Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Chemist at Play Lactic Acid (AHA) with Hyaluronic Acid Exfoliating Face Serum versus Beauty Bay SkinHit Balancing Serum with Prebiotic + Postbiotic .
Published on March 17, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, brightening skin, reducing pores, 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 need an update? Let us know.
Price
Ingredient Info
Chemist at Play Lactic Acid (AHA) with Hyaluronic Acid Exfoliating Face Serum 15 ingredients
Beauty Bay SkinHit Balancing Serum with Prebiotic + Postbiotic 13 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Chemist at Play Lactic Acid (AHA) with Hyaluronic Acid Exfoliating Face Serum 15 ingredients
Beauty Bay SkinHit Balancing Serum with Prebiotic + Postbiotic 13 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.
Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterChemist at Play Lactic Acid (AHA) with Hyaluronic Acid Exfoliating Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Beauty Bay SkinHit Balancing Serum with Prebiotic + Postbiotic contains this as ingredient number 1.
Lactic 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 AcidChemist at Play Lactic Acid (AHA) with Hyaluronic Acid Exfoliating Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
Beauty Bay SkinHit Balancing Serum with Prebiotic + Postbiotic contains this as ingredient number 11.
Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
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 PropanediolChemist at Play Lactic Acid (AHA) with Hyaluronic Acid Exfoliating Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
Beauty Bay SkinHit Balancing Serum with Prebiotic + Postbiotic contains this as ingredient number 2.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
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.
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 look more even.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidChemist at Play Lactic Acid (AHA) with Hyaluronic Acid Exfoliating Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.
Beauty Bay SkinHit Balancing Serum with Prebiotic + Postbiotic contains this as ingredient number 8.
Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Sodium Citrate helps maintain the pH of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Sodium Citrate is a chelating agent. It neutralizes metal ions from water and prevents them from binding to other ingredients. This ensures the other ingredients will not be altered.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateChemist at Play Lactic Acid (AHA) with Hyaluronic Acid Exfoliating Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.
Beauty Bay SkinHit Balancing Serum with Prebiotic + Postbiotic contains this as ingredient number 4.
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.
Sodium Benzoate 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 BenzoateChemist at Play Lactic Acid (AHA) with Hyaluronic Acid Exfoliating Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.
Beauty Bay SkinHit Balancing Serum with Prebiotic + Postbiotic contains this as ingredient number 13.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
Chemist at Play Lactic Acid (AHA) with Hyaluronic Acid Exfoliating Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.
Beauty Bay SkinHit Balancing Serum with Prebiotic + Postbiotic contains this as ingredient number 5.
Xanthan 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 GumChemist at Play Lactic Acid (AHA) with Hyaluronic Acid Exfoliating Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.
Beauty Bay SkinHit Balancing Serum with Prebiotic + Postbiotic contains this as ingredient number 6.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Chemist at Play Lactic Acid (AHA) with Hyaluronic Acid Exfoliating Face Serum 15 ingredients
Beauty Bay SkinHit Balancing Serum with Prebiotic + Postbiotic 13 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Chemist at Play Lactic Acid (AHA) with Hyaluronic Acid Exfoliating Face Serum 15 ingredients
Beauty Bay SkinHit Balancing Serum with Prebiotic + Postbiotic 13 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Chemist at Play Lactic Acid (AHA) with Hyaluronic Acid Exfoliating Face Serum.
See 50 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Beauty Bay SkinHit Balancing Serum with Prebiotic + Postbiotic.
See 50 alternatives
