Somethinc Calm Down! PHA 3% Soothing Everyday Toner Versus Round Lab Pine Tree Calming Cica Toner
Updated on January 30, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe toners. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain PHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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
Somethinc Calm Down! PHA 3% Soothing Everyday Toner 16 ingredients
Round Lab Pine Tree Calming Cica Toner 24 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Somethinc Calm Down! PHA 3% Soothing Everyday Toner 16 ingredients
Round Lab Pine Tree Calming Cica Toner 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Annona Cherimola Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingTriethanolamine
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPhenylpropanol
Masking
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide
MaskingCitric Acid
Buffering
Water
Skin ConditioningPinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Propanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glycoproteins
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningFicus Indica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Indica Flower Extract
Antioxidant
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Sodium Citrate
BufferingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Glycerin, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycoproteins, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ficus Indica Leaf Extract, Rosa Indica Flower Extract, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Gluconolactone, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid
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 WaterGluconolactone 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 GluconolactoneButylene 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.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateMadecassoside comes from the super popular skin-soothing ingredient, Centella asiatica. It is one of four active compounds found in the extract of Centella Asiatica.
Madecassoside has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties. It contains fatty acids, amino acids, beta-carotene, and phytochemicals.
One study found using Madecassoside with ascorbic acid helped reduce the signs of aging and improved skin hydration.
Learn more about MadecassosideCitric 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 AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Somethinc Calm Down! PHA 3% Soothing Everyday Toner 16 ingredients
Round Lab Pine Tree Calming Cica Toner 24 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Somethinc Calm Down! PHA 3% Soothing Everyday Toner 16 ingredients
Round Lab Pine Tree Calming Cica Toner 24 ingredients
My favorite toner, it’s so soothing, non-irritating, and makes my skin feel soft. I have extremely sensitive skin with acne+scars and texture, possible fungal acne and this is the only toner that works 🥰
