Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Exfoliation Night Versus MAKE Beauty Acid Phase AHA Exfoliating Liquid
Updated on November 08, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, BHA 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, 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
MAKE Beauty Acid Phase AHA Exfoliating Liquid 25 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
MAKE Beauty Acid Phase AHA Exfoliating Liquid 25 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 ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Malic Acid
Buffering
Sodium PCA
HumectantPyruvic Acid
MaskingTartaric Acid
Buffering
Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
Masking
Alteromonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningMaris Aqua
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Lactate
BufferingCalcium Gluconate
HumectantGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Propanediol, Glycolic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Sodium PCA, Pyruvic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Salicylic Acid, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Maris Aqua, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lactate, Calcium Gluconate, Gluconolactone, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Polyacrylate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate
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 AcidPropanediol 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 PropanediolSodium 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 HydroxideGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. 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.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactonePhenoxyethanol 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 AcidCitric 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 AcidPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSodium 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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