InstaNatural 7% Glycolic AHA Toner Versus Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Updated on July 05, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe toners. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA and hyaluronic acid
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.
Ingredient Info
InstaNatural 7% Glycolic AHA Toner 45 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
InstaNatural 7% Glycolic AHA Toner 45 ingredients
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner 22 ingredients
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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.
Hamamelis Virginiana Flower Water is made used flower parts of the witch hazel plant. The witch hazel plant is native to eastern North America.
7 Benefits 2 Concerns
Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
6 Benefits 3 Concerns
Lactic 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.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Malic Acid is an AHA derived from unripe fruit. The word "Malic" comes from the word "Malum". In Latin, "Malum" means apple.
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.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Tartaric Acid is an AHA. It can help to improve skin texture, reduce large pores, heal scars, and brighten skin. It can cause irritation and worsen rosacea.
Antioxidant 6 Benefits
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Antioxidant 5 Benefits
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a form of Vitamin C.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil is the oil extracted from the seeds of the meadowfoam plant. This oil is non-fragrant and is an emollient. As an emollient, meadowfoam seed oil helps soften and hydrate the skin.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.
Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract comes from the cucumber. Cucumis Sativus is native to South Asia and can now be found on every continent.
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.
Arnica Montana Flower is more commonly known as Wolf's Bane. While this flower has been used in traditional medicine, its skin benefits are in question.
5 Benefits
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient is the magnesium salt of PCA (Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid). It is a great skin hydrator for the top layers of skin.
Zinc PCA (or "zinc salt") differs slightly from zinc itself. PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. However, Zinc PCA comes from zinc.
May worsen Eczema
Sorbic Acid is a preservative. It is the most commonly used food preservative in the world.
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract is from Rosehip. Rosehips are a fruit from a wild rose bush native to Eurasia and Africa.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract comes from the lavender flower. Lavandula Angustifolia is known as the English Lavender and famous for creating purple fields in Provence, France.
Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract comes from the pineapple fruit. Pineapples are native to South America. The components of pineapple give it mild exfoliating and skin nourishing properties.
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract comes from the vanilla orchid native to central America. It is a skin-soothing ingredient.
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract is extract from Apples. Apples are rich in Vitamin C, sugars, and antioxidants.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Carthamus tinctorius seed oil comes from safflower, one of humanity's oldest crops.
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.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
Glyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid, a fatty acid from coconut.
Phenethyl Alcohol is a colorless and aromatic alohol. It is naturally occuring in essential oils.
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.
Water, Hamamelis Virginiana Flower Water, Glycolic Acid, Arginine, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Gluconic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Glucosyl Hesperidin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower Extract, Allantoin, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Magnesium PCA, Copper PCA, Zinc PCA, Sorbic Acid, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Gardenia Florida Flower Extract, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Propanediol, Citric Acid, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol
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.
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 GlycerinCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract comes from the cucumber. Cucumis Sativus is native to South Asia and can now be found on every continent.
Cucumbers are mostly made up of water (95%), and the other 5% is composed of: vitamin C, caffeic acid, fatty acids, amino acids, and other minerals.
Cucumbers have anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties.
Vitamin C and Caffeic acid are potent antioxidants that may help with anti-aging. Antioxidants help neutralize free-radical molecules, or unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA.
Cucumbers contain shikimate dehydrigenase, an enzyme shown to help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. The amino acids help nourish our skin's natural acid mantle. Our acid mantle is formed from the mixing of sebum and sweat. This slightly acidic film acts as a barrier to protect us from bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.
Unless you have an allergy to cucumbers, it is generally a non-irritating ingredient.
Learn more about Cucumis Sativus Fruit ExtractGlycyrrhiza 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.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
InstaNatural 7% Glycolic AHA Toner 45 ingredients
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner 22 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
InstaNatural 7% Glycolic AHA Toner 45 ingredients
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.
Eden
This is my holy grail product. I’ve always had oily, acne prone skin. I first used this while staying at a friends, and she let me borrow her...
This is my holy grail product. I’ve always had oily, acne prone skin. I first used this while staying at a friends, and she let me borrow her skincare. Changed my skincare forever. Better than any other anti-acne product I’ve used.
