Updated on July 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA and hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
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
Glow Recipe Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops 31 ingredients
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner 22 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Glow Recipe Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops 31 ingredients
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner 22 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water. 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.
Nylon-12 is a polymer. It is derived from 12-aminododecanoic acid, an omega-amino fatty acid
C9-12 Alkane is synethically created using alkanes, or paraffins. It is added to products as a solvent. This means its main purpose is to help dissolve ingredients and create even texture.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
Fragaria Vesca Leaf Extract comes from the leaves of the wild strawberry plant.
Preservative 5 Benefits 4 Concerns
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.
Salix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is a natural preservative. It comes from fermenting radish roots with a bacteria called leuconostoc. Leuconostoc comes from lactic acid. This bacteria is used to make the traditional Korean side-dish, kimchi. It is also used to make sourdough bread (both incredibly yummy foods).
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
Polyglyceryl-10 Dipalmitate isn't fungal acne safe.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
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.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
2 Concerns
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Water, Tapioca Starch, Isopentyldiol, Nylon-12, C9-12 Alkane, Distarch Phosphate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Saccharide Isomerate, Fragaria Vesca Leaf Extract, Salicylic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Fragaria Vesca Fruit Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bisabolol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Triheptanoin, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Dipalmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Citric Acid, Parfum
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract comes from the cactus known as Prickly Pear. Prickly Pear extract has soothing and antioxidant properties.
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract comes from the watermelon. Watermelon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
4 Benefits May cause irritation
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.
2 Benefits
Gluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
Polyglutamic Acid is made up many glutamic acids chained together. It is created from bacterial fermentation.
2 Benefits May worsen Rosacea
Betaine Salicylate is considered a salicylic acid alternative.
Salix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.
Good for Oily Skin
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract comes from the Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, Myrtaceae. This tea tree is native to Australia.
This extract comes from the Roselle flower, or Hibiscus Sabdariffa. Roselle flowers are rich in antioxidants and have anti-aging benefits.
We don't have a description for Lactobacillus/Watermelon Fruit Ferment Extract.
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract comes from the cucumber. Cucumis Sativus is native to South Asia and can now be found on every continent.
This ingredient is also called sugarcane extract. It is a moisturizing humectant and has skin soothing properties.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract comes from the Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap plant. This plant is native to Northeast Asia and can be found in China, Mongolia, Korea, and Siberia.
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract comes from the Paeonia Suffruticosa plant known as the Peony.
Sorbitan Oleate is created from compounds in oleic acid and sorbitol. It is used to stabilize a product by preventing ingredients from separating.
Levulinic Acid is a fragrance that comes from the degradation of cellulose. It is a saturated fatty acid.
Sodium levulinate is the a sodium salt of Levulinic Acid. If dissolved in an aqueous solution, the two ingredients become identical.
2 Concerns
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Gluconolactone, Polyglutamic Acid, Betaine Salicylate, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Lactobacillus/Watermelon Fruit Ferment Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract, Ipomoea Batatas Root Extract, Sorbitan Oleate, Levulinic Acid, Sodium Levulinate, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 ExtractParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
When to use
Glow Recipe Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops 31 ingredients
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner 22 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner 22 ingredients
Nina
I don't understand this product.
After doing skincare for over a decade, I've tried hundreds of products (yes, my wallet isn't happy). This product...
I don't understand this product.
After doing skincare for over a decade, I've tried hundreds of products (yes, my wallet isn't happy). This product was one of the worst out of these hundreds. Most products I've tried are alright. This one was truly not good. It has a strong scent, didn't absorb, and just didn't do anything positive for my skin at all. I gave it 2 weeks and stopped when I started breaking out. I truly cannot understand why people love this toner so much.
