SkinCity Skincare Brightening Treatment Versus SkinCity Skincare Leave-On Lotion Body Exfoliator
Updated on May 14, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA 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 common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
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
SkinCity Skincare Brightening Treatment 49 ingredients
SkinCity Skincare Leave-On Lotion Body Exfoliator 33 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
SkinCity Skincare Brightening Treatment 49 ingredients
SkinCity Skincare Leave-On Lotion Body Exfoliator 33 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sodium Citrate
BufferingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Bicarbonate
Abrasive
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingLactic Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine PCA
HumectantSodium PCA
Humectant
Malic Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Tetrapeptide-30
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Avena Sativa Kernel Flour
Abrasive
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCaulerpa Lentillifera Extract
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Pantolactone
Humectant
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCeramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Water, Gluconolactone, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Citrate, Glycolic Acid, Caprylyl Methicone, Sodium Bicarbonate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Lactic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Arginine PCA, Sodium PCA, Malic Acid, Glycerin, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Polysorbate 60, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, T-Butyl Alcohol, Tetrapeptide-30, Panthenol, Avena Sativa Kernel Flour, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract, Salicylic Acid, Ceramide NP, Sodium Benzoate, Pantolactone, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Ceramide EOP
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingLactobionic Acid
Buffering
Bis-PEG/PPG-16/16 PEG/PPG-16/16 Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Arginine
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Ceteareth-25
CleansingPolyacrylate-1 Crosspolymer
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin Conditioning
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingMalic Acid
Buffering
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Benzalkonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAcer Saccharum Sap Extract
HumectantCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Water, Glycolic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate, Gluconolactone, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Lactobionic Acid, Bis-PEG/PPG-16/16 PEG/PPG-16/16 Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Arginine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lactic Acid, Ceteareth-25, Polyacrylate-1 Crosspolymer, Allantoin, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Benzalkonium Chloride, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum Sap Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Allantoin 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 AllantoinBiosaccharide Gum-1 is a sugar created from fermented sorbitol. Most sorbitol is made from potato starch.
This ingredient is a a skin conditioning ingredient and helps moisturize the skin.
It is also naturally found in fruits such as apples and pears.
Learn more about Biosaccharide Gum-1This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCitric 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 AcidGluconolactone 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 GluconolactoneGlycolic 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 AcidMalic Acid is an acid with both AHA and BHA properties, but is considered an AHA because its AHA properties are stronger.
Like other AHAs, it removes the top layer of old and dead skin to reveal the newer layer underneath. It also helps with improving fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone, skin texture, and acne blemishes.
Due to its exfoliating properties, you should wear SPF when using Malic Acid.
Fun fact: The word "Malic" comes from the word "Malum". In Latin, "Malum" means apple. This ingredient is often derived from unripe fruit.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Malic 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 Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium 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 HydroxideWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
