Pacifica Glow Baby Liquid Exfoliator with 5% AHA + BHA Versus Glossier Solution Skin-Perfecting Daily Chemical Exfoliator
Updated on July 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, BHA, niacinamide and PHA
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 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
Pacifica Glow Baby Liquid Exfoliator with 5% AHA + BHA 22 ingredients
Glossier Solution Skin-Perfecting Daily Chemical Exfoliator 25 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Pacifica Glow Baby Liquid Exfoliator with 5% AHA + BHA 22 ingredients
Glossier Solution Skin-Perfecting Daily Chemical Exfoliator 25 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Betaine
Humectant
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTerminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Tangerina Peel Extract
AstringentDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventEvodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventSorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
Cleansing
Sodium PCA
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Gluconolactone, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Betaine, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Citrus Tangerina Peel Extract, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Propanediol, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
SolventEthoxydiglycol
HumectantMagnesium Chloride
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycereth-7 Trimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Betaine
Humectant
Inositol
HumectantCitric Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Phytic Acid
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
PEG-8
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Acetic Acid
BufferingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid 0.5%, Water, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Propanediol, Ethoxydiglycol, Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycereth-7 Trimethyl Ether, Niacinamide, Betaine, Inositol, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Phytic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, PEG-8, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Acetic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide
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 WaterAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.
Aloe is packed with good stuff including Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are antioxidants, which help fight free-radicals and the damage they may cause. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice also contains sugars. These sugars come in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, and choline. These sugars are able to help bind moisture to skin.
It also contains minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidLactic 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 AcidGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
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 a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideBetaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Learn more about BetainePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 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 HydroxideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Pacifica Glow Baby Liquid Exfoliator with 5% AHA + BHA 22 ingredients
Glossier Solution Skin-Perfecting Daily Chemical Exfoliator 25 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Pacifica Glow Baby Liquid Exfoliator with 5% AHA + BHA 22 ingredients
Glossier Solution Skin-Perfecting Daily Chemical Exfoliator 25 ingredients
broke my skin barrier
my skin broke out like crazy and would not recover, it would get hot and dry and couldn't hold moisture
