QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads Versus Nuva Brands 20% Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Pads
Updated on October 14, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
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, fragrances, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens and oils
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
QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads 18 ingredients
Nuva Brands 20% Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Pads 16 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads 18 ingredients
Nuva Brands 20% Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Pads 16 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Propanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Pantothenic Acid
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Menthol
Masking
Eucalyptus Globulus Oil
Mentha Spicata Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Diazolidinyl Urea
Preservative
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Preservative
Water, Glycolic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 20, Propanediol, Glycerin, Pantothenic Acid, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Menthol, Eucalyptus Globulus Oil, Mentha Spicata Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Menthol
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Hamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
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 HydroxideGlycerin 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 GlycerinAllantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholIngredient Ratings
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