MARA Beauty Plankton + PHA™ Flower Acid Algae Serum Versus Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum
Updated on April 04, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 9 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, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
MARA Beauty Plankton + PHA™ Flower Acid Algae Serum 31 ingredients
Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum 35 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
MARA Beauty Plankton + PHA™ Flower Acid Algae Serum 31 ingredients
Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum 35 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Palmaria Palmata Extract
Skin ProtectingLactic Acid
Buffering
Water
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetearyl Olivate
Squalane
Emollient
Silybum Marianum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Bellis Perennis Flower/Helichrysum Italicum Extract
Skin ConditioningHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
Emollient
Gigartina Stellata Extract
Skin ProtectingChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Antioxidant
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Salicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningLimonium Gerberi Extract
Skin ProtectingRibes Nigrum Seed Oil
Emollient
Oenothera Biennis Oil
Emollient
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Sodium Phytate
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Palmaria Palmata Extract, Lactic Acid, Water, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Olivate, Squalane, Silybum Marianum Seed Oil, Glycerin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Hydroxide, Gluconolactone, Bellis Perennis Flower/Helichrysum Italicum Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Algae Extract, Gigartina Stellata Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Limonium Gerberi Extract, Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Propanediol
SolventSaccharomyces Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
C13-15 Alkane
SolventArginine
Masking
Inositol
HumectantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingCarthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes
Emollient
Isopentyldiol
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Propolis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Royal Jelly Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Lecithin
EmollientGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingSodium Phytate
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Glycolic Acid, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Propanediol, Saccharomyces Ferment, Lactic Acid, C13-15 Alkane, Arginine, Inositol, Potassium Hydroxide, Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes, Isopentyldiol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Squalane, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Honey Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Propolis Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Glycerin, Ubiquinone, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Jojoba Esters, Lecithin, Gluconolactone, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Phytate, Maltodextrin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Benzoate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Lactic 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 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 WaterSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualaneGlycerin 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 GlycerinGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. 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.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.
Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.
Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilSclerotium Gum is a polysaccharide gum made by the fungus, Sclerotium rolfssii. It is similar to xanthan gum.
In cosmetics, Sclerotium Gum is used to thicken the texture and to help stabilize other ingredients.
As an emulsifier, Sclerotium Gum helps prevent ingredients from separating, such as water and oil.
Learn more about Sclerotium GumSodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
Potassium 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
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When to use
MARA Beauty Plankton + PHA™ Flower Acid Algae Serum 31 ingredients
Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum 35 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
MARA Beauty Plankton + PHA™ Flower Acid Algae Serum 31 ingredients
gentle yet powerful! wake up in the morning with glowing skin
