The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner Versus AXIS - Y PHA Resurfacing Glow Peel
Updated on June 05, 2024
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 PHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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
The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner 16 ingredients
AXIS - Y PHA Resurfacing Glow Peel 20 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
The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner 16 ingredients
AXIS - Y PHA Resurfacing Glow Peel 20 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Gluconolactone 3%
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide 3%
Smoothing
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
PPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Gluconolactone 10%
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Tromethamine
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Mume Fruit Extract
Humectant
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Butylene Glycol, Gluconolactone 10%, Glycerin, Tromethamine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tocopherol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
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 GluconolactoneGlycerin 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 GlycerinWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner 16 ingredients
AXIS - Y PHA Resurfacing Glow Peel 20 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
