The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner Versus The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner
Updated on June 05, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe toners. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for 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 common allergens, fragrances, 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
The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner 14 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
The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner 14 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
Buffering
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 PropanediolWe 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 OilEthylhexylglycerin (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
The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner 14 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.
The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner 14 ingredients
Too strong for my face. I use it on my neck only to smooth out rough skin when exfoliating a couple times a week.
