Garnier Pure Active AHA + BHA Charcoal Serum Versus Disciple Shadow Work AHA/BHA Serum
Updated on December 06, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and BHA
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 common allergens, 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
Garnier Pure Active AHA + BHA Charcoal Serum 23 ingredients
Disciple Shadow Work AHA/BHA Serum 17 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
Garnier Pure Active AHA + BHA Charcoal Serum 23 ingredients
Disciple Shadow Work AHA/BHA Serum 17 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCharcoal Powder
Abrasive
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingHydroxypropyl Guar
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingCitric Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Phytic Acid
Polyglycerin-10
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Salicylic Acid
Masking
CI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
Masking
Water, Alcohol Denat., Niacinamide, Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Charcoal Powder, Hydroxyacetophenone, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Phytic Acid, Polyglycerin-10, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Salicylic Acid, CI 17200, CI 19140, CI 42090, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Amylopectin
Dextrin
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
CI 16255
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Phosphate
BufferingCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantIngredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ci 42090 is a synthetic dye created from petroleum. It is used to give a bright blue color to cosmetics, medicine, and food.
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 GlycerinHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
Salicylic 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 AcidWater. 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
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Garnier Pure Active AHA + BHA Charcoal Serum 23 ingredients
Disciple Shadow Work AHA/BHA Serum 17 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
