Versus

PCA Skin Facial Wash Versus Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser

Face Cleanser
Face Cleanser
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for 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, fragrances, parabens, silicones or sulfates

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

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
Cleansing, Foaming

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a cleansing agent made from a mixture of long chain sulfonate salts. It can also help produce foam.

This ingredient may be drying. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.

Buffering, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Lactic 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 Acid
Cleansing, Foaming

We don't have a description for Sodium Cocoamphoacetate yet.

Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin. 

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 Propanediol
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning

Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is a synthetic cleansing agent, though it is derived from coconut oil.

It is used to enhance the texture of products by boosting lather and thickening the texture. As a cleanser, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is mild.

Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol
Preservative

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.

Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.

You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.

Learn more about Potassium Sorbate

When to use

23 Routines
52% use in am
48% use in pm
96% use every day
63 Routines
38% use in am
62% use in pm
89% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

PCA Skin Facial Wash 19 ingredients

Facial Wash hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser 32 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Hydrating (2) Works Well (2) Great Value (1)
Dulguun's avatar

Dulguun Jargalsaikhan

7 months ago
Review

I personally think this cleanser ticks all the things I want in a cleanser. It has a thick, rich, gel texture that has a lot of slip to it, and it feels so so nice on the skin. Despite the thicker consistency, it rinses off really easily without leaving my skin feeling greasy and gross. It doesn’t strip or dry out my skin and is enough for a single cleanse!

#great value
#expensive
#hydrating
#light scent
natashacheema's avatar

Natasha Cheema

2 months ago
Review

The Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser is just a really good cleanser. It removes makeup effortlessly while still leaving my skin feeling hydrated, soft, and never stripped. The texture is luxurious, and it rinses clean without any residue. Perfect for anyone looking for an effective yet gentle cleanser that supports the skin barrier. Definitely a staple in my routine!

#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
#works well