Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum Versus CeraVe Acne Control Gel
Updated on March 20, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, ceramides and hyaluronic acid
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, parabens or silicones
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
Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum 51 ingredients
CeraVe Acne Control Gel 24 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum 51 ingredients
CeraVe Acne Control Gel 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingLactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Octyldodecanol
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Malic Acid
Buffering
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Squalane
Emollient
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDiheptyl Succinate
EmollientCapryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingLecithin
Emollient
Pullulan
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
Antioxidant
Silica
Abrasive
2,3-Butanediol
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Lactate
BufferingHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Gamma-Octalactone
Perfuming
Vanillin
Masking
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientIsoamyl Acetate
SolventBenzaldehyde
Masking
Anisaldehyde
Masking
Maltol
MaskingPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDimethylhydroxy Furanone
MaskingWater, Propanediol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Octyldodecanol, Glycerin, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Squalane, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Xanthan Gum, Diheptyl Succinate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Pullulan, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Triethyl Citrate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Silica, 2,3-Butanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Sodium Lactate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Gamma-Octalactone, Vanillin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Isoamyl Acetate, Benzaldehyde, Anisaldehyde, Maltol, Phytosphingosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethylhydroxy Furanone
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCholesterol
Emollient
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Disodium EDTA
Hydroxypropyl Guar
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Salicylic Acid 2%, Water, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Phytosphingosine, Benzoic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ceramide AP is a type of Ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide NP
Ceramide EOP
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
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 GlycerinGlycolic 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 AcidLactic 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 AcidPhytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin as a building block for ceramides.. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.
Phytosphingosine contributes to your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). The NMF is responsible for hydration, a strong barrier, and plasticity. Our NMF decreases with age. Increasing NMF leads to more healthy and hydrated skin.
Studies show products formulated with NMF ingredients help strengthen our skin's barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier reduces irritation and increases hydration. Our skin barrier is responsible for having plump and firm skin. It also helps protect our skin against infection, allergies, and inflammation.
Fun fact: Phytosphingosine is abundant in plants and fungi.
More ingredients that help boost collagen in skin:
Learn more about PhytosphingosineSodium 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 HydroxideTriethyl Citrate is a fragrance.
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.
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
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When to use
Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum 51 ingredients
CeraVe Acne Control Gel 24 ingredients
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Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum 51 ingredients
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