YTTP vs Biossance

[Stufany]

Hi!

I’m hesitating between the Youth To The People Mandelic Acid + Superfood Unity Exfoliant 4 oz/ 118 mL and the Biossance 2% BHA Pore Minimizing Toner + Squalane 4.0 oz/ 120 mL 

Is there one that you would recommend more than another? If so, why?

Thanks!

[WinglessOne]

Hi @Stufany ! Which one’s better for you depends partly on your skin type/behavior and your skincare goals/issues. For my particular skin, I wouldn't choose either of those products: they each contain at least one bad-for-me ingredient. 

YTTP Mandelic Acid contains damask rosewater, an ingredient my face dislikes. But it also contains 2% real salicylic acid, plus 3% mandelic acid. Mandelic acid’s a gentle AHA, so it’s great for folks with sensitive skin—and I see several good skin soothers on the INCI list. Also, kudos to YTTP for stating the % of both exfoliants. This product might be a good option if your skin’s not sensitive to any of the plant extracts it contains. 

Biossance Squalane + BHA would wreck my skin with all its perfume/fragrance components: citronellol, lemon balm/mint oil, a floral essential oil, and lavender water. (Lavender is my face’s nemesis.) Also, I’m not convinced there’s really enough BHA in this stuff to effectively exfoliate, since (1) willow bark extract is not salicylic acid and (2) Biossance doesn’t state the % of betaine salicylate included. (Betaine salicylate also isn’t salicylic acid, but it might at least get closer to doing what salicylic acid can.) This product contains caviar lime which might be an effective natural AHA source. But since caviar lime is a citrus fruit, it could also irritate my skin. Your skin might not be as finicky/sensitive as mine, so you might not have issues with all those fragrance components. 

If I had to choose between those 2 for myself, I’d go with the YTTP product. But what I actually use are Paula's Choice leave-on exfoliants (various BHA and AHA strengths). and/or The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Gentle Exfoliating Toner 3.4 oz/ 100 mL . The latter doesn't contain any BHA, so it won't degunk pores. But PHA is a very nice, very gentle way to remove dead skin cells to reveal newer skin. I use it on my neck and occasionally my face. 

[Stufany]

Hi @WinglessOne! thank you sooo much for your answer! I have a nearly 40 years old sensitive combinaison skin and my goal for the exfoliant toner is to gently exfoliate my skin everyday so my skin stays even, radiant and clear.

I was indecisive because I like Biossance products a lot (their eye cream and their lactic acid particularly) but the YTTP one seemed very nice too. I will take the ingredient list in perspective. Thanks again and take care 🙂

[jeannettiep]

The YTTP has a way better and also impressive ingredient list. By that I mean better quality, better for your skin, less chance of irritating ingredients. 

[Stufany]

Hi @jeannettiep thank you for your help also. I’ll be looking into the YTTP one. Take care!