NourishMax Tri-Acid Exfoliating Complex Peeling Pads Versus Aesop Control
Updated on June 25, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 10 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 parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
NourishMax Tri-Acid Exfoliating Complex Peeling Pads 20 ingredients
Aesop Control 29 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
NourishMax Tri-Acid Exfoliating Complex Peeling Pads 20 ingredients
Aesop Control 29 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Glycerin
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Butylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Salicylic Acid, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Linalool, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
PEG-150 Distearate
Emulsifying
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Citrus Medica Peel Oil
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Bisabolol
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
Ormenis Multicaulis Oil
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
Masking
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Benzalkonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Salvia Officinalis Oil
Masking
Leptospermum Petersonii Oil
Masking
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Water, Polysorbate 80, PEG-150 Distearate, Niacinamide, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Medica Peel Oil, Panthenol, Disodium EDTA, Bisabolol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Salicylic Acid, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Benzalkonium Chloride, Lactic Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Salvia Officinalis Oil, Leptospermum Petersonii Oil, Benzoic Acid, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Limonene, Citral, Linalool, Geraniol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
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 WaterLactic 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 AcidLimonene 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 LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Salicylic 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 AcidWater. 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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