Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads versus Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence .
Last updated on August 07, 2023. Published on August 19, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 16 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Exfoliator
Exfoliators are used to exfoliate the skin, or remove dead skin cells from the skin. Exfoliators may be chemical or physical.
Essence
Essences are used to prep skin for further treatment and may provide extra skin benefits. They are usually used before serum and moisturizers. Essences are thought to have originated in either Japan or Korea and is an essential step in K-Beauty.
Price
Ingredient Info
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads 30 ingredients
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence 42 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
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 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads 30 ingredients
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence 42 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads 30 ingredients
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence 42 ingredients
Water • Butylene Glycol • Lactococcus Ferment Lysate • Polysorbate 20 • Methyl Gluceth-20 • Lactic Acid • Phenoxyethanol • Betaine • Propylene Glycol • Disodium EDTA • Benzoic Acid • Sodium Hydroxide • Parfum • Dehydroacetic Acid • Tromethamine • Ethylhexylglycerin • Papain • Saponins • Sodium Benzoate • Sodium Chloride • Glycerin • Behenyl Alcohol • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Hydrogenated Castor Oil • Stearyl Alcohol • Poria Cocos Extract • Protease • Saponaria Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract • Subtilisin • Tocopheryl Acetate
Water • Lactic Acid • Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil • Sodium Hydroxide • Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Phytic Acid • Phenoxyethanol • Glycerin • Betula Alba Juice • Citric Acid • Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil • Trideceth-9 • Sodium Benzoate • Tocopherol • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Tartaric Acid • Parfum • Potassium Sorbate • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Polysorbate 60 • Sorbitan Isostearate • Yeast Extract • Propylene Glycol • T-Butyl Alcohol • Papain • Hexyl Cinnamal • Limonene • 1,2-Hexanediol • Caprylyl Glycol • Behenyl Alcohol • Benzyl Salicylate • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Chlorphenesin • Tuber Aestivum Extract • Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone • Hydrogenated Castor Oil • Stearyl Alcohol • Protease • Subtilisin • Tocopheryl Acetate • Citrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Oil
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 WaterElemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads contains this as ingredient number 1.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence 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 AcidElemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads contains this as ingredient number 6.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence contains this as ingredient number 2.
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.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads contains this as ingredient number 7.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence contains this as ingredient number 8.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may deliver a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolElemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads contains this as ingredient number 9.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence contains this as ingredient number 24.
Sodium 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 HydroxideElemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads contains this as ingredient number 12.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence contains this as ingredient number 4.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumElemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads contains this as ingredient number 13.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence contains this as ingredient number 18.
Papain is an enzyme found naturally in the papaya plant's leaves, fruit, and roots. It has antimicrobial, soothing, and wound healing properties.
Glycine and Vitamin A are naturally found in papain.
While papain is often touted as skin-lightening, further studies are needed to prove this. However, papain has been shown to help soothe acne-inflammation.
Papain belongs to a class of enzymes called proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes break down peptides and amino acids.
Some studies found papain to be a potential skin sensitizer and allergen. Those with latex allergies might also be allergic to papaya.
Learn more about PapainElemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads contains this as ingredient number 17.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence contains this as ingredient number 26.
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 BenzoateElemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads contains this as ingredient number 19.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence contains this as ingredient number 14.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinElemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads contains this as ingredient number 21.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence contains this as ingredient number 9.
A type of fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as traditional alcohols.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
Behenyl Alcohol is usually derived from the fats in vegetable oils.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholElemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads contains this as ingredient number 22.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence contains this as ingredient number 31.
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a plant lipid from the fruit of the Shea Tree. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.
Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterElemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads contains this as ingredient number 23.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence contains this as ingredient number 33.
Hydrogenated Castor Oil is created by adding hydrogen to castor oil. This helps stabilize the castor oil and raises the melting point. At room temperature, hydrogenated castor oil is solid.
Castor Oil helps moisturize the skin. It is rich in a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid helps prevent moisture loss on the skin. This helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. Ricinoleic acid also has anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties.
As a wax-like substance, Hydrogenated Castor Oil acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin stay soft and smooth by creating a barrier. This barrier helps trap moisture.
Hydrogenated Castor Oil may not be fungal-acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about Hydrogenated Castor OilElemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads contains this as ingredient number 24.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence contains this as ingredient number 37.
Stearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients.
Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent alcohols. FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Stearyl AlcoholElemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads contains this as ingredient number 25.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence contains this as ingredient number 38.
These enzymes break down protein into smaller peptides and amino acids. They also encourage the formation of new protein.
The human body contains ~641 protease genes alone.
Protease work by breaking peptide bonds in protein with hydrolysis. This is the process of breaking bonds using water.
An in-vitro study (not done on a living organism) found a blend of 3-protease decreases skin inflammation by mitigating the effects of other proteins.
One manufacturer that uses subtilisin, a protease from Bacillus subtilis, claims this ingredient is exfoliating, promotes cell regeneration, and is a good substitute for AHAs. Further research is needed to back up these claims.
Learn more about ProteaseElemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads contains this as ingredient number 27.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence contains this as ingredient number 39.
We don't have a description for Subtilisin.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads contains this as ingredient number 29.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence contains this as ingredient number 40.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateElemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads contains this as ingredient number 30.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence contains this as ingredient number 41.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads 30 ingredients
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence 42 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads 30 ingredients
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Essence 42 ingredients
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