Chemist at Play Exfoliating Peeling Solution Versus Minimalist AHA PHA BHA 32% Face Peel
Updated on October 11, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, hyaluronic acid and PHA
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 harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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
Chemist at Play Exfoliating Peeling Solution 27 ingredients
Minimalist AHA PHA BHA 32% Face Peel 22 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
Chemist at Play Exfoliating Peeling Solution 27 ingredients
Minimalist AHA PHA BHA 32% Face Peel 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Lactobionic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPropanediol
Solvent
Sodium Salicylate
Preservative
Polyquaternium-39
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Oryza Sativa Cera
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Buteth-3
SolventDisodium EDTA
Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
UV AbsorberChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Tributyl Citrate
SolventPhospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Sphingolipids
EmollientMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Water, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Lactobionic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Propanediol, Sodium Salicylate, Polyquaternium-39, Phenoxyethanol, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Allantoin, Ceramide AP, Oryza Sativa Cera, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Buteth-3, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Tributyl Citrate, Phospholipids, Sphingolipids, Maltodextrin
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Propanediol
Solvent
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Triethanolamine
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Pullulan
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Lecithin
Emollient
Water, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Mandelic Acid, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Propanediol, Ethoxydiglycol, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Pullulan, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Lecithin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Glycolic 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 AcidMandelic Acid helps exfoliate skin. It also contains antioxidant properties.
As an AHA, Mandelic Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Mandelic Acid may be an alternative to Glycolic Acid for those with sensitive skin.
Mandelic Acid may help reduce wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Mandelic 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolPropylene 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 GlycolSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium 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 HydroxideWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Chemist at Play Exfoliating Peeling Solution 27 ingredients
Minimalist AHA PHA BHA 32% Face Peel 22 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
