Luv it! AHA + BHA Peeling Serum Versus La Prairie Cellular 3-Minute Peel
Updated on February 12, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and BHA
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 harsh alcohols, 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
Luv it! AHA + BHA Peeling Serum 26 ingredients
La Prairie Cellular 3-Minute Peel 47 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Luv it! AHA + BHA Peeling Serum 26 ingredients
La Prairie Cellular 3-Minute Peel 47 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Malic Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Medica Fruit Juice Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta Vulgaris Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingTetrasodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningUrea
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Glycerin, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract, Citrus Medica Fruit Juice Extract, Beta Vulgaris Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polysorbate 20, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Urea, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine
Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate
EmulsifyingPEG-8/Smdi Copolymer
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Malic Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingGlycoproteins
Skin Conditioning
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Equisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSucrose
HumectantGlutamic Acid
HumectantAspartic Acid
MaskingGlucose
HumectantFructose
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Urea
Buffering
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Nitrate
SoothingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Octyldodecanol
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Alanine
MaskingPolyquaternium-7
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Lactic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycolic Acid, Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, PEG-8/Smdi Copolymer, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Salicylic Acid, Malic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glycoproteins, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sucrose, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Glucose, Fructose, Glycerin, Urea, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Nitrate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Dextrin, Polysorbate 60, Octyldodecanol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Alanine, Polyquaternium-7, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linalool, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, CI 77891
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
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 WaterGlycolic 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 AcidLactic 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.
Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.
Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.
Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidMalic Acid is an acid with both AHA and BHA properties, but is considered an AHA because its AHA properties are stronger.
Like other AHAs, it removes the top layer of old and dead skin to reveal the newer layer underneath. It also helps with improving fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone, skin texture, and acne blemishes.
Due to its exfoliating properties, you should wear SPF when using Malic Acid.
Fun fact: The word "Malic" comes from the word "Malum". In Latin, "Malum" means apple. This ingredient is often derived from unripe fruit.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Malic AcidSalicylic 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.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.
This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.
Learn more about HydroxyethylcellulosePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Sodium 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 HydroxideEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Urea is also called carbamide and is the diamide of carbonic acid. In cosmetics, urea is used to hydrate the skin. It also provides exfoliation in higher concentrations.
As a humectant, urea helps draw moisture from the air and from deep within the skin. This helps hydrate your skin. Studies show urea is an effective moisturizer for dry skin conditions. 40% urea is typical in medications for treating eczema and other skin conditions.
Urea has the strongest exfoliation effect in concentrations higher than 10%. It is a keratolytic agent, meaning it breaks down the keratin protein in the top layer of skin. This helps remove dead skin cells and flaking skin.
In medicine, urea has been shown to help increase the potency of other ingredients, such as fungal treatments.
Humans and animals use urea to metabolize nitrogen-containing compounds. Urea is highly soluble in water. Once dissolved, it is neither acidic nor alkaline.
Learn more about UreaSodium 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 BenzoateIngredient Ratings
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