Tula Skincare Balancing Act Purifying Toner & pH Balancing Toner Pads Versus First Aid Beauty Oil-Minimizing Toner with Salicylic Acid
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe toners. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
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, 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
Tula Skincare Balancing Act Purifying Toner & pH Balancing Toner Pads 59 ingredients
First Aid Beauty Oil-Minimizing Toner with Salicylic Acid 23 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
Tula Skincare Balancing Act Purifying Toner & pH Balancing Toner Pads 59 ingredients
First Aid Beauty Oil-Minimizing Toner with Salicylic Acid 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Lactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Beta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningEugenia Caryophyllus Flower Extract
AstringentMentha Arvensis Leaf Extract
MaskingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCarum Carvi Seed Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantifolia Oil
Cleansing
Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice
Skin ConditioningInulin
Skin ConditioningLycium Chinense Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pelargonium Graveolens Extract
Masking
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Rosa Damascena Extract
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingPhytic Acid
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract
TonicOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Mentha Viridis Extract
MaskingPeumus Boldus Leaf Extract
MaskingVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Lactobacillus
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentLavandula Angustifolia Flower
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Gluconic Acid
Yeast Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lauryl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Chloride
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingMenthyl Lactate
MaskingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Benzoic Acid
Masking
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Water, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Sodium PCA, Lactobacillus Ferment, Niacinamide, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Extract, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Carum Carvi Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice, Inulin, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Extract, Lactic Acid, Rosa Damascena Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Mentha Piperita Oil, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Phytic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Mentha Viridis Extract, Peumus Boldus Leaf Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin, Sodium Benzoate, Gluconic Acid, Yeast Extract, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Menthyl Lactate, Decyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol
Water
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingSalix Nigra Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Parthenium Extract
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Citric Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Tetrasodium EDTA
Water, Polysorbate 20, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root, Sodium PCA, Lactic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Benzoic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA
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 WaterHamamelis Virginiana Water is made by distilling parts of the witch hazel plant. You can also call this ingredient "witch hazel water".
The name 'Hamamelis Virginiana Water' refers to the distillation product used in cosmetics. On the other hand, 'Witch Hazel' refers to the active drug ingredient.
Unless it is specified to be non-alcohol, many types of witch hazel ingredients are distilled in denatured alcohol.
Witch Hazel water is an astringent, anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient.
It contains tannins. Tannins have a drying effect when used on skin by constricting proteins. The constriction also minimizes the appearance of pores.
Both the tannins and fragrance found in witch hazel may be skin-sensitizing.
Witch hazel water gets anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties from its catechin and gallic acid content.
Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation in North America for centuries.
Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinPolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It is naturally occurring in our skin's natural moisturizing factors where it works to maintain hydration.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
This ingredient has skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCALactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.
Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.
Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.
Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCitric 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 AcidMaltodextrin is a polysaccharide. It is derived from starch such as rice, corn, wheat, or potato starch.
In food, Maltodextrin is used to improve the texture and thicken a product. Due to its structure, it can help create a gel texture. As an emulsion stabilizer, it helps keep the ingredients in a product together.
As a polysaccharide, Maltodextrin has moisturizing properties. Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate. The top layer of skin uses polysaccharides to retain water, keeping the skin hydrated.
Maltodextrin is water soluble and has a sweet taste.
Learn more about MaltodextrinSodium 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 SorbateSodium 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 HydroxidePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.
The antimicrobial property of Benzoic Acid helps elongate a product's shelf life. Its main role is to reduce fungi growth and is not found to be effective at fighting bacteria. Therefore Benzoic Acid is always added along with other preservatives.
In its pure form, Benzoic Acid looks like a white crystalline solid. It has slight solubility in water.
The name of Benzoic Acid comes from gum benzoin, which used to be the sole source of deriving this ingredient. Benzoic Acid is the most simple aromatic carboxylic acid.
Benzoic Acid is naturally occuring in strawberries, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. It has a slight scent but is not considered to be a fragrance.
Learn more about Benzoic AcidIngredient Ratings
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