Isntree Hyper Acid 4 AHA BHA PHA LHA 30 Serum Versus NeoStrata Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Cream
Updated on September 11, 2023
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, 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, common allergens, fragrances, oils 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
Isntree Hyper Acid 4 AHA BHA PHA LHA 30 Serum 26 ingredients
NeoStrata Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Cream 24 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Isntree Hyper Acid 4 AHA BHA PHA LHA 30 Serum 26 ingredients
NeoStrata Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Cream 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Methylpropanediol
SolventGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Potassium Hydroxide
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Diethoxyethyl Succinate
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientNiacinamide
Smoothing
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPeat Water
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Charcoal Powder
Abrasive
Water, Gluconolactone, Lactic Acid, Methylpropanediol, Glycolic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Peat Water, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Charcoal Powder
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Decyl Oleate
Emollient
Isopropyl Palmitate
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Isocetyl Stearate
Emollient
Ammonium Hydroxide
BufferingArginine
Masking
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Dimethicone
Emollient
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentDicetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCeteth-10 Phosphate
CleansingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Methylparaben
Preservative
Water, Glycolic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Decyl Oleate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Propylene Glycol, Isocetyl Stearate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Arginine, Isostearic Acid, Dimethicone, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Methylparaben
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin 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 AcidWater. 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
Isntree Hyper Acid 4 AHA BHA PHA LHA 30 Serum 26 ingredients
NeoStrata Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Cream 24 ingredients
Reviews
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