Human Nature Balancing Facial Wash Versus Human Nature Acne Defense Facial Wash
Updated on October 13, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain PHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
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Ingredient Info
Human Nature Balancing Facial Wash 16 ingredients
Human Nature Acne Defense Facial Wash 17 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Human Nature Balancing Facial Wash 16 ingredients
Human Nature Acne Defense Facial Wash 17 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDecyl Glucoside
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningCanarium Luzonicum Gum Nonvolatiles
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Luffa Cylindrica Fruit Powder
Abrasive
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingGlyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Decyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract, Canarium Luzonicum Gum Nonvolatiles, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit Powder, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Gluconolactone, Calcium Gluconate, CI 77288, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingParfum
Masking
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCoconut Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Isethionate
CleansingCalcium Gluconate
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is calcium salt of gluconic acid. It is a humectant, meaning it attracts water to your skin.
Coco-Glucoside is a surfactant, or a cleansing ingredient. It is made from glucose and coconut oil.
Surfactants help gather dirt, oil, and other pollutants from your skin to be rinsed away.
This ingredient is considered gentle and non-comedogenic. However, it may still be irritating for some.
Learn more about Coco-GlucosideDecyl Glucoside is a glucose-based surfactant and emulsion stabilizer. It is created by reacting glucose with the fatty acids from plants.
Surfactants help clean the skin by trapping oil, sebum, and dirt to be washed away. As an emulsion stabilizer, it stabilizes the ingredients in a product by preventing them from separating.
This ingredient is biodegradable and non-toxic. This ingredient is commonly found in baby shampoos.
Decyl Glucoside is sometimes used to stabilize the UV filter Tinosorb.
Learn more about Decyl GlucosideGluconolactone 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 GluconolactoneSodium 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 BenzoateWater. 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
Human Nature Balancing Facial Wash 16 ingredients
Human Nature Acne Defense Facial Wash 17 ingredients
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