Safi Acne Solutions 3 in 1 Cica Acne Rescue Serum Versus Aiken 10% AHA BHA PHA Serum
Updated on January 30, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe serums. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, BHA and PHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, 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, common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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
Safi Acne Solutions 3 in 1 Cica Acne Rescue Serum 17 ingredients
Aiken 10% AHA BHA PHA Serum 27 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Safi Acne Solutions 3 in 1 Cica Acne Rescue Serum 17 ingredients
Aiken 10% AHA BHA PHA Serum 27 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Methylpropanediol
SolventAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Water, Mandelic Acid, Methylpropanediol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Gluconolactone, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Propylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Metabisulfite
Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Trehalose
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Xylitylglucoside
HumectantPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingAnhydroxylitol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantDextrin
AbsorbentPolydextrose
HumectantHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingAmylopectin
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Water, Lactic Acid, Panthenol, Dimethicone, Trehalose, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycolic Acid, Xylitylglucoside, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Salicylic Acid, Gluconolactone, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Dextrin, Polydextrose, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Amylopectin, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Metabisulfite
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 WaterDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneCitric 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 AcidLactic 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 AcidSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic 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.
Sodium Metabisulfite is an antioxidant and is a preservative.
Ingredient Ratings
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