Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Toner Versus Dr. Barbara Sturm Balancing Toner
Updated on February 11, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe toners. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens or silicones
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
Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Toner 22 ingredients
Dr. Barbara Sturm Balancing Toner 15 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
Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Toner 22 ingredients
Dr. Barbara Sturm Balancing Toner 15 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Poloxamer 184
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether
EmulsifyingHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate
CleansingSodium Trideceth Sulfate
Cleansing
Disodium EDTA
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
Masking
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Isopropyl Alcohol
Solvent
BHT
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Limonene
Perfuming
Pantolactone
Humectant
Water, Kaolin, Poloxamer 184, Phenoxyethanol, PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, Disodium EDTA, Alcohol, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Polysorbate 20, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Isopropyl Alcohol, BHT, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Limonene, Pantolactone
Water
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract
Antioxidant
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCapryloyl Glycine
CleansingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Magnesium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
Skin Conditioning
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Xylitylglucoside
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Pantolactone
Humectant
Glutathione
Water, Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Capryloyl Glycine, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Magnesium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Xylitylglucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Pantolactone, Glutathione
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidHexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, Hexylene Glycol helps gather dirt and oil on your skin to be washed away.
As an emulsifier, Hexylene Glycol helps keep water and oil together. This prevents them from separating in a product. Hexylene Glycol also thins out the texture of a product by lessening viscosity.
Hexylene Glycol has a small molecular weight.
Learn more about Hexylene GlycolPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPantolactone is a synthetically created humectant.
As a humectant, Pantolactone helps draw moisture to the skin. It can help add hydration to your skin.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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