The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner Versus Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol Free Toner
This smoothing toner is formulated around Gluconolactone and Niacinamide to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin.
This calming toner is formulated around Calendula Officinalis Extract and Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract to calm redness.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Gluconolactone 3%
Chelating
Niacinamide 3%
Smoothing
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
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
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Methylparaben
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
ChelatingArctium Lappa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Calendula Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
AntimicrobialAlthaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Pentylene Glycol (1,2-pentanediol) is a multitasking little diol with three main roles in a formula:
Research on alkanediols (the family pentylene glycol belongs to) show they work by disrupting microbial cell membranes. This disruption helps the primary preservative system in a product work more effectively at lower doses.
On the safety side, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in current cosmetic practices + concentrations.
Typical use levels in a formula run about 1-5%.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
