Updated on July 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and niacinamide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any 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
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients
Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum 62 ingredients
- Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
- Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil
- Oryza Sativa Bran Oil
- Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil
- Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
- Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
- Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
- Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil
- Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
- Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
- Boswellia Carterii Oil
- Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil
- Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients
Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum 62 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
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Ingredients Side-by-side
Actinidia Chinensis is the extract from kiwi fruit. It contains antioxidants in the forms of Vitamin C and polyphenols.
Salix Alba Bark Water is created by distilling parts from the white willow tree. The white willow tree is native to Europe and Central Asia.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
6 Benefits
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
Sodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and used to adjust the pH of a product.
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.
7 Benefits 2 Concerns
Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It can be found naturally in our skin and hair.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
2 Benefits May worsen Rosacea
Betaine Salicylate is considered a salicylic acid alternative.
Antioxidant 6 Benefits
Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.
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.
Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Oil Not safe for Fungal Acne
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the ripe fruit of the Olive. In other words - olive oil.
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.
5 Concerns
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
6 Benefits
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
This ingredient is created by distilling parts of the tea tree plant. The bark and leaves of the tea tree plant are rich in Terpinen, an antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory ingredient.
5 Benefits
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract comes from the Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap plant. This plant is native to Northeast Asia and can be found in China, Mongolia, Korea, and Siberia.
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract comes from the Japanese Knotweed plant native to Japan, Korea, and China.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.
Sodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and used to adjust the pH of a product.
Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and is naturally occurring on human skin.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
6 Benefits 3 Concerns
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.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Malic Acid is an AHA derived from unripe fruit. The word "Malic" comes from the word "Malum". In Latin, "Malum" means apple.
7 Benefits 2 Concerns
Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Tartaric Acid is an AHA. It can help to improve skin texture, reduce large pores, heal scars, and brighten skin. It can cause irritation and worsen rosacea.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract comes from the cranberry fruit. Vaccinium Macrocarpon is the North American species of cranberries native to eastern Canada.
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract comes from the lavender flower. Lavandula Angustifolia is known as the English Lavender and famous for creating purple fields in Provence, France.
Houttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract is from a plant called the Marsh Mallow plant. This plant is indigenous to Europe, West Asia, and North Africa.
Rosemary extract has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and astringent properties.
Helps reduce irritation
Madecassoside comes from the super popular skin-soothing ingredient, Centella asiatica. It is one of four active compounds found in the extract of Centella Asiatica.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil comes from a green tea plant native to China. It is closely related to Camellia sinensis. Both plants have very similar properties. This plant also has similar properties to olive oil.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Oryza Sativa Bran Oil comes from the outer layer of a rice kernel. It is a byproduct of milling rice, or the operation to produce a whole grain rice product.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds from the tea plant. This is the same plant we get green, black, and oolong tea from.
Good for Scar Healing Not safe for Fungal Acne
Rosehip Oil is a nonfragrant plant oil. Rosehips are a fruit from a rose bush and are edible. This oil helps even out skin tone, has anti-aging properties, and is good for reducing inflammation.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil comes from the sweet almond, a tree native to Iran. This oil has no fragrance and is non-volatile.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil is the oil extracted from the seeds of the meadowfoam plant. This oil is non-fragrant and is an emollient. As an emollient, meadowfoam seed oil helps soften and hydrate the skin.
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
Oil
Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil is the volatile oil expressed from the peel of the Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi, Rutaceae.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil is oil from the peel of an orange fruit.
Curcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.
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.
EU Allergen
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil is the pressed oil of the Rose Geranium plant. It is volatile, meaning it evaporates off the skin.
Boswellia Carterii Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the Boswellia carterii, Burseraceae. It is also known as Frankincense oil.
Pearl Powder is made by grinding up fresh-water or salt-water pearls. Pearls are rich in amino-acids, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and antioxidant compounds.
Oil
Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil is a fragrance and is an oil.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Moringa oleifera plant. It is more commonly known as Moringa seed oil.
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract comes from the Holy Basil plant. Holy Basil is native to India.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
Water, Centella Asiatica Extract 77%, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Propanediol, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Pyruvic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract, Lactobionic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract, Syringa Vulgaris Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Angelica Keiskei Extract, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Madecassoside, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Sodium Chloride, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Melia Azadirachta Bark Extract, Pearl Powder, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene 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.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about Niacinamide1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.
Sodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and used to adjust the pH of a product.
Sodium Lactate is part of our skin's NMF, or natural moisturizing factor. Our NMF is essential for the hydration of our top skin layers and plasticity of skin.
It also influences our skin's natural acid mantle and pH, which protects our skin from harmful bacteria.
Our NMF is formed from amino acids, lactic acid, sugars, minerals, peptides, and electrolytes. As we age, our NMF naturally depletes. Other sources of NMF depletion include harsh and drying ingredients such as denatured alcohol. Sodium lactate can help replenish our NMF, leading to more hydrated and plump skin.
High percentages of Sodium Lactate can have an exfoliating effect.
Sodium Lactate is produced from fermented sugar.
Learn more about Sodium LactateWater. 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 WaterGlycolic 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 AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
When to use
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients
Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum 62 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients
Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum 62 ingredients
sarahcasier_844
It works great! Reduces the scars (red and the darker ones) after a breakout. I feel like it also prevents it. I use it with a cosrx cleanser.
Azrin
Caused irration but gave me a glass skin for a while
I brought the SOS Acne Miracle set, not the product itself alone. It's because I've a lot of...
Caused irration but gave me a glass skin for a while
I brought the SOS Acne Miracle set, not the product itself alone. It's because I've a lot of skin concerns and not every treatement for these concerns are suitable for sensitive skin. My skin is very dry except the T-zone. So, I was very glad to find this serum. After the first use it made my skin come to live. Like my skin is so dull and dry most of the time, I never glow. It was hard not to like this product. It was also my first time using a serum & it made me glow. I felt like I got my money's worth. Then why is the 2 star?
After literally 2 minutes, I had an unbearable urge to scratch my skin. Like it was so itchy. I just used 2-3 drops, why was my face itching so much? It clamed down after a while.
I put the blame on other things. But do you know what? It caused me so much itchiness, it tore my skin. It slso caused me redness.
This serum has a very lemon like citrusy smell. And that's how I found I'm allergic to citrus acid. My skin never took well to this particular acid. And it made my fungal acne to flare up. All this problems stopped when I stopped using this one one but I kept using other products from this line. I wish I had done more research before buying this product cause a lot of the people in google said this happened to them too. Not suitable for sensitive skin. And I know I brought the real deal.
