Esfolio 3HA Clear Toner Versus Sk-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion Toner
Updated on September 03, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both toners. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, BHA and hyaluronic acid
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, 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
Esfolio 3HA Clear Toner 38 ingredients
Sk-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion Toner 16 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Esfolio 3HA Clear Toner 38 ingredients
Sk-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion Toner 16 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingMelaleuca Cajaputi Extract
TonicHydroxyethyl Urea
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Lactobionic Acid
Buffering
Carica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
Humectant
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Masking
Malic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Pyruvic Acid
MaskingWater, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, Melaleuca Cajaputi Extract, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Allantoin, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Adenosine, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid, Mentha Piperita Oil, Lactobionic Acid, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract, Sodium Lactate, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Sodium PCA, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Malic Acid, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Pyruvic Acid
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:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCitric 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 AcidDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinLactic 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 AcidMalic Acid is an acid with both AHA and BHA properties, but is considered an AHA because its AHA properties are stronger.
Like other AHAs, it removes the top layer of old and dead skin to reveal the newer layer underneath. It also helps with improving fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone, skin texture, and acne blemishes.
Due to its exfoliating properties, you should wear SPF when using Malic Acid.
Fun fact: The word "Malic" comes from the word "Malum". In Latin, "Malum" means apple. This ingredient is often derived from unripe fruit.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Malic AcidSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
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 this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Esfolio 3HA Clear Toner 38 ingredients
Sk-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion Toner 16 ingredients
Reviews
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