Natura Siberica Polar White Birch Purifying & Balancing Face Peel Versus Naturopathica Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel
Updated on July 15, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe wash off masks. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and BHA
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, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens and 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
Natura Siberica Polar White Birch Purifying & Balancing Face Peel 21 ingredients
Naturopathica Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel 29 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Natura Siberica Polar White Birch Purifying & Balancing Face Peel 21 ingredients
Naturopathica Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel 29 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantHeptyl Glucoside
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Betula Alba Bark Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Betula Alba Leaf Extract
AstringentSalvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingFlavocetraria Nivalis Extract
HumectantChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Parfum
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Heptyl Glucoside, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hydroxide, Panthenol, Betula Alba Bark Water, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Betula Alba Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Flavocetraria Nivalis Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Parfum
Prunus Avium Fruit
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTartaric Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
Perfuming
Wine Extract
Antioxidant
Bromelain
Skin ConditioningMandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Parfum
Masking
Malic Acid
Buffering
Punica Granatum Extract
AstringentPrunus Serotina Bark Extract
MaskingVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Lycopene
Antioxidant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Citric Acid
Buffering
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Prunus Avium Fruit, Glycerin, Water, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Tartaric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Wine Extract, Bromelain, Mandelic Acid, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Parfum, Malic Acid, Punica Granatum Extract, Prunus Serotina Bark Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Sodium Metabisulfite, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Lycopene, Alcohol, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin, T-Butyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.
Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.
Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholCitric 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 AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinLactic 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 AcidParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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