Urban Skin Witch Hazel Brightening & pH Balancing Toner Versus Bolden Skin Brightening Toner
Updated on June 25, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe toners. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
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 common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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 Witch Hazel Brightening & pH Balancing Toner 26 ingredients
Bolden Skin Brightening Toner 34 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Urban Skin Witch Hazel Brightening & pH Balancing Toner 26 ingredients
Bolden Skin Brightening Toner 34 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Glycerin
Humectant
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingAlpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Glutathione
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Water, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Alcohol, Glycerin, Ethoxydiglycol, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Phenoxyethanol, Allantoin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Alpha-Arbutin, Glutathione, Kojic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Retinyl Palmitate
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Lavandula Intermedia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium PCA
HumectantCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingBeta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantLens Esculenta Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
Masking
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientParfum
Masking
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Algae Extract
Emollient
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Aspartate
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Copper Gluconate
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-37
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Medica Limonum Peel Extract
EmollientGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Propanediol
SolventPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Lavandula Intermedia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Panthenol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium PCA, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Lens Esculenta Seed Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Parfum, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Algae Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Copper Gluconate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-37, Citrus Medica Limonum Peel Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol
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 GlycerinNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamidePhenoxyethanol 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.
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 HydroxideGlycolic 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 AcidGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateIngredient Ratings
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