Transparent Lab Blemish Control BHA Cleanser Ph 3.5 Versus Transparent Lab PHA Soft Peeling Cleanser
Updated on August 07, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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
Transparent Lab Blemish Control BHA Cleanser Ph 3.5 26 ingredients
Transparent Lab PHA Soft Peeling Cleanser 18 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Transparent Lab Blemish Control BHA Cleanser Ph 3.5 26 ingredients
Transparent Lab PHA Soft Peeling Cleanser 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingCocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Proline
Skin ConditioningArginine
Masking
Serine
MaskingAlanine
MaskingThreonine
Glycine
Buffering
PCA
HumectantLysine Hcl
Skin Conditioning
Sodium PCA
HumectantMorinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate
Skin ConditioningSphingomonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningGlutamic Acid
HumectantPotassium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids
EmollientBetaine
Humectant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Lactate
BufferingSodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Proline, Arginine, Serine, Alanine, Threonine, Glycine, PCA, Lysine Hcl, Sodium PCA, Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Glutamic Acid, Potassium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids, Betaine, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingPEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingSphingomonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingPotassium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids
EmollientSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate
CleansingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Potassium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Carbomer, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
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.Â
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 GlycerinThis ingredient is derived from caprylic and capric acids. It is an emulsifier with emollient properties.
According to the manufacturer, it is hydrophilic and soluble in aqueous solutions (water). They also state this ingredient is stable in a medium pH range (~5 - 8).
As an emulsifier, it helps make oils and oil-soluble ingredients more soluble in water.
Learn more about PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric GlyceridesCocamidopropyl Dimethylamine comes from the fatty acids of coconut oil. It is an emulsifier, meaning it helps stabilize and mix ingredients.
This ingredient can be irritating in higher amounts and is related to Cocamidopropyl Betaine.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidWe don't have a description for Sphingomonas Ferment Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Potassium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids yet.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a gentle cleanser and surfactant. It is the sodium salt of the Cocoyl Glutamic Acid and comes from coconut oil. As a surfactant, it helps lift dirt and oil to be washed away.
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate also has an emolliating effect and can help leave the skin feeling soft.
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 AcidSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoatePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateIngredient Ratings
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