The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner Versus Clarins Soothing Toning Lotion
Updated on June 05, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe toners. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
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
Clarins Soothing Toning Lotion 22 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner 16 ingredients
Clarins Soothing Toning Lotion 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGluconolactone 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 ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Methylpropanediol
SolventPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMaris Aqua
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Parfum
Masking
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
MoisturisingPhenylpropanol
Masking
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingT-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantCrocus Sativus Flower Extract
MaskingWater, Propanediol, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Maris Aqua, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Phenylpropanol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Laminaria Digitata Extract, T-Butyl Alcohol, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Crocus Sativus Flower Extract
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 WaterPropanediol 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 GlycerinWe don't have a description for PPG-26-Buteth-26 yet.
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is used as a emollient and emulsifier.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps make the other ingredients more soluble; it is often used to solubilize fragrances. This increases spreadability and elongates shelf life in a product.
Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. They do this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
This ingredient may or may not be vegan, depending on the source.
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil may not be fungal-acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Learn more about PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilCaprylyl 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.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideIngredient 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
Clarins Soothing Toning Lotion 22 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner 16 ingredients
PHA is the only exfoliate ingredient I can use because of my sensitive skin and this product really helped me with my acne. Sadly it is a bit drying
This is one of my favorite toners. It has a lot of great ingredients and feels great on my skin. It's not a product that shows massive results, but it does its job without irritating my skin or causing me to break out.
