Ghost Democracy Transparent Gentle Exfoliating Daily Cleanser Versus Prequel Multi-Acid Milk Peel AHA Exfoliating Solution
Updated on December 16, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
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, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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
Ghost Democracy Transparent Gentle Exfoliating Daily Cleanser 27 ingredients
Prequel Multi-Acid Milk Peel AHA Exfoliating Solution 33 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
Ghost Democracy Transparent Gentle Exfoliating Daily Cleanser 27 ingredients
Prequel Multi-Acid Milk Peel AHA Exfoliating Solution 33 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDecyl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingGlyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSchizophyllan
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Citrus Limon Peel Extract
EmollientPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentSalvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentLauryl Glucoside
CleansingCitric Acid
Buffering
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Glycolic Acid, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Glycerin, Mandelic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Schizophyllan, Niacinamide, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Lauryl Glucoside, Citric Acid, Triethyl Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingC13-16 Isoparaffin
Solvent
C10-12 Isoalkane
SolventPhytic Acid
Malic Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Lipase
Skin ConditioningProtease
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning
C15-23 Alkane
SolventHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tricaprylin
Masking
Glyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate
EmollientTetradecane
Perfuming
C13-14 Alkane
SolventDecyl Glucoside
CleansingMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLecithin
Emollient
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-4 Oleate
Emulsifying
Carrageenan
Silica
Abrasive
Water, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, C13-16 Isoparaffin, C10-12 Isoalkane, Phytic Acid, Malic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, Lipase, Protease, Squalane, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, C15-23 Alkane, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Tricaprylin, Glyceryl Oleate, Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate, Tetradecane, C13-14 Alkane, Decyl Glucoside, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Carrageenan, Silica
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Decyl Glucoside is a glucose-based surfactant and emulsion stabilizer. It is created by reacting glucose with the fatty acids from plants.
Surfactants help clean the skin by trapping oil, sebum, and dirt to be washed away. As an emulsion stabilizer, it stabilizes the ingredients in a product by preventing them from separating.
This ingredient is biodegradable and non-toxic. This ingredient is commonly found in baby shampoos.
Decyl Glucoside is sometimes used to stabilize the UV filter Tinosorb.
Learn more about Decyl GlucosideGlycerin 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Oleate is the ester of glycerin and oleic acid. This ingredient is mainly an emollient and emulsifier.
Emollients soften and hydrate the skin by creating a thin film on top to trap in moisture. As an emulsifier, glyceryl oleate helps stabilize formulations by preventing ingredients such as oil and water from separating. According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps helps thicken water-in-oil formulations, shower gels, and hair shampoos.
In some products, this ingredient may be used as a fragrance / perfuming ingredient. The scent of this ingredient is described to be "waxy".
Glyceryl oleate is created from oils rich in oleic acid, such as peanut oil and olive oil.
This ingredient may not be malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Glyceryl OleateGlycolic 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 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.
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 HydroxideWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Ghost Democracy Transparent Gentle Exfoliating Daily Cleanser 27 ingredients
Prequel Multi-Acid Milk Peel AHA Exfoliating Solution 33 ingredients
