Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Exfoliation Night Versus e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum
Updated on November 08, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA and PHA
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 and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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
Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Exfoliation Night 29 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum 16 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Exfoliation Night 29 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum 16 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Propanediol
SolventSodium Hydroxide
BufferingGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
C13-15 Alkane
SolventHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
Emollient
Lactobionic Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientIsostearic Acid
Cleansing
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMica
Cosmetic Colorant
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Phytate
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentHippophae Rhamnoides Oil
Emollient
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSilica
Abrasive
Resveratrol
Antioxidant
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCitric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Glycolic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Gluconolactone, C13-15 Alkane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Lactobionic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Isostearic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Mica, Sorbitan Isostearate, CI 77891, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Phytate, Maltodextrin, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, Silica, Resveratrol, CI 77491, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Lactobionic Acid
Buffering
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingPolyglyceryl-3 Cocoate
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningIngredients 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 WaterLactobionic Acid is a PHA. PHAs are the gentle cousins to AHAS.
Like AHAs, they exfoliate the top layer of skin. Lactobionic acid also exhibits significant antioxidant activity.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. This means they do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
By removing dead skin cells, PHAs leave the skin brighter and with even-texture.
Learn more about Lactobionic 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.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
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 GumCitric 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 AcidSodium 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.
It 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 BenzoateIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Exfoliation Night 29 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum 16 ingredients
