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Updated on July 18, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe toners. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain BHA, hyaluronic acid and PHA

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner
AXIS - Y Daily Purifying Treatment Toner

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract Skin Conditioning

Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract comes from the cactus known as Prickly Pear. Prickly Pear extract has soothing and antioxidant properties.

Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract comes from the watermelon. Watermelon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Hyaluronic Acid Humectant, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation Icon
Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid Icon 4 Benefits May cause irritationMay cause irritation Icon

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.

Gluconolactone Skin Conditioning
PHA IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon
PHAPHA Icon 2 Benefits

Gluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.

Polyglutamic Acid Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon
Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Polyglutamic Acid is made up many glutamic acids chained together. It is created from bacterial fermentation.

Betaine Salicylate Antimicrobial
BHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
BHABHA Icon 2 Benefits May worsen RosaceaMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Betaine Salicylate is considered a salicylic acid alternative.

Salix Alba Bark Extract Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Good for Oily Skin Icon
Good for Oily SkinGood for Oily Skin Icon

Salix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance IconGood for Oily Skin Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon Good for Oily SkinGood for Oily Skin Icon

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract comes from the Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, Myrtaceae. This tea tree is native to Australia.

Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract Skin Conditioning

This extract comes from the Roselle flower, or Hibiscus Sabdariffa. Roselle flowers are rich in antioxidants and have anti-aging benefits.

Lactobacillus/Watermelon Fruit Ferment Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Lactobacillus/Watermelon Fruit Ferment Extract.

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract comes from the cucumber. Cucumis Sativus is native to South Asia and can now be found on every continent.

Saccharum Officinarum Extract Moisturising, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is also called sugarcane extract. It is a moisturizing humectant and has skin soothing properties.

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Bleaching, Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Good for Dark Spots Icon
Good for Dark SpotsGood for Dark Spots Icon

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 Astringent, Humectant, Soothing
Good for Scar Healing Icon
Good for Scar HealingGood for Scar Healing Icon

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 Skin Protecting

Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract comes from the Paeonia Suffruticosa plant known as the Peony.

Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract.

Ipomoea Batatas Root Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ipomoea Batatas Root Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Sorbitan Oleate Emulsifying
3 / 0 Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
2 Concerns

Sorbitan Oleate is created from compounds in oleic acid and sorbitol. It is used to stabilize a product by preventing ingredients from separating.

3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Levulinic Acid Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon

Levulinic Acid is a fragrance that comes from the degradation of cellulose. It is a saturated fatty acid.

Unknown Full details ->
Sodium Levulinate Skin Conditioning

Sodium levulinate is the a sodium salt of Levulinic Acid. If dissolved in an aqueous solution, the two ingredients become identical.

Parfum Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon 2 Concerns

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Daily Purifying Treatment Toner
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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.

Centella Asiatica Extract Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
2 Benefits

Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water Masking

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillate obtained from the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.

Propanediol Solvent

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.

Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon
Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Hieracium Umbellatum Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Hieracium Umbellatum Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Gluconolactone Skin Conditioning
PHA IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon
PHAPHA Icon 2 Benefits

Gluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance IconGood for Oily Skin Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon Good for Oily SkinGood for Oily Skin Icon

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract comes from the Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, Myrtaceae. This tea tree is native to Australia.

Glycolic Acid Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AHAAHA Icon 7 Benefits 2 Concerns

Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.

Betaine Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
3 Benefits

Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.

Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Tonic

We don't have a description for Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Houttuynia Cordata Extract Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness Icon
Helps reduce Skin RednessHelps reduce Skin Redness Icon

Houttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.

Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.

Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract Skin Conditioning

Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract comes from the Asian Mountain Yam. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Laminaria Japonica Extract Skin Protecting

Laminaria Japonica Extract comes from a kelp more commonly known as 'sweet kelp'. It is commonly eaten in Japan, Korea, and China.

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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.

Salicylic Acid Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
BHA IconPreservative IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
BHABHA Icon PreservativePreservative Icon 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.

Sodium Citrate Buffering, Masking

Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.

Illicium Verum Fruit Extract Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon

Illicium Verum Fruit Extract is a fragrance.

Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract Skin Protecting

Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract comes from the Paeonia Suffruticosa plant known as the Peony.

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract Astringent, Humectant, Soothing
Good for Scar Healing Icon
Good for Scar HealingGood for Scar Healing Icon

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.

Arginine Masking, Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

Saccharum Officinarum Extract Moisturising, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is also called sugarcane extract. It is a moisturizing humectant and has skin soothing properties.

Rheum Palmatum Root Extract Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Tonic

We don't have a description for Rheum Palmatum Root Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Artemisia Princeps Extract Skin Conditioning

Artemisia Princeps Extract is the name of wugwort native to Korea, China, and Japan.

Panax Ginseng Root Extract Emollient, Skin Protecting, Tonic
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness Icon
2 Benefits

Panax Ginseng Root is a popular herb from Asia. This root contains antioxidants, favonoids, and vitamins B12 and D.

Chlorphenesin Antimicrobial, Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.

Disliked Full details ->
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Emulsifying
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil comes from hydrogenated castor oil. It is a solubilizer and emulsifier.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Carbomer Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
1 / 0

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Dimethyl Sulfone Solvent

Dimethyl Sulfone is an organic compound that naturally contains sulfur. It is used as a solvent due to its stability. Solvents help mix and stabilize other ingredients.

Lavandula Angustifolia Oil Masking, Tonic
Oil IconEU Allergen Icon
OilOil Icon EU AllergenEU Allergen Icon

Lavandula Angustifolia Oil is more commonly known as lavender essential oil. Lavandula Angustifolia is known as the English Lavender and famous for creating purple fields in Provence, France.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Linalool Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon 2 Concerns

Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil Antioxidant, Perfuming
Antioxidant IconFragrance IconOil IconGood for Oily Skin Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon FragranceFragrance Icon OilOil Icon Good for Oily SkinGood for Oily Skin Icon

This tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Tea Tree plant. Tea tree oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Loved

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 Glycerin
Skin Conditioning
Liked

Gluconolactone 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. Gluconolactone has not been found to increase sun sensivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.

This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.

Learn more about Gluconolactone
Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Mixed

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract comes from the Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, Myrtaceae. This tea tree is native to Australia.

Tea Leaf extract contains antimicrobial and anti-acne properties.

Tea tree extract is fragrant and contains volatiles such as linalool and limonene. These fragrance and terpinen components can cause skin sensitivity.

Learn more about the benefits of Tea Tree Oil here.

Learn more about Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Moisturising, Skin Conditioning
Liked

This ingredient is also called sugarcane extract. It is a moisturizing humectant and has skin soothing properties.

Similar to hyaluronic acid, sugarcane can attract moisture to your skin.

Glycolic acid is a derivative of sugarcane. While glycolic acid is an AHA with exfoliating properties, sugarcane is not an AHA.

A study from 2021 found the compounds in sugarcane extract to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity. The study also suggests these compounds can inhibit skin ageing enzymes and promote collagen synthesis.

Learn more about Saccharum Officinarum Extract
Astringent, Humectant, Soothing
Loved

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.

In cosmetics, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. This is due to the flavonoid composition of Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract.

In Chinese traditional folk medicine, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is used to help treat lung and hypertension.

Learn more about Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Skin Protecting
Loved

Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract comes from the Paeonia Suffruticosa plant known as the Peony.

Peony Root extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Emerging studies also show peony root may help reduce hyperpigmentation. Ancient Chinese medicine has used peony root to treat dark spots, but studies are looking into this claim more.

Antioxidants help neutralize free-radical molecules. These molecules may damage skin cells and DNA, leading to signs of aging.

Learn more about Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner
17
1
2
2
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Daily Purifying Treatment Toner
20
8
6
4
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

1,074 Routines
51% use in am
49% use in pm
92% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
16 Routines
44% use in am
56% use in pm
94% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner 22 ingredients

3.9 /5
from 15 ratings
Hydrating (4) Absorbs Well (4) Light Scent (4)
Ninamujer's avatar

Nina

8 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

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.

ninikiki's avatar

ninikiki

11 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

so hydrating and no breakoutsss

AXIS - Y Daily Purifying Treatment Toner 38 ingredients

2.0 /5
from 1 rating
CustardBunny's avatar

CustardBunny

9 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

Hurt my skin
It reddened my skin and it burnt like acid, not for me