Hero Cosmetics Pore Release Versus Undefined Beauty R&R Exfoliator
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, BHA 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, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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
Hero Cosmetics Pore Release 19 ingredients
Undefined Beauty R&R Exfoliator 15 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Hero Cosmetics Pore Release 19 ingredients
Undefined Beauty R&R Exfoliator 15 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Arginine
Masking
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Nelumbo Nucifera Root Water
TonicGlycerin
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
Antioxidant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningSodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientMaltodextrin
AbsorbentSodium Anisate
AntimicrobialSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Butylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Arginine, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Water, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Levulinate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Maltodextrin, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Malic Acid
Buffering
Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex
Antioxidant
Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingWater, Lactic Acid, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Gluconolactone, Salicylic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Malic Acid, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex, Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Hydroxyethylcellulose
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterGluconolactone 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 GluconolactoneSalicylic 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 AcidAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.
Aloe is packed with good stuff including Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are antioxidants, which help fight free-radicals and the damage they may cause. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice also contains sugars. These sugars come in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, and choline. These sugars are able to help bind moisture to skin.
It also contains minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceGlycerin 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 GlycerinSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Hero Cosmetics Pore Release 19 ingredients
Undefined Beauty R&R Exfoliator 15 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Hero Cosmetics Pore Release 19 ingredients
Great overnight to put on problem areas and spots that pop up .. significantly shrinks my blemishes overnight and keeps them from going from lumps to full blown cystic acne like I’m prone to. Too harsh to use every day though and may irritate sensitive skin if overused
