Glossier Solution Skin-Perfecting Daily Chemical Exfoliator Versus iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Down to Tone Life Changing Toner
Updated on July 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, BHA, niacinamide and PHA
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, 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
Glossier Solution Skin-Perfecting Daily Chemical Exfoliator 25 ingredients
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Down to Tone Life Changing Toner 39 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Glossier Solution Skin-Perfecting Daily Chemical Exfoliator 25 ingredients
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Down to Tone Life Changing Toner 39 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
SolventEthoxydiglycol
HumectantMagnesium Chloride
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycereth-7 Trimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Betaine
Humectant
Inositol
HumectantCitric Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Phytic Acid
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
PEG-8
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Acetic Acid
BufferingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid 0.5%, Water, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Propanediol, Ethoxydiglycol, Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycereth-7 Trimethyl Ether, Niacinamide, Betaine, Inositol, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Phytic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, PEG-8, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Acetic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Propanediol
SolventSodium Citrate
BufferingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Phytic Acid
Malic Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Skin Protecting
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract
Antioxidant
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Vinegar
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract
AstringentArginine
Masking
Acer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDocosahexaenoic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Emollient
Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingLactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Phytate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSorbitol
Humectant
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Citrate, Niacinamide, Phytic Acid, Malic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Vinegar, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Arginine, Acer Saccharum Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Phosphatidylcholine, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Phytate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
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 a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
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 WaterLactic 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 AcidGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactonePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideCitric 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 AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinPhytic Acid is a gentle AHA and antioxidant. AHAs are chemical exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells. Phytic Acid has a slight and mild exfoliating effect.
The chemical makeup makes it classified as an AHA, much like lactic acid.
In some cases, it is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water, helping to stabilize the ingredients in a product.
An interesting fact about phytic acid is that it is considered an antinutrient. People do not have the enzyme needed to properly breakdown and digest phytic acid. When ingested, phytic acid binds to minerals and prevents them from being absorbed.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Phytic AcidEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Glossier Solution Skin-Perfecting Daily Chemical Exfoliator 25 ingredients
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Down to Tone Life Changing Toner 39 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Glossier Solution Skin-Perfecting Daily Chemical Exfoliator 25 ingredients
broke my skin barrier
my skin broke out like crazy and would not recover, it would get hot and dry and couldn't hold moisture
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Down to Tone Life Changing Toner 39 ingredients
I used this as part of a set. I vaguely remember it having a strong chemical smell, it wasn't super memorable so I don't even think I finished the bottle.
