Comparison between Proactiv Step 2 Toner vs. Minimalist 8% Glycolic Acid Toner

Find out which product is better for your skin.

21 Ingredients 10

1
Water
1
Bambusa Vulgaris Water
2
Glycolic Acid
2
Glycolic Acid
3
Sodium Hydroxide
3
Triethanolamine
4
Polysorbate-20
4
Propanediol
5
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract
5
Aminomethyl Propanol
6
Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract
6
Phenoxyethanol
7
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice
7
Sodium Hyaluronate
8
Rosa Canina (Dog Rose) Fruit Extract
8
Ethoxydiglycol
-- Show others --
Uniqueness20 out of 21
95.2%
Uniqueness9 out of 10
90.0%

Positive Effects

Find out what good effects the product has

ECO Metrics

Find out how eco-friendly the components are
Vegan
No
No
Cruelty free
No
No
Reef friendly
Yes
Yes
Ozone layer safe
Yes
Yes
Organic score
natural
7 out of 21
33%
chemical
11 out of 21
52%
natural
1 out of 10
10%
chemical
7 out of 10
70%

Concerns

Pay attention to these components
-- Extra information --

Components by Skin Type

Find out what components are good or bad for your skin type
Dry skin
Positive: 4Negative: 0
Sodium PCA#9Glycerin#10Panthenol#11Allantoin#12
Oily skin
Positive: 2Negative: 0
Glycolic Acid#2Allantoin#12
Sensitive skin
Positive: 1Negative: 1
Allantoin#12Glycolic Acid#2
Dry skin
Positive: 1Negative: 0
Sodium Hyaluronate#7
Oily skin
Positive: 1Negative: 0
Glycolic Acid#2
Sensitive skin
Positive: 0Negative: 1
Glycolic Acid#2

Detailed view

Proactiv Step 2 Toner vs. Minimalist 8% Glycolic Acid Toner
Position 1

#1Water

Origin: natural
Role: Solvent
EWG Rating [ 1 ]

Water is a great solvent. It’s neutral and doesn’t provide any strong positive or negative effects. It just helps components to mix better and to transport active components.

-- versus --

#1Bambusa Vulgaris Water

Origin: No information
Role: Skin conditioning agent
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
Position 2
Both products have the same component on this position.

#2Glycolic Acid

Origin: natural
Role: Buffering agent, Exfoliant
Cleansing
Exfoliating
Anti-aging
Lightening
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ B ]
Good for oily skin
Good for oily skin

Glycolic Acid is the most researched AHA with proven efficiency and it’s a super powerful component. It’s a great exfoliator, meaning it helps to remove dead skin cells preventing bacterial growth, and make your skin look fresh and smooth. It helps to remove dark spots and areas, making skin tone even. But the most serious reason for using this component is that it helps to produce collagen, which is very important for keeping your skin healthy. This is what makes Glycolic Acid so special. Pay attention, that using any AHA makes your skin more UV sensitive. It’s very important to use good sunscreen after applying AHA.

It's an exfoliator, meaning it increases UV sensitivity of your skin. That's why it's very important to use sunscreen after it.
Position 3

#3Sodium Hydroxide

Origin: chemical
Role: Buffering agent
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ B ]

Sodium Hydroxide is used mostly for formulation purposes. It helps to hold the pH level of a product. It also works as a chemical exfoliator that removes dead cells. Usually concentration of this component is low in skin care products and it’s used mostly for adjusting pH.

-- versus --

#3Triethanolamine

Origin: chemical
Role: Buffering agent, Emulsifying agent, Fragrance ingredient, Masking, Surfactant
Comedogenic rating [ 2 ]
EWG Rating [ 5 ]
CIR Rating [ B ]

Triethanolamine is a pH adjuster. It is a toxic component that can be absorbed by the skin and detected in blood later. It can be a dermal irritant. Though it's considered safe, you should think before using it in skincare. There are many products on the market without Triethanolamine.

Position 4

#4Polysorbate-20

Origin: chemical
Role: Emulsifying agent, Fragrance ingredient, Surfactant
Nutrifying
Malassezia unsafe
EWG Rating [ 3 ]
CIR Rating [ B ]

Polysorbate 20 doesn’t have any notable skin benefits but is used in cosmetics quite often. Manufacturers use it for formulation purposes. It improves the scent, texture, and feel of the product.

-- versus --

#4Propanediol

Origin: chemical
Role: Solvent, Viscosity controlling agent
Moisturizing
Hair conditioning
EWG Rating [ 2 ]

Propanediol is a good solvent, emollient and humectant. It helps to moisturize the skin and prevent moisture loss. In haircare products, it conditions hair and improves absorption of the product.

Position 5

#5Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract

Origin: natural
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Astringent
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
-- versus --

#5Aminomethyl Propanol

Origin: chemical
Role: Buffering agent
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]
Skin Signal
2023 - 2024

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Disclaimer: All the information on the website is not a medical advice. Visit a doctor if you have problems.

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