Skinfix Resurface+ AHA/BHA Niacinamide Exfoliating Pads Versus Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads
Updated on February 27, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and BHA
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 oils, parabens, 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
Skinfix Resurface+ AHA/BHA Niacinamide Exfoliating Pads 23 ingredients
Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads 30 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Skinfix Resurface+ AHA/BHA Niacinamide Exfoliating Pads 23 ingredients
Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads 30 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Panax Quinquefolius Root Extract
AstringentPapain
Skin ConditioningBromelain
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Amylopectin
Dextrin
AbsorbentEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Propanediol
Solvent
Polydextrose
HumectantWater, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Maltodextrin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Panax Quinquefolius Root Extract, Papain, Bromelain, Citric Acid, Amylopectin, Dextrin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Propanediol, Polydextrose
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Arginine
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Prunus Persica Fruit Extract
Abrasive
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Triethanolamine
BufferingAmyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Geraniol
Perfuming
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Salicylic Acid 2%, Alcohol Denat., Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Arginine, Sodium Hydroxide, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Parfum, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Triethanolamine, Amyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Limonene, Benzoic Acid, Geraniol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Citral, Benzyl Benzoate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.
Antioxidant components in chamomile make it an effective ingredient to help slow the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may damage your skin.
Essential oils from chamomile have been found to improve wound healing due to its antimicrobial properties.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help treat stomach issues.
Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Flower ExtractCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits.
It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability.
Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge.
AHAs work by breaking down the structural “glue” that holds old skin cells in place. When that buildup is gone, your skin can renew itself more efficiently.
Research also shows glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and thicken the skin over time. This is one of its biggest advantages over other AHAs.
Overall, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally.
To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (that’s where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin).
The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness:
It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts.
Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, it can penetrate deeper, which enhances its effectiveness but also makes it more likely to irritate sensitive skin.
If your skin is very sensitive or prone to rosacea, glycolic acid may be too strong; in that case, try milder options like lactic acid or a PHA instead.
Recent studies suggest glycolic acid might even help protect against UV damage. But don’t skip sunscreen! Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun.
Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar. It smooths, brightens, hydrates, and firms the skin. Unless you’re highly sensitive, it’s well worth adding to your routine.
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 WaterPhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
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 this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic 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 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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Skinfix Resurface+ AHA/BHA Niacinamide Exfoliating Pads 23 ingredients
Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads 30 ingredients
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