The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner Versus iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Down to Tone Life Changing Toner
Updated on June 05, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe toners. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain 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, common allergens, 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
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Down to Tone Life Changing Toner 39 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
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Down to Tone Life Changing Toner 39 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
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 ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Propanediol
SolventSodium Citrate
BufferingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Phytic Acid
Malic Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Skin Protecting
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract
Antioxidant
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Vinegar
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract
AstringentArginine
Masking
Acer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDocosahexaenoic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Emollient
Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingLactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Phytate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSorbitol
Humectant
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Citrate, Niacinamide, Phytic Acid, Malic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Vinegar, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Arginine, Acer Saccharum Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Phosphatidylcholine, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Phytate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin
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 PropanediolGluconolactone 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 GluconolactoneNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
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.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideGlycerin 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 Glycerin1,2-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
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
Citric 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
The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner 16 ingredients
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Down to Tone Life Changing Toner 39 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.
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Down to Tone Life Changing Toner 39 ingredients
I used this as part of a set. I vaguely remember it having a strong chemical smell, it wasn't super memorable so I don't even think I finished the bottle.
