COSRX The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel Versus Urban Skin Vitamin C Brighten & Glow Enzyme Mask
Updated on October 31, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, exfoliants, hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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 The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel 27 ingredients
Urban Skin Vitamin C Brighten & Glow Enzyme Mask 38 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
COSRX The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel 27 ingredients
Urban Skin Vitamin C Brighten & Glow Enzyme Mask 38 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Methylpropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Phosphate
BufferingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Water, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Gluconolactone, Mandelic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid 2%, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Octyldodeceth-16, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Cyanocobalamin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 60, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPvp
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides
EmollientKojic Acid
Antioxidant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingLecithin
EmollientPullulan
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Citrus Limon Juice
Skin ConditioningTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus/Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract
Abrasive
Bixa Orellana Seed Oil
Emollient
Carica Papaya Seed Oil
Humectant
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Glutathione
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Morus Alba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-51
Skin Conditioning
Water, Glycerin, Polysorbate 60, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Pvp, Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides, Kojic Acid, Niacinamide, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, Xanthan Gum, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Pullulan, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycine Soja Oil, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Limon Juice, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Retinyl Palmitate, Lactobacillus/Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract, Bixa Orellana Seed Oil, Carica Papaya Seed Oil, Alpha-Arbutin, Glutathione, Azelaic Acid, Morus Alba Leaf Extract, Oligopeptide-51
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 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 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 Acid1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
COSRX The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel 27 ingredients
Urban Skin Vitamin C Brighten & Glow Enzyme Mask 38 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
COSRX The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel 27 ingredients
Love this. I use it every 2 weeks in the evenings. The next morning my skin looks and feels great. Does exactly what it is supposed to do.
