Updated on October 11, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
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 common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols
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
PCA Skin Pigment Gel 13 ingredients
PCA Skin Pigment Bar 22 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
PCA Skin Pigment Gel 13 ingredients
PCA Skin Pigment Bar 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Glycerin
Humectant
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Elaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil
Emollient
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Sorbitol
Humectant
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Glycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Calcium Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Glucosamine Hcl
Maltose
MaskingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Lactate
BufferingTannic Acid
AstringentAniba Rosodora Wood Oil
Astringent
Glycerin, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Elaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Sorbitan Oleate, Sorbitol, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Glycine Soja Protein, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Alcohol, Calcium Ascorbate, Glucosamine Hcl, Maltose, Niacinamide, Sodium Lactate, Tannic Acid, Aniba Rosodora Wood Oil
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
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.
Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Learn more about AlcoholAzelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid derived from grains. This ingredient is effective in treating acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions.
It has been shown to reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce inflammation. On top of that, it helps reduce the production of sebum and unclog pores.
Azelaic Acid also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect our skin cells from free-radical damage.
One of the main benefits of azelaic acid is that it is gentle and well-tolerated by most people.
Fun fact: The lab-created form of azelaic acid is typically used within cosmetic products for its shelf-stability.
Learn more about Azelaic AcidHamamelis 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 WaterKojic acid comes from fungi and can also be from fermented foods. It helps even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
This ingredient works by blocking tyrosine, an enzyme that starts the process of skin darkening.
Kojic Acid is antifungal and often used to treat fungal infections. Additionally, it can help fight bacteria with its antimicrobrial properties. This can help treat acne as well.
A similar ingredient is arbutin.
Learn more about Kojic 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
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
