MEDI-PEEL Phyto Cica-Nol B5 AHA BHA Vitamin Cleansing Water Versus COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water
Updated on September 18, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe makeup removers. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide
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 and dark spots
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
MEDI-PEEL Phyto Cica-Nol B5 AHA BHA Vitamin Cleansing Water 29 ingredients
COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water 16 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
MEDI-PEEL Phyto Cica-Nol B5 AHA BHA Vitamin Cleansing Water 29 ingredients
COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water 16 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Castanea Crenata Shell Extract
Skin ConditioningZanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Masking
Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Panthenol, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Butylene Glycol, Polyglutamic Acid, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Niacinamide, Salicylic 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 WaterDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created stabilizer and solvent. It is a part of the glycol class in the alcohol family.
Dipropylene Glycol helps dissolve and evenly distribute ingredients. It also helps decrease viscosity and thin out texture.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolMadecassoside comes from the super popular skin-soothing ingredient, Centella asiatica. It is one of four active compounds found in the extract of Centella Asiatica.
Madecassoside has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties. It contains fatty acids, amino acids, beta-carotene, and phytochemicals.
One study found using Madecassoside with ascorbic acid helped reduce the signs of aging and improved skin hydration.
Learn more about MadecassosidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
MEDI-PEEL Phyto Cica-Nol B5 AHA BHA Vitamin Cleansing Water 29 ingredients
COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water 16 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
MEDI-PEEL Phyto Cica-Nol B5 AHA BHA Vitamin Cleansing Water 29 ingredients
COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water 16 ingredients
My favorite way to cleanse in the morning!
I have dry but acne prone skin, so I really wanted to find a way to cleanse my skin in the morning without also stripping my skin of every ounce of moisture it has. I’ve been testing micellar waters for awhile now, but so far this one by COSRX is my favorite! It feels a little more hydrating than some of the others I’ve tried (Bioderma and Garnier), and Show more
I use this for cleansing in between morning and evening face washes. It's especially good after coming home from work or school and it's too early to do your full night routine. I don't want sweat, sebum, and city gunk sitting on my face for hours. This gentle cleanser handles that and contains zinc which I've found to be great for acne-prone skin. I put this in a foaming dispenser and apply it Show more
