Soft Services SMOOTHING SOLUTION Calming Gel Exfoliant Versus Almond Clear 2-IN-1 Hydrating Gel - Ultra-Lightweight Moisturizer
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe . They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for 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, fragrances, 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
Soft Services SMOOTHING SOLUTION Calming Gel Exfoliant 15 ingredients
Almond Clear 2-IN-1 Hydrating Gel - Ultra-Lightweight Moisturizer 12 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Soft Services SMOOTHING SOLUTION Calming Gel Exfoliant 15 ingredients
Almond Clear 2-IN-1 Hydrating Gel - Ultra-Lightweight Moisturizer 12 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycerinPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolSodium 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 HyaluronateEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Soft Services SMOOTHING SOLUTION Calming Gel Exfoliant 15 ingredients
Almond Clear 2-IN-1 Hydrating Gel - Ultra-Lightweight Moisturizer 12 ingredients

Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Soft Services SMOOTHING SOLUTION Calming Gel Exfoliant 15 ingredients
I really like how this left my skin feeling post shower! I did my typical shower routine and then dried off and applied this all over. I think I used too much, because I went to follow with a moisturizer and there was some pilling. Next time I’ll wait longer in between and apply less overall. I woke up this morning with truly baby smooth skin, it worked better than manual exfoliation for sure. I Show more
Almond Clear 2-IN-1 Hydrating Gel - Ultra-Lightweight Moisturizer 12 ingredients
So Good
Many products out there are too strong for my sensitive skin. This one has lower concentrations of useful ingredients like mandelic acid, azelaic acid, and bakuchiol in an aloe formulation that just works for me. My acne is hormonal (chin, neck, upper body - not severe but a little painful at times) and this really seems to reduce breakouts. I use it after showering and after washing my Show more
Clean ingredients, but the gel is very sticky & it has a fishy smell (plastic).