrating Toner 25 ingredients
Thayers 2% AHA Exfoliating Toner With Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid And Witch Hazel 21 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
CeraVe Hydrating Toner 25 ingredients
Thayers 2% AHA Exfoliating Toner With Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid And Witch Hazel 21 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30
EmulsifyingPEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether
StabilisingPEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Laurate
EmulsifyingCeramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCholesterol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Propanediol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30, PEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Potassium Laurate, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Niacinamide, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Acer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
Masking
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingIsoceteth-20
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Pvp, Isoceteth-20, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Limonene
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 WaterSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxidePhenoxyethanol 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.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinCitric 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
CeraVe Hydrating Toner 25 ingredients
Thayers 2% AHA Exfoliating Toner With Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid And Witch Hazel 21 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CeraVe Hydrating Toner 25 ingredients
Immediately irritated my skin. Heavy burning sensation. Did a spot test on a portion of my skin without any acne just to make sure and my already oily skin became about 3x more oily with little to no hydrating effects. Yikes.
After a week of using this, my cystic acne reappeared on my chin. Yeah I do have hormonal acne, but the painful red bumps from the last (before I used topical medicine) have returned. It does irritate my skin, and after reviewing the comments, I feel like I’m not the only one experiencing this problem with this product. I think my skin is sensitive to Hyaluronic Acid. Go with a different product
