Versus

Skintific 12% AHA BHA PHA LHA Peeling Solution Versus Y.O.U 12% Acid Intensive Peeling Serum

Exfoliator
Serum
Chinese Brand China
Indonesian Brand Indonesia

Updated on February 21, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 13 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, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
12% Acid Intensive Peeling Serum

Water

Skin Conditioning

Malic Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Potassium Hydroxide

Buffering

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Mandelic Acid

Antimicrobial
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

Emulsion Stabilising

Salicylic Acid

Masking
BHA IconPreservative IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Gluconolactone

Skin Conditioning
PHA IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Betaine

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Portulaca Oleracea Extract

Skin Conditioning

Diethoxyethyl Succinate

Solvent

Ceramide AP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid

Buffering

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Humectant
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Emulsifying
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glycolic Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Glyceryl Glucoside

Humectant

Lactobionic Acid

Buffering
PHA IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Lactic Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Disodium EDTA

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Tartaric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Cyclodextrin

Absorbent

Ceteareth-25

Cleansing

CI 42090

Cosmetic Colorant

Centella Asiatica Extract

Cleansing
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Ceramide NP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water

Masking

Carnosine

Skin Conditioning

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

PEG-8

Humectant

Alpha-Arbutin

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Propanediol

Solvent

4-T-Butylcyclohexanol

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Tranexamic Acid

Astringent
Good for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Octyldodecanol

Emollient

Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Centella Asiatica Root Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

Astringent

Camellia Japonica Flower Extract

Emollient

Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Hydroxyacetophenone

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract

Antimicrobial

Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Callus Culture Extract

Skin Conditioning

Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract

Masking
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Ascorbic Acid

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Phytosphingosine

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Phospholipids

Skin Conditioning

Nonapeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans

Humectant

Caprylhydroxamic Acid

Ceramide Ns

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Ceramide As

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate

Potassium Hyaluronate

Skin Conditioning

Ceramide EOP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

CI 16035

Cosmetic Colorant
2 / 2

CI 77266

Water, Malic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Mandelic Acid, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Gluconolactone, Betaine, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycolic Acid, Glyceryl Glucoside, Lactobionic Acid, Lactic Acid, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid, Cyclodextrin, Ceteareth-25, CI 42090, Centella Asiatica Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ceramide NP, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Carnosine, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-8, Alpha-Arbutin, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Tranexamic Acid, Octyldodecanol, Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Callus Culture Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Phospholipids, Nonapeptide-1, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide As, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Ceramide EOP, CI 16035, CI 77266

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Buffering

Glycolic 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 Acid
Buffering, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Lactic 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 Acid
Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning

Salicylic 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 Acid
Skin Conditioning

Gluconolactone 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 Gluconolactone
Buffering

Lactobionic Acid is a PHA. PHAs are the gentle cousins to AHAS.

Like AHAs, they exfoliate the top layer of skin. Lactobionic acid also exhibits significant antioxidant activity.

PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. This means 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.

By removing dead skin cells, PHAs leave the skin brighter and with even-texture.

Learn more about Lactobionic Acid
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin 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 Glycerin
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 
Antioxidant

Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.

This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene 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.

Preservative

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.

Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (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.

Absorbent

We don't have a description for Cyclodextrin yet.

When to use

37 Routines
11% use in am
86% use in pm
30% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
5 Routines
40% use in am
60% use in pm
40% use every week