Living Proof Scalp Care Exfoliator Versus The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub - Europe
Updated on September 09, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe scalp scrubs. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
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 parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens, fragrances and oils
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
Living Proof Scalp Care Exfoliator 29 ingredients
The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub 22 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Living Proof Scalp Care Exfoliator 29 ingredients
The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
PPG-24-Glycereth-24
EmulsifyingSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide
MaskingGaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract
AstringentBeta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Gluconic Acid
Lysolecithin
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Pullulan
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingParfum
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Propanediol, Mandelic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Isopentyldiol, PPG-24-Glycereth-24, Saccharide Isomerate, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Pentylene Glycol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Betaine, Gluconic Acid, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Citric Acid, Pullulan, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyacetophenone, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Propanediol
Solvent
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emollient
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Betaine
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolyquaternium-10
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingCitronellyl Methylcrotonate
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Mannitol
Humectant
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Tetraselmis Suecica Extract
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Potassium Benzoate
Preservative
Water, Glycolic Acid, Propanediol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyquaternium-10, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Citronellyl Methylcrotonate, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Mannitol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Benzoate, Tetraselmis Suecica Extract, Lactic Acid, Potassium Benzoate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Learn more about BetaineGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits.
It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability.
Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge.
AHAs work by breaking down the structural “glue” that holds old skin cells in place. When that buildup is gone, your skin can renew itself more efficiently.
Research also shows glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and thicken the skin over time. This is one of its biggest advantages over other AHAs.
Overall, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally.
To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (that’s where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin).
The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness:
It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts.
Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, it can penetrate deeper, which enhances its effectiveness but also makes it more likely to irritate sensitive skin.
If your skin is very sensitive or prone to rosacea, glycolic acid may be too strong; in that case, try milder options like lactic acid or a PHA instead.
Recent studies suggest glycolic acid might even help protect against UV damage. But don’t skip sunscreen! Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun.
Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar. It smooths, brightens, hydrates, and firms the skin. Unless you’re highly sensitive, it’s well worth adding to your routine.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidPeg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is used as a emollient and emulsifier.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps make the other ingredients more soluble; it is often used to solubilize fragrances. This increases spreadability and elongates shelf life in a product.
Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. They do this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
This ingredient may or may not be vegan, depending on the source.
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil may not be fungal-acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Learn more about PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilPropanediol 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 PropanediolSodium 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 BenzoateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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
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When to use
Living Proof Scalp Care Exfoliator 29 ingredients
The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub 22 ingredients
Reviews
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