Looking for the best PHA exfoliator for sensitive skin? You’re in the right place!
In skin care, as in life, it can often be difficult to find the one — the product, the brand, the treatment or whatever else — that you can take to the metaphorical prom. Aveeno Calm + Restore vs Cetaphil Healthy Radiance. Two of the most popular in gentle exfoliating are Aveeno Calm + Restore vs Cetaphil Healthy Radiance. Both of these products harness the power of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), which are the ultimate in gentle exfoliation. But how do the two stack up next to each other?
In this comparison article, we’ll explore both the features and benefits, as well as, the performance of these two chemical exfoliants. By the time you’re finished, you should have a clearer picture of which one might be the best choice for your skincare routine.
Did You Know?
PHAs are bigger molecules than AHAs or BHAs, so are generally less irritating for sensitive skin. So they are a great option for those who want a skin barrier friendly exfoliant!
Quick Comparison Table: Aveeno Calm + Restore vs Cetaphil Healthy Radiance
| Feature | Aveeno Calm + Restore | Cetaphil Healthy Radiance |
|---|---|---|
| Type | PHA Exfoliator | PHA Exfoliator |
| Skin Type | Sensitive Skin | Sensitive Skin |
| Key Ingredients | PHA, Colloidal Oatmeal | PHA, Niacinamide |
| Texture | Lightweight Gel | Creamy Lotion |
| Main Benefit | Soothes and restores skin | Brightens and evens skin tone |
1. Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator
A Overview:
Aveeno Calm + Restore is formulated for sensitive skin. This gentle exfoliator, formulated with colloidal oatmeal and patented dimer tripeptide, is a moisture rich scrub that soothes and nourishes even the most sensitive skin.
It’s soothing to irritated skin, and it gets a gentle peel action that exfoliates gently while sloughing off dead skin cells.
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Key benefits:
- Calms Redness: Colloidal oatmeal also soothes irritation and redness caused by weather and environmental factors.
- Mild Exfoliation: PHAs offer a non-irritating way to exfoliate, so you can use it daily.
- Moisturizing Formula: It helps the skin to retain moisture.
Texture, Feel & Suitability
Aveeno Calm + Restore has the feel of a creamy, lightweight gel that readily sinks into skin. It’s cooling and moisturizing to the skin and is suitable for around irritations/ for sensitive skin people. Ideal for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin types.
Battle Outcome: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Soothing and calming for sensitive skin
- Lightweight and non-greasy
- Suitable for daily use
- Focuses on repairing the skin barrier
- Often uses natural, calming ingredients like oat
Cons
- Not enough exfoliation for moderate to more tough skin types
- For some the fragrance may be a little strong
2. Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Gentle PHA Exfoliating Cleanser
A Overview:
Cetaphil Healthy radiance is also an excellent pick for anyone looking for a non-abrasive exfoliating toner. This product marries PHAs with niacinamide, a brightening and skin barrier-strengthening ingredient.
It’s meant to be a more gentle way to encourage a more radiant complexion while being safe for sensitive skin.
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Key Benefits:
- Evens Tone: Niacinamide helps even skin tone and increase skin radiance.
- Mild Exfoliation: It’s similar to Aveeno in that it employs PHAs for a soothing exfoliation process.
- Hydrating Ingredients: Works on keeping the skin hydrated throughout the exfoliation process.
Texture, Feel & Suitability
As for the consistency, Cetaphil Healthy Radiance is more creamy and slightly more than Aveeno’s gel. It feels hydrating on skin, and is fine to use on all skin types, including those in need of a little more moisture.
Battle Outcome: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Brightens and evens skin tone
- Texture is smooth and feels moisturizing
- Suitable for daily use
- Offers products with SPF for daytime protection
- Formulated to be gentle for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some users may prefer a lighter texture
- May be slow to absorb when compared to Aveeno
Ingredient Spotlight: How They Stack Up
| Ingredient | Aveeno Calm + Restore | Cetaphil Healthy Radiance |
|---|---|---|
| PHA | Yes | Yes |
| Colloidal Oatmeal | Yes | No |
| Niacinamide | No | Yes |
| Hydrating Agents | Yes (Oat-based) | Yes (Various emollients) |
| Antioxidants | Moderate | Moderate |
Real Results: How They Perform Side by Side
In terms of performance, both are great exfoliants without disturbing the skin barrier, although results do vary slightly depending on formulation and texture.
Aveeno Calm + Restore: This is the option for you if the most important thing is to calm your irritated or sensitive skin while also doing some gentle exfoliation. Within a few weeks of use, many users see less redness and overall skin feels more comfortable. The light gel texture also suits for hot climate or oil skin type.
Cetaphil Healthy Radiance: If you want a smidge of radiance and uneven skin tone balancing but still require a mild exfoliating toner, this guy brightens. And the creamy lotion texture adds a lil extra hydration, if you’re dry or combination. With continued use, many users also see a more even complexion and skin texture.
My Pro Tip: Incorporate your gentle exfoliating toner step into your nightly routine after cleansing but before you moisturize for the best results. If you have very sensitive skin, start off using it every other night until your skin adjusts.
What Users Are Saying: Real Experiences
I tried the Aveeno Calm + Restore vs Cetaphil Healthy Radiance products and had four weeks to form an opinion. As someone with sensitive, dry skin, I liked that Aveeno felt soothing and was light, it didn’t irritate or dry out my skin at all. But Cetaphil’s Healthy Radiance felt heavier, and I believe because of niacinamide left my skin looking more radiant over time.
“I’ve had redness and sensitivity for years and have always been hesitant with exfoliators. This polyhydroxy acid exfoliator from Aveeno soothed my skin, and didn’t irritate it at all. It’s definitely the best PHA exfoliator for sensitive skin I’ve used.”– Shipra
I have always been a big fan of the Cetaphil range of products, even before this new range of Cetaphil Healthy Radiance was available in the market. I love this cleanser, it’s so gentle but so effective. It perked up my lackluster skin with no stinging or dryness. I enjoy applying the thick, creamy texture on my skin and it feels the most barrier friendly for me.”– Minal
Wrapping Up: Choosing Between Aveeno Calm + Restore vs Cetaphil Healthy Radiance
If you would like a soothing gel-based formula that’s specifically intended for calm, sensitive skin, then we recommend Aveeno Calm + Restore. It’s a dependable daily-use gentle exfoliating toner with the added benefits of colloidal oatmeal and PHAs.
On the other hand, if you’re in for lightening and addressing dull skin tone for sensitive skin without giving up gentleness, Cetaphil Healthy Radiance is the way to go. It’s a hydrating creamy exfoliant that contains niacinamide, making it an all-around skin barrier-friendly exfoliant candidate.
Both make for great sensitive skin-friendly polyhydroxy acid exfoliators that won’t mess up your skin barrier while giving you the exfoliating toner goodness you crave.
FAQs
Which one should I use for my sensitive skin?
Aveeno Calm + Restore is made just for sensitive skin, featuring calming ingredients such as oat and feverfew. Cetaphil Healthy Radiance is also gentle but more for dull, uneven skin tone in need of brightening.
Do both products have PHA, and how does it work?
Yes, they both contain Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs), gentle exfoliators suitable for sensitive skin. They also work to enhance texture and tone without causing the irritation commonly experienced with AHAs or BHAs.
Which works faster?
You may see faster visible brightening results using the new Cetaphil Healthy Radiance as it contains niacinamide. Aveeno is slower-acting, with an emphasis on soothing and strengthening the skin barrier over time.
