Maggie by Kakan BHA Toner Versus Medik8 Press and Clear Tonic
Updated on April 16, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe toners. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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
Maggie by Kakan BHA Toner 22 ingredients
Medik8 Press and Clear Tonic 30 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Maggie by Kakan BHA Toner 22 ingredients
Medik8 Press and Clear Tonic 30 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Methylpropanediol
SolventSalicylic Acid
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
SolventTranexamic Acid
Astringent
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Anhydroxylitol
HumectantXylitylglucoside
HumectantSodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Xylitol
HumectantGlucose
HumectantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLevulinic Acid
Perfuming
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Propylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Salicylic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Tranexamic Acid, Allantoin, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitylglucoside, Sodium Levulinate, Glycerin, Xylitol, Glucose, Maltodextrin, Beta-Glucan, Ethylhexylglycerin, Levulinic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycereth-26
HumectantSalicylic Acid
Masking
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventCyclodextrin
AbsorbentAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantLecithin
EmollientOryza Sativa Lees Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPullulan
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Buteth-3
SolventHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
UV AbsorberTributyl Citrate
SolventPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Silica
Abrasive
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Propanediol, Glycereth-26, Salicylic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Cyclodextrin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Lecithin, Oryza Sativa Lees Extract, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sclerotium Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pullulan, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Phenoxyethanol, Buteth-3, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Tributyl Citrate, Potassium Sorbate, Silica, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid
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 WaterSalicylic 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 AcidButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolTranexamic Acid is best used for treating hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and melasma. It can also help build a stronger skin barrier.
Once applied, Tranexamic Acid starts decreasing inflammation from UV exposure. Tranexamic Acid also prevents our skin cells from meeting the pigment production cells.
Its brightening property makes it great at reducing the appearance of acne scars and marks.
Fun fact: Tranexamic Acid is also a medication used to reduce heavy bleeding.
This acid is derived from lysine, an amino acid.
Learn more about Tranexamic AcidEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Phenoxyethanol 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 HydroxideSodium 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 BenzoatePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Maggie by Kakan BHA Toner 22 ingredients
Medik8 Press and Clear Tonic 30 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Maggie by Kakan BHA Toner 22 ingredients
Medik8 Press and Clear Tonic 30 ingredients
This is a BHA toner with a 5.5ph. Hard to find a formulation like that anywhere else. This makes it easier on people like me who have dry skin
