Minimalist AHA PHA BHA 32% Face Peel Versus Chemist at Play Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub
Updated on October 10, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 5 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, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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
Minimalist AHA PHA BHA 32% Face Peel 22 ingredients
Chemist at Play Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub 22 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Minimalist AHA PHA BHA 32% Face Peel 22 ingredients
Chemist at Play Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Propanediol
Solvent
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Triethanolamine
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Pullulan
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Lecithin
Emollient
Water, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Mandelic Acid, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Propanediol, Ethoxydiglycol, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Pullulan, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Lecithin
Water
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
Humectant
Sodium Lauroamphoacetate
CleansingSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Juglans Regia Shell Powder
Abrasive
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Parfum
Masking
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingLactobionic Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Oryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Euterpe Oleracea Pulp Powder
Abrasive
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Perlite
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
PEG-45m
HumectantWater, Sorbitol, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Juglans Regia Shell Powder, Propylene Glycol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Parfum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Lactobionic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, 1,2-Hexanediol, Euterpe Oleracea Pulp Powder, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Perlite, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-45m
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Mandelic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).
Like other AHAs, it helps exfoliate the surface of the skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
Mandelic acid helps with:
Due to it having a larger molecular size than glycolic acid, mandelic acid is able to penetrate the skin more slowly and evenly. This makes it gentler and less irritating, making it a great option for sensitive or beginner skin.
Despite being milder, mandelic acid is still an effective exfoliant that improves skin texture and tone over time.
What makes mandelic acid stand out from other AHAs? It has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
These traits make it a great option for acne-prone or problem skin by reducing active breakouts and fading post-acne marks. Studies show that mandelic acid (especially when combined with salicylic acid) can significantly reduce pimples and hyperpigmentation while causing fewer side effects than stronger acids.
Mandelic acid is effective in concentrations of 5% and up with an ideal pH range of 3-4 for at-home use.
Like other AHAs, it’s important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your newly exfoliated skin.
However, unlike glycolic acid, mandelic acid is light-sensitive. Be sure your mandelic acid is packaged in opaque containers to ensure it stays stable and effective.
In short, mandelic acid is a gentle yet powerful AHA that exfoliates, brightens, and helps clarify skin while keeping irritation low. Its antibacterial action makes it especially beneficial for those with acne-prone, sensitive, or uneven skin, offering smoother, clearer, and more even-toned results over time.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Mandelic AcidPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propylene 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 GlycolWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Minimalist AHA PHA BHA 32% Face Peel 22 ingredients
Chemist at Play Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub 22 ingredients
Reviews
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