Prequel Multi-Acid Milk Peel AHA Exfoliating Solution Versus Algenist Genius Liquid Skin Resurfacing 2% BHA Toner
Updated on March 11, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and reef safe . They have a total of 7 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, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, 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
Prequel Multi-Acid Milk Peel AHA Exfoliating Solution 33 ingredients
Algenist Genius Liquid Skin Resurfacing 2% BHA Toner 27 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Prequel Multi-Acid Milk Peel AHA Exfoliating Solution 33 ingredients
Algenist Genius Liquid Skin Resurfacing 2% BHA Toner 27 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
SolventEthylhexyl Olivate
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingC13-16 Isoparaffin
Solvent
C10-12 Isoalkane
SolventPhytic Acid
Malic Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Lipase
Skin ConditioningProtease
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning
C15-23 Alkane
SolventHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tricaprylin
Masking
Glyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate
EmollientTetradecane
Perfuming
C13-14 Alkane
SolventDecyl Glucoside
CleansingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-4 Oleate
Emulsifying
Carrageenan
Silica
Abrasive
Water, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, C13-16 Isoparaffin, C10-12 Isoalkane, Phytic Acid, Malic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, Lipase, Protease, Squalane, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, C15-23 Alkane, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Tricaprylin, Glyceryl Oleate, Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate, Tetradecane, C13-14 Alkane, Decyl Glucoside, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Carrageenan, Silica
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventSalicylic Acid
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Collagen Amino Acids
Moisturising
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Skin ProtectingHydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Lauryl Glucoside
CleansingRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialMentha Piperita Extract
CleansingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Dextrin
AbsorbentAmylopectin
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhytic Acid
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Collagen Amino Acids, Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Azelaic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Decyl Glucoside, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Lauryl Glucoside, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Mentha Piperita Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Dextrin, Amylopectin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Phytic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
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 AcidSodium 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 HydroxidePropanediol 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 PropanediolPhytic Acid is a gentle AHA and antioxidant. AHAs are chemical exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells. Phytic Acid has a slight and mild exfoliating effect.
The chemical makeup makes it classified as an AHA, much like lactic acid.
In some cases, it is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water, helping to stabilize the ingredients in a product.
An interesting fact about phytic acid is that it is considered an antinutrient. People do not have the enzyme needed to properly breakdown and digest phytic acid. When ingested, phytic acid binds to minerals and prevents them from being absorbed.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Phytic AcidPhenoxyethanol 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.
Decyl Glucoside is a glucose-based surfactant and emulsion stabilizer. It is created by reacting glucose with the fatty acids from plants.
Surfactants help clean the skin by trapping oil, sebum, and dirt to be washed away. As an emulsion stabilizer, it stabilizes the ingredients in a product by preventing them from separating.
This ingredient is biodegradable and non-toxic. This ingredient is commonly found in baby shampoos.
Decyl Glucoside is sometimes used to stabilize the UV filter Tinosorb.
Learn more about Decyl GlucosideIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Prequel Multi-Acid Milk Peel AHA Exfoliating Solution 33 ingredients
Algenist Genius Liquid Skin Resurfacing 2% BHA Toner 27 ingredients
