Josie Maran Triple Hydroxy Resurfacing Liquid Versus Oumere No. 9 Daily Liquid Exfoliant
Updated on June 20, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and PHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for 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
Josie Maran Triple Hydroxy Resurfacing Liquid 19 ingredients
Oumere No. 9 Daily Liquid Exfoliant 19 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Josie Maran Triple Hydroxy Resurfacing Liquid 19 ingredients
Oumere No. 9 Daily Liquid Exfoliant 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingLactic Acid
Buffering
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Argania Spinosa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAzelaic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Lactobionic Acid
Buffering
Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Lactic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Argania Spinosa Leaf Extract, Azelaic Acid, Citric Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Morus Alba Extract
AstringentHydrastis Canadensis Extract
MaskingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Glycerin
Humectant
Vinegar
Aloe Barbadensis Sprout
HumectantSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Lactobionic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Salicylate
Preservative
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantMandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water, Propanediol, Lactic Acid, Morus Alba Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Glycerin, Vinegar, Aloe Barbadensis Sprout, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Lactobionic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Salicylate, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Gluconate, Mandelic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidLactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they don’t penetrate as deeply. This means they’re less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skin’s microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the product’s pH.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidLactobionic Acid is a PHA. PHAs are the gentle cousins to AHAS.
Like AHAs, they exfoliate the top layer of skin. Lactobionic acid also exhibits significant antioxidant activity.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. This means 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.
By removing dead skin cells, PHAs leave the skin brighter and with even-texture.
Learn more about Lactobionic AcidMandelic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).
Like other AHAs, it helps exfoliate the surface of the skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
Mandelic acid helps with:
Due to it having a larger molecular size than glycolic acid, mandelic acid is able to penetrate the skin more slowly and evenly. This makes it gentler and less irritating, making it a great option for sensitive or beginner skin.
Despite being milder, mandelic acid is still an effective exfoliant that improves skin texture and tone over time.
What makes mandelic acid stand out from other AHAs? It has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
These traits make it a great option for acne-prone or problem skin by reducing active breakouts and fading post-acne marks. Studies show that mandelic acid (especially when combined with salicylic acid) can significantly reduce pimples and hyperpigmentation while causing fewer side effects than stronger acids.
Mandelic acid is effective in concentrations of 5% and up with an ideal pH range of 3-4 for at-home use.
Like other AHAs, it’s important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your newly exfoliated skin.
However, unlike glycolic acid, mandelic acid is light-sensitive. Be sure your mandelic acid is packaged in opaque containers to ensure it stays stable and effective.
In short, mandelic acid is a gentle yet powerful AHA that exfoliates, brightens, and helps clarify skin while keeping irritation low. Its antibacterial action makes it especially beneficial for those with acne-prone, sensitive, or uneven skin, offering smoother, clearer, and more even-toned results over time.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Mandelic AcidPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSalix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.
Salix Alba Bark Extract has often been described as salicylic acid's cousin. This is due to the salicin it contains. However, studies are limited showing salix alba bark to be an effective salicylic acid alternative.
Salicin does have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has shown to decrease the formation of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-kappa B. Salicin also has a mildly exfoliating effect on the skin.
Several other components in salix alba bark extract also contain antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging as they neutralize harmful free-radical molecules.
Willow Bark extract has been used for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations used white willow to help treat pain and fevers.
Learn more about Salix Alba Bark ExtractSodium 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
