Secret Key Hyaluron Aqua Soft Toner Versus Pixi Beauty Clarity Tonic
Overview
What they are
These products are both toners. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and hyaluronic acid
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, oils, silicones 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
Secret Key Hyaluron Aqua Soft Toner 54 ingredients
Pixi Beauty Clarity Tonic 25 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
Secret Key Hyaluron Aqua Soft Toner 54 ingredients
Pixi Beauty Clarity Tonic 25 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Methylpropanediol
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Salicylate
Preservative
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water
Masking
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Trehalose
Humectant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Sorbitol
Humectant
Urea
Buffering
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Polyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Malic Acid
Buffering
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAngelica Dahurica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Leaf Extract
Masking
Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract
MaskingMorus Alba Root Extract
BleachingThuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract
Antioxidant
Vitex Trifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningUrtica Dioica Extract
AstringentPersea Gratissima Fruit Extract
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract
AstringentAsarum Sieboldii Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCnidium Officinale Root Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningJuglans Regia Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Extract
Abrasive
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Methylparaben
Preservative
Glyoxal
Antimicrobial
Sodium Nitrate
SoothingWater, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Salicylate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Trehalose, Sodium PCA, Sorbitol, Urea, Panthenol, Polyquaternium-51, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Angelica Dahurica Root Extract, Chrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Leaf Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract, Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract, Vitex Trifolia Fruit Extract, Urtica Dioica Extract, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract, Asarum Sieboldii Root Extract, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Juglans Regia Seed Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Glyoxal, Sodium Nitrate
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate Filtrate
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract
AntiseborrhoeicLactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Betaine, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Lactic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, 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 WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateGlycolic 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 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 AcidCitric 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 AcidCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractSodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It is naturally occurring in our skin's natural moisturizing factors where it works to maintain hydration.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
This ingredient has skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCAAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.
Aloe is packed with good stuff including Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are antioxidants, which help fight free-radicals and the damage they may cause. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice also contains sugars. These sugars come in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, and choline. These sugars are able to help bind moisture to skin.
It also contains minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceThis ingredient is also called sugarcane extract. It is a moisturizing humectant and has skin soothing properties.
Similar to hyaluronic acid, sugarcane can attract moisture to your skin.
Glycolic acid is a derivative of sugarcane. While glycolic acid is an AHA with exfoliating properties, sugarcane is not an AHA.
A study from 2021 found the compounds in sugarcane extract to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity. The study also suggests these compounds can inhibit skin ageing enzymes and promote collagen synthesis.
Learn more about Saccharum Officinarum ExtractEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Secret Key Hyaluron Aqua Soft Toner 54 ingredients
Pixi Beauty Clarity Tonic 25 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Secret Key Hyaluron Aqua Soft Toner 54 ingredients
Pixi Beauty Clarity Tonic 25 ingredients
I think i've been purchasing this Toner since i started in skincare. It's very lightweight and perfect for my very oily skin. It provides a very gentle exfoliation (with BHA and AHA), so i can use it almost every day without irritating my face. Plus, it has a very mild and lovely smell, like something clean. I love it.
I bought this when i was too stingy to buy the paula's choice .. i loved it didnt break me out and kept my sfs cleans
It wasnt that life changing but it is a toner after all, no stinfy sensation
This is the best among the pixi toner collection bc it has no perfume or alcohol in it so ☝️
