QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads Versus QRxLabs Glycolic/Salicylic Acid 10/2 Acne Control Pads
Updated on June 10, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 18 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
QRxLabs Glycolic/Salicylic Acid 10/2 Acne Control Pads 20 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
QRxLabs Glycolic/Salicylic Acid 10/2 Acne Control Pads 20 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
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
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, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, 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
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 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 WaterSodium 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 HydroxidePolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Propanediol 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 GlycerinPantothenic Acid is an essential vitamin. Our bodies use it for metabolizing fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
Calendula Officinalis Extract comes from the common Marigold plant.
Marigold flowers contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are a group of substances found naturally in plants. They possess antioxidant and inflammation properties.
This ingredient may help soothe your skin by reducing inflammation. Emerging studies show it inhibits nitrous oxide production safely, therefore reducing inflammation.
Marigolds have been used in traditional medicine throughout Asia and Europe.
Learn more about Calendula Officinalis ExtractCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractAllantoin 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 MentholEucalyptus Globulus Oil is an oil.
Mentha Spicata Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil is an oil.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolAscorbyl Palmitate is created by combining pure Vitamin C and palmitic acid. It is an antioxidant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.
This ingredient is a more stable version of Vitamin C, meaning it does not disintegrate as quickly when exposed to sunlight. However, studies show it does not penetrate skin as well as pure Vitamin C.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is oil soluble.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateDiazolidinyl Urea is a preservative. It can cause irritation.
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate is a preservative.
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