Urban Skin Clear & Even Tone Clarifying Glycolic Pads Versus Yes To Grapefruit Glow-Boosting Daily Exfoliating Tonic
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
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 harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or silicones
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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
Urban Skin Clear & Even Tone Clarifying Glycolic Pads 33 ingredients
Yes To Grapefruit Glow-Boosting Daily Exfoliating Tonic 32 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Urban Skin Clear & Even Tone Clarifying Glycolic Pads 33 ingredients
Yes To Grapefruit Glow-Boosting Daily Exfoliating Tonic 32 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingLactic Acid
Buffering
Phytic Acid
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Propanediol
SolventCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Heterotheca Inuloides Flower Extract
MaskingHamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sulfated Castor Oil
Cleansing
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Arbutin
Antioxidant
Glutathione
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentTocopherol
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingPolyglyceryl-10 Caprylate/Caprate
EmulsifyingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingGlyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Gluconic Acid
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Lactic Acid, Phytic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Salicylic Acid, Propanediol, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Heterotheca Inuloides Flower Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract, Sulfated Castor Oil, Kojic Acid, Niacinamide, Arbutin, Glutathione, Azelaic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Maltodextrin, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-10 Caprylate/Caprate, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Citric Acid, Gluconic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPropanediol
SolventVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingAcer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Grandis Fruit Water
Masking
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Hordeum Vulgare Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Xylitylglucoside
HumectantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Propanediol, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Citrus Grandis Fruit Water, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Seed Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Allantoin, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Glycerin, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Limonene
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 WaterGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidSodium 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 HydroxideLactic 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 AcidPropanediol 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 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 GlycerinEthylhexylglycerin (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 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 SorbatePhenoxyethanol 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.
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