The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner Versus Haruharu Wonder Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum
Updated on March 31, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, 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 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
Haruharu Wonder Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum 21 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
Haruharu Wonder Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum 21 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 ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Water
MaskingGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract
Astringent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Arginine
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Water, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Water, Gluconolactone, Centella Asiatica Extract, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Ectoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arginine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol
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 GluconolactonePentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene Glycol1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
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 preservatives
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.
Ingredient 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
Haruharu Wonder Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum 21 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner 16 ingredients
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.
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
Haruharu Wonder Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum 21 ingredients
Love it. It doesn't sting or irritates my skin. I can use it almost every day (depends on how my skin feels) without fear of breaking my skin barrier.
