Merle Norman Skintelligent Toner Versus Kiehl's Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe toners. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and sensitive skin
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
Merle Norman Skintelligent Toner 23 ingredients
Kiehl's Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner 21 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Merle Norman Skintelligent Toner 23 ingredients
Kiehl's Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner 21 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Avena Sativa Meal Extract
SoothingCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientLactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningEpilobium Fleischeri Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Tephrosia Purpurea Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Lactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningLactose
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Propanediol
SolventSodium PCA
HumectantPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Avena Sativa Meal Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Tephrosia Purpurea Seed Extract, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactis Proteinum, Lactose, Pentylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propanediol, Sodium PCA, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium PCA
HumectantSodium Benzoate
Masking
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Glucose
HumectantCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningCamphor
Masking
Urtica Dioica Extract
AstringentEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentBetula Alba Leaf Extract
AstringentCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
CI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Water, Propanediol, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium PCA, Sodium Benzoate, Allantoin, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Glucose, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Camphor, Urtica Dioica Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Betula Alba Leaf Extract, CI 19140, Potassium Sorbate, CI 14700, CI 42090, Sodium Hydroxide, 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 WaterThis extract comes from cucumber. Cucumbers are mostly made up of water (95%), and the other 5% is composed of: vitamin C, caffeic acid, fatty acids, amino acids, and other minerals.
Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory, barrier repair, and hydrating properties.
They contain shikimate dehydrigenase, an enzyme shown to help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
The amino acids found in cucumbers help nourish our skin's natural acid mantle (it's an important part of our skin barrier). This slightly acidic film acts as a barrier to protect us from bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.
Unless you have an allergy to cucumbers, this is generally a non-irritating ingredient.
Fun fact: Cucumis Sativus is native to South Asia and can now be found on every continent.
Learn more about Cucumis Sativus Fruit ExtractPropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolPropanediol 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 PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It is naturally occurring in our skin's natural moisturizing factors where it works to maintain hydration.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
This ingredient has skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCAPhenoxyethanol 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 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
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Merle Norman Skintelligent Toner 23 ingredients
Kiehl's Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner 21 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Merle Norman Skintelligent Toner 23 ingredients
Kiehl's Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner 21 ingredients
Good doesn’t irritate
