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Murad Essential-C Toner Versus Thayers 2% AHA Exfoliating Toner With Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid And Witch Hazel

Toner

American Brand United States

Updated on August 20, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe toners. They have a total of 8 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 or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances and oils

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

New Comparison

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

Murad Essential-C Toner 45 ingredients

Thayers 2% AHA Exfoliating Toner With Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid And Witch Hazel 21 ingredients

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Murad Essential-C Toner 45 ingredients

Thayers 2% AHA Exfoliating Toner With Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid And Witch Hazel 21 ingredients

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Essential-C Toner

Water

Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol

Humectant

1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Hamamelis Virginiana Water

Astringent

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Sodium PCA

Betaine

Sorbitol

0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycine

Alanine

Proline

Serine

Threonine

Arginine

Lysine

Glutamic Acid

Rice Amino Acids

Zinc Aspartate

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

PEG-12 Dimethicone

Phospholipids

Tocopheryl Acetate

Retinyl Palmitate

1-3 / 1-3 Retinoid Icon

Ascorbyl Palmitate

Antioxidant

2 / 0 Vitamin C Icon

Ascorbic Acid

Antioxidant

Chitosan

Propyl Gallate

Antioxidant

Bifidobacterium/Bitter Orange Flower Extract Ferment Extract Filtrate

Skin Conditioning

Echinacea Purpurea Extract

Moisturising

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract

Masking

Sodium Polyaspartate

Humectant

Benzophenone-4

UV Absorber

Polyquaternium-4

Disodium EDTA

Citric Acid

Phenoxyethanol

Caprylyl Glycol

Chlorphenesin

Limonene

Linalool

Orange Roughy Oil

Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil

Emollient

1 / 0 Oil Icon

Citrus Grandis Peel Oil

Masking

Ferula Galbaniflua Resin Oil

Antimicrobial

Parfum

Masking

CI 42053

Cosmetic Colorant

2% AHA Exfoliating Toner With Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid And Witch Hazel

Water

Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Skin Conditioning

Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Hamamelis Virginiana Water

Astringent

Saccharum Officinarum Extract

Moisturising

Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract

Masking

Acer Saccharum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract

Masking

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil

Masking

Citrus Limon Fruit Extract

Pvp

Isoceteth-20

Disodium EDTA

Propylene Glycol

Humectant

0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Citric Acid

Potassium Sorbate

Sodium Benzoate

Phenoxyethanol

Chlorphenesin

Limonene

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Water

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water

Hamamelis Virginiana Water

Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing

Hamamelis Virginiana Water is made by distilling parts of the witch hazel plant. You can also call this ingredient "witch hazel water".

The name 'Hamamelis Virginiana Water' refers to the distillation product used in cosmetics. On the other hand, 'Witch Hazel' refers to the active drug ingredient.

Unless it is specified to be non-alcohol, many types of witch hazel ingredients are distilled in denatured alcohol.

Witch Hazel water is an astringent, anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient.

It contains tannins. Tannins have a drying effect when used on skin by constricting proteins. The constriction also minimizes the appearance of pores.

Both the tannins and fragrance found in witch hazel may be skin-sensitizing.

Witch hazel water gets anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties from its catechin and gallic acid content.

Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation in North America for centuries.

Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana Water

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract

Masking, Skin Conditioning

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract is more commonly known as the bitter orange. Native to Southeast Asia, this extract is commonly found in both cosmetics and foods.

The bitter orange possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

It can also be mildly exfoliating due to the citric acid, an AHA.

Citrus fruits are rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, and vitamin C.

Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract

Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Citric Acid

Buffering, Masking

Citric 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 Acid

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative

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.

Chlorphenesin

Antimicrobial, Preservative

Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.

Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.

Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.

Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.

Learn more about Chlorphenesin

Limonene

Perfuming, Solvent

Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.

It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".

Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.

When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.

The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.

Learn more about Limonene