Skinfood Pink Grapefruit AHA Toner Versus COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner
Updated on February 27, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, niacinamide and Vitamin C
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, 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
Skinfood Pink Grapefruit AHA Toner 29 ingredients
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Skinfood Pink Grapefruit AHA Toner 29 ingredients
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingTromethamine
BufferingGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
EmulsifyingBetaine
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlycerophosphocholine
Skin ConditioningSucrose Laurate
Emollient
Creatine
Skin ConditioningBakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Mannitol
HumectantLysolecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Water, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Tromethamine, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Betaine, Gluconolactone, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Niacinamide, Allantoin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Beta-Glucan, Caprylyl Glycol, Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glycerophosphocholine, Sucrose Laurate, Creatine, Bakuchiol, Mannitol, Lysolecithin, Ceramide NP, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Disodium EDTA
Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract
EmollientHylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Water
AstringentPyrus Malus Fruit Water
MaskingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthyl Hexanediol
SolventSodium Lactate
BufferingWater
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Betaine Salicylate
Antimicrobial
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
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 AcidButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideAllantoin 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 AllantoinIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Skinfood Pink Grapefruit AHA Toner 29 ingredients
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Skinfood Pink Grapefruit AHA Toner 29 ingredients
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients
Gentle but seems to be working. I’ve been using it for around 2 weeks and it seems to be good at drying out and minimising ccs. Super lightweight and absorbs fast. No irritation when applying more than 1 layer.
It’s my every other day toner. Fungal acne safe and visibly reduces the look of large pores just after a few uses. Would probably purchase again
