Proto-col

Proto-col Hydrating Collagen Toning Mist

Name: Proto-col - Hydrating Collagen Toning Mist
Brand: Proto-col

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation

Glycolic acid

Works well

What the product description says

“Enriched with hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and fruit enzymes, the hardworking mist helps to exfoliate, tone, tighten pores, and hydrate the skin whether you’re at home or on the go.”

Source: Beauty Bay

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~0.1–0.35%

Evens skin tone

Glycolic acid, Yeast extract

Works well

What the product description says

“Chamomile soothes irritated skin and reduces redness as well as uneven skin tone.”

Source: Face the future

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: yeast extract.

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Yeast extractEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin~1.4–2.1%

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Glycerin + 6 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Hydrating Collagen Toning Mist”

Source: Face the future

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.

When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.35–0.75%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.2–4.8%

Yeast extractKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin~1.4–2.1%

Royal jellyKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.55–1.25%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.45–1%

Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~4.7–7%

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice· HumectantEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~2–3%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.5%

Anti-aging

Glycolic acid, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice

Works well

What the product description says

“Vitamin B5 works to soothe and soften the skin as well as aiding the plant-based collagen in regenerating skin to reveal a more youthful complexion.”

Source: Face the future

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~2–3%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Yeast extract, Actinidia chinensis fruit extract + 2 more

May help

This product contains antioxidants (yeast extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Yeast extractKey activeEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin~1.4–2.1%

Actinidia chinensis fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.15–0.6%

Psidium guajava fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.15–0.7%

Anthemis nobilis flower oilEffect: Low, below effective doseAn essential oil that is used as a fragrance and can be irritating. It might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin~1.1–1.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract, Parfum

Medium risk

We flagged 14 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~4.7–7%est.

Hamamelis virginiana leaf extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~1.6–2.5%est.

Anthemis nobilis flower oilAn essential oil that is used as a fragrance and can be irritating. It might have some anti-oxidant effect in skinHigh~1.1–1.7%est.

Royal jellyHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skinHigh~0.55–1.25%est.

Psidium guajava fruit extractA fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant effectHigh~0.15–0.7%est.

Actinidia chinensis fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lackingHigh~0.15–0.6%est.

Glycolic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acidHigh~0.1–0.35%est.

Ci 19140A yellow dyeHigh~0.01–0.05%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.01–0.05%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~2–3%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.5%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.25%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.2%est.

Ci 42090A colorant (dye)Medium~0.01–0.1%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Hydrolyzed corallina officinalis extract—3/5~0.95–1.4%est.

Alternatives

The closest match we found

Balea Niacinamide AHA Peeling Concentrate

Closest match59% match

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Propylene glycol~4.7–7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol

Glycerin~3.2–4.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~2–3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingReduces rednessAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice

Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract~1.6–2.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract

Yeast extract~1.4–2.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationReduces irritationEvens skin tone

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Yeast extract

Anthemis nobilis flower oil~1.1–1.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

An essential oil that is used as a fragrance and can be irritating. It might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin

More about Anthemis nobilis flower oil

Hydrolyzed corallina officinalis extract~0.95–1.4%

Comedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

More about Hydrolyzed corallina officinalis extract

Royal jelly~0.55–1.25%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Royal jelly

Sodium hyaluronate~0.45–1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Panthenol~0.35–0.75%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Psidium guajava fruit extract~0.15–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Psidium guajava fruit extract

Actinidia chinensis fruit extract~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Actinidia chinensis fruit extract

Dipropylene glycol~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol

Decylene glycol~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to creat a nice product texture and support penetration of other ingredients

More about Decylene glycol

Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Polysorbate 20~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20

Glycolic acid~0.1–0.35%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-blemish

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid

More about Glycolic acid

Citric acid~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Sodium benzoate~0.05–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Potassium sorbate~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Ci 42090~0.01–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A colorant (dye)

More about Ci 42090

Ci 19140~0.01–0.05%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A yellow dye

More about Ci 19140

Parfum~0.01–0.05%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Ingredient list view

Water, Propylene glycol, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract, Yeast extract, Anthemis nobilis flower oil, Hydrolyzed corallina officinalis extract, Royal jelly, Sodium hyaluronate, Panthenol, Psidium guajava fruit extract, Actinidia chinensis fruit extract, Dipropylene glycol, Decylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, Polysorbate 20, Glycolic acid, Citric acid, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Ci 42090, Ci 19140, Parfum

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🇬🇧 Amazon UK (UK)

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	Proto-colHydrating Collagen Toning MistYOUR PRODUCT	BaleaNiacinamide AHA Peeling Concentrate	NeutrogenaSkin Perfecting Dry Skin Liquid Face Exfoliant	QMS MedicosmeticsActive Exfoliant 7 % Resurfacing Fluid
Match	—	59%	59%	57%
Price	—	—	$17.90	$90.56
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 5	4 of 5	4 of 5
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Gluconolactone	Lactic Acid
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	Contains drying alcohol
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: BIONNEX GLYCOLIC ACID 8% + ALOE VERA + BIRCH TONER Revuele LIQUID FACIAL EXFOLIANT 9 % AHA/BHA/PHA BLEND

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Product summary

"Proto-col - Hydrating Collagen Toning Mist" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.15% - 0.50% and glycerin 3.20% - 4.80%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.