PCA Skin Resurfacing Serum Versus Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum
Updated on April 04, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and PHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening 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 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
PCA Skin Resurfacing Serum 33 ingredients
Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum 35 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
PCA Skin Resurfacing Serum 33 ingredients
Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum 35 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Dimethicone
Emollient
Lactobionic Acid
Buffering
Squalane
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate
Emollient
Propanediol
SolventPotassium Lactate
BufferingGlycerin
Humectant
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetearyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone
Emollient
PPG-24-Glycereth-24
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
Masking
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCeteareth-20
Cleansing
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Magnesium Silicate
Sodium Phytate
Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract
Abrasive
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Glabridin
BleachingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Water, Glycolic Acid, Dimethicone, Lactobionic Acid, Squalane, Coco-Caprylate, Propanediol, Potassium Lactate, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Methicone, Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone, PPG-24-Glycereth-24, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Arginine, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract, Ceteareth-20, Saccharide Isomerate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyacetophenone, Lactic Acid, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Sodium Phytate, Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Glabridin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Propanediol
SolventSaccharomyces Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
C13-15 Alkane
SolventArginine
Masking
Inositol
HumectantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingCarthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes
Emollient
Isopentyldiol
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Propolis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Royal Jelly Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Lecithin
EmollientGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingSodium Phytate
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Glycolic Acid, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Propanediol, Saccharomyces Ferment, Lactic Acid, C13-15 Alkane, Arginine, Inositol, Potassium Hydroxide, Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes, Isopentyldiol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Squalane, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Honey Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Propolis Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Glycerin, Ubiquinone, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Jojoba Esters, Lecithin, Gluconolactone, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Phytate, Maltodextrin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Benzoate
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 WaterGlycolic 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 AcidSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualanePropanediol 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 PropanediolGlycerin 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 GlycerinCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholArginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.
Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineLactic 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 AcidSodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
Ingredient Ratings
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