Florence by Mills Clean Magic Face Wash Versus Akind Fresh Start Oil-Free Balancing Cleanser
Updated on October 10, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 11 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, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, oils, 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
Florence by Mills Clean Magic Face Wash 47 ingredients
Akind Fresh Start Oil-Free Balancing Cleanser 22 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Florence by Mills Clean Magic Face Wash 47 ingredients
Akind Fresh Start Oil-Free Balancing Cleanser 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycol Stearate
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Malic Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Gallic Acid
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Cyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract
Perfuming
Santalum Album Wood Extract
Perfuming
Rose Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Chamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin Conditioning
Saponaria Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSalvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingNasturtium Officinale Extract
Perfuming
Hedera Helix Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningFucus Vesiculosus Extract
Emollient
Citrus Limon Peel Extract
EmollientArctium Majus Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentTocopherol
Antioxidant
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Masking
Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
Masking
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Cananga Odorata Flower Extract
Perfuming
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Water, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycol Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Malic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Gallic Acid, Panthenol, Cyanocobalamin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ethylhexylglycerin, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract, Santalum Album Wood Extract, Rose Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Saponaria Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Nasturtium Officinale Extract, Hedera Helix Leaf Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Arctium Majus Root Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Cananga Odorata Flower Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Hydroxycitronellal
Water
Skin ConditioningDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Butyl Diethanolamine
BufferingSorbitan Sesquicaprylate
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingGlycol Distearate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Hamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic
PEG-150 Distearate
Emulsifying
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sodium Sulfite
Preservative
BHT
Antioxidant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Butyl Diethanolamine, Sorbitan Sesquicaprylate, Gluconolactone, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycol Distearate, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, PEG-150 Distearate, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Sulfite, BHT, Sodium Benzoate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric 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 AcidCocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetaineThis ingredient is a cleansing agent, surfactant, and foam booster. It considered an alternative to traditional sulfates (Sulfosuccinate) and is allowed in "sulfate-free" products.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is mild and can be used in baby and bath options.
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
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 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 AcidMandelic Acid helps exfoliate skin. It also contains antioxidant properties.
As an AHA, Mandelic Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Mandelic Acid may be an alternative to Glycolic Acid for those with sensitive skin.
Mandelic Acid may help reduce wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Mandelic 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.
Salix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.
Salix Alba Bark Extract has often been described as salicylic acid's cousin. This is due to the salicin it contains. However, studies are limited showing salix alba bark to be an effective salicylic acid alternative.
Salicin does have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has shown to decrease the formation of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-kappa B. Salicin also has a mildly exfoliating effect on the skin.
Several other components in salix alba bark extract also contain antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging as they neutralize harmful free-radical molecules.
Willow Bark extract has been used for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations used white willow to help treat pain and fevers.
Learn more about Salix Alba Bark ExtractSodium 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 BenzoateWater. 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
Florence by Mills Clean Magic Face Wash 47 ingredients
Akind Fresh Start Oil-Free Balancing Cleanser 22 ingredients
