Tarte Knockout Tingling Toner Versus Starface Exfoliating Night Water
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe . They have a total of 21 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, niacinamide 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, 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
Tarte Knockout Tingling Toner 25 ingredients
Starface Exfoliating Night Water 30 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Tarte Knockout Tingling Toner 25 ingredients
Starface Exfoliating Night Water 30 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Malic Acid
Buffering
Phytic Acid
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Magnesium Chloride
Acetic Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Allium Cepa Bulb Extract
Skin Conditioning
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantCochlearia Armoracia Root Extract
MaskingCommiphora Myrrha Resin Extract
Skin ConditioningMyrtus Communis Extract
AstringentRumex Acetosa Leaf Extract
EmollientThymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract
MaskingCalcium Chloride
AstringentSodium Chloride
Masking
Potassium Chloride
Sulfur
Antiseborrhoeic
Water, Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Propanediol, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Malic Acid, Phytic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Magnesium Chloride, Acetic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Calcium Gluconate, Cochlearia Armoracia Root Extract, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, Myrtus Communis Extract, Rumex Acetosa Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Sulfur
Water 73.6%
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide 8.2%
Smoothing
Citric Acid 3.6%
Buffering
Lactic Acid 3.6%
Buffering
Propanediol 3.1%
Solvent
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water 2.9%
MaskingGlycerin 1.2%
Humectant
Gluconolactone 1%
Skin Conditioning
Malic Acid
Buffering
Myrtus Communis Extract
AstringentPhytic Acid
Allium Cepa Bulb Extract
Skin Conditioning
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Acetic Acid
BufferingCochlearia Armoracia Root Extract
MaskingCalcium Gluconate
HumectantCommiphora Myrrha Resin
MaskingRumex Acetosa Leaf Extract
EmollientThymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract
MaskingLinalool
Perfuming
Calcium Chloride
AstringentSulfur
Antiseborrhoeic
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Potassium Chloride
Citronellol
Perfuming
Eugenol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Water 73.6%, Niacinamide 8.2%, Citric Acid 3.6%, Lactic Acid 3.6%, Propanediol 3.1%, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water 2.9%, Glycerin 1.2%, Gluconolactone 1%, Malic Acid, Myrtus Communis Extract, Phytic Acid, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Glycolic Acid, Acetic Acid, Cochlearia Armoracia Root Extract, Calcium Gluconate, Commiphora Myrrha Resin, Rumex Acetosa Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract, Linalool, Calcium Chloride, Sulfur, Sodium Chloride, Limonene, Potassium Chloride, Citronellol, Eugenol, Geraniol
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 WaterNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
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.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideLactic 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 AcidCitric 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 AcidPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolGlycerin 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 GlycerinGluconolactone 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 GluconolactoneMalic Acid is an acid with both AHA and BHA properties, but is considered an AHA because its AHA properties are stronger.
Like other AHAs, it removes the top layer of old and dead skin to reveal the newer layer underneath. It also helps with improving fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone, skin texture, and acne blemishes.
Due to its exfoliating properties, you should wear SPF when using Malic Acid.
Fun fact: The word "Malic" comes from the word "Malum". In Latin, "Malum" means apple. This ingredient is often derived from unripe fruit.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Malic AcidPhytic Acid is a gentle AHA and antioxidant. AHAs are chemical exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells. Phytic Acid has a slight and mild exfoliating effect.
The chemical makeup makes it classified as an AHA, much like lactic acid.
In some cases, it is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water, helping to stabilize the ingredients in a product.
An interesting fact about phytic acid is that it is considered an antinutrient. People do not have the enzyme needed to properly breakdown and digest phytic acid. When ingested, phytic acid binds to minerals and prevents them from being absorbed.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Phytic AcidSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateAcetic Acid is created during the process of fermenting ethanol. It is used to help adjust the pH of cosmetics.
The pH of your skin is important to maintaining a healthy barrier. This barrier keeps your skin hydrated and protects your skin from external factors such as bacteria.
Red onion extract? This ingredient not only benefits our diet but also offers numerous benefits for the skin.
Like many other plant extracts, red onion is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients. The red color of the onion comes from its high anthocyanin content - and anthocyanin is a potent antioxidant.
Besides being rich in antioxidants, red onions also contain sulfur, sugars, Vitamin C, and biotin.
A study from 2018 found onion extract to be just as effective as healing surgical scars as traditional silicone gel.
Another study from 2008 showed using this ingredient helped reduce surgical scar texture, redness, and overall appearance in 60 patients.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient can help with the following:
Another manufacturer from Spain claims onion extract can inhibit the release of allergy hormones and prostaglandin, or lipids found near tissue damage and infection spots.
This ingredient is water-soluble.
Learn more about Allium Cepa Bulb ExtractThis ingredient is calcium salt of gluconic acid. It is a humectant, meaning it attracts water to your skin.
We don't have a description for Cochlearia Armoracia Root Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Myrtus Communis Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Rumex Acetosa Leaf Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Calcium Chloride yet.
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChloridePotassium Chloride can be bad for oily skin and be bad for acne prone skin.
Sulfur is a commonly occurring element on Earth (and our universe!). In cosmetics, it helps kill bacteria, reduces sebum, and provides exfoliation. This makes it an effective ingredient to reduce breakouts and fight acne.
As a ketayolytic agent, it breaks down the top layer of skin. This is a form of exfoliation and may help decrease acne and hyperpigmentation.
Studies show sulfur has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Sulfur can be drying if used excessively or at higher concentrations. We recommend speaking with a medical professional if you have any concerns.
Ancient Greece, India, China, and Egypt have used sulfur in both traditional medicines and for household use.
Learn more about SulfurIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Tarte Knockout Tingling Toner 25 ingredients
Starface Exfoliating Night Water 30 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Tarte Knockout Tingling Toner 25 ingredients
AHHHHHH!!!
Let me start out by saying I don’t think I have sensitive skin. I can put up with pretty strong prescription stuff like clindamycin phosphate solution (which is 50% alcohol) or tretinoin at .05%. BUT this toner… oh my gosh. “Tingling” I guess is just a nice way of saying this stuff BURNS! And I tried this before getting the prescription strength stuff I just mentioned, so I know my skin Show more
