Benton PHA Peeling Gel

Benton

PHA Peeling Gel

face exfoliator

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
55%
Combination (dry)
55%
Balanced
84%
Combination (oily)
86%
Oily
86%

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17
Ingredients
6
Benefits
3
Actives
Find Dupes

The Benton PHA Peeling Gel is a physical and chemical exfoliator. This peeling gel is the best of both worlds. The formula contains naturally derived cellulose to buff away dead cells and excessive sebum as well as PHAs, a gentler alternative to AHAs, that leave the skin smooth and bright without irritation. It also contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and an extract from the chrysanthemum morifolium flower to replenish moisture and soothe the skin.

Key Insights

Benefits

6
Anti-Aging
Dark Spot Fading
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Smooths Bumpy Skin
Soothing

Active Ingredients

3
PHA Ceramides Hyaluronic acid

About PHA Peeling Gel

Overview

PHA Peeling Gel is a lightweight exfoliator from Benton. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 17 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate and Propanediol, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Propanediol and Pentylene Glycol.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection, oil control, cell renewal and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.

Where it fits in a routine

Use it in the evening. In a routine it goes after cleansing, before serums. Start at once or twice a week and build up only if skin stays comfortable. Wear sunscreen the next morning — fresh exfoliation raises UV sensitivity.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No essential oils
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list
  • No recognised malassezia (fungal acne) triggers

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Balanced skin
  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 11 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 3 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Soothing 3 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Dark Spot Fading 1 ingredient

    Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time

  • Evens Skin Tone 1 ingredient

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Smooths Bumpy Skin 1 ingredient

    Refines texture by gently exfoliating rough, uneven patches

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Oil Control Pore Minimizer

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

1,2-Dihydroxypentane

Hydration

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
Ceramide NP Ceramides

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine

Hydration Anti-Aging
Sodium Hyaluronate Hyaluronic acid

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

.alpha.-d-Glucopyranosiduronic acid, (3.beta.,20.beta.)-20-carboxy-11-oxo-30-norolean-12-en-3-yl 2-O-.beta.-d-glucopyranuronosyl-, dipotassium salt

Soothing Dark Spot Fading

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a copolymer of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate and vinylpyrrolidone monomers

Hydration

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

4-O-beta-D-Galactopyranosyl-D-gluconic acid

Smooths Bumpy Skin Evens Skin Tone Hydration

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-

Soothing

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl

Hydration

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Lecithins, hydrogenated

Hydration

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

N-(1-Oxododecyl)-L-glutamic acid, phytosterols and 2-octyl-1-dodecanol ester

Hydration

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support Low

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening Low

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Low

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal None

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (3)

Supporting ingredients (14)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Aqua Cellulose Pentylene Glycol Coco-caprylate/caprate Glycerin Chrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp Copolymer Allantoin Propanediol Caprylic/capric Triglyceride Hydrogenated Lecithin Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate Sodium Gluconate

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • Essential-oil-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Use with caution

  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • BHA (salicylic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • PHAs (gluconolactone)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

Where it fits in a routine

Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Exfoliate
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise

This product is the "Exfoliate" step.

  • Start at once or twice a week and build up only if skin stays comfortable.
  • Wear sunscreen the next morning — fresh exfoliation raises UV sensitivity.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
No ingredient here is a recognised food source for malassezia.
Sensitive and reactive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 17 ingredients on the label.

4
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

4
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

3
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

3
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

2
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

1
Soothing

Calms visible redness and irritation

1
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

1
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

1
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

1
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

1
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Aqua Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Water

2 Cellulose Texture agent
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Cellulose

Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

1,2-Dihydroxypentane

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • https://thedermreviewcom/pentylene-glycol/
  • Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, July 2017, pages 106-111
  • Prospector, June 2015, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, October 2012, pages 147S-168S
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Alcohols, coco, mixed esters with octanoic and decanoic acids

5 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Chrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium Asteraceae

7 Ceramide NP Active
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine

Hydration Anti-Aging
11 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2020, pages 5S-25S
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, August 2019, pages 1-15
  • Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2016, pages 135-147
  • Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, October 2014, pages 2473-2483
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, July 2014, pages 177-184
  • Journal of Lipid Research, July 2008, pages 1, 466-1, 476
  • Journal of Lipid Research, September 2007, pages 1936-1943
  • American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003, pages 107-129
  • Contact Dermatitis, June 2002, pages 331-338
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1, 126-1, 136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, September-October 2001, pages 261-271
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing
5 scientific references
  • Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und Verwandte Gebiete, December 2017, pages 987-993
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, July 2014, pages 277-287
  • Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2012, pages 20-23
  • DermatoEndocrinology, July-December 2012, pages 253-258
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2011, pages 990-1000
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

.alpha.-d-Glucopyranosiduronic acid, (3.beta.,20.beta.)-20-carboxy-11-oxo-30-norolean-12-en-3-yl 2-O-.beta.-d-glucopyranuronosyl-, dipotassium salt

Soothing Dark Spot Fading
8 scientific references
  • How to Care for Red, Sensitive Skin
  • 7 Best Products for Sensitive Skin
  • Skincare Tips for Calming Redness
  • Skin-Soothing Ingredients
  • How the Paula’s Choice CALM Collection Works
  • The Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin
  • The Best Ways to Treat Acne and Sensitive Skin
  • Skin Care for Extremely Dry, Sensitive Skin
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a copolymer of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate and vinylpyrrolidone monomers

Hydration
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, pH adjuster

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

4-O-beta-D-Galactopyranosyl-D-gluconic acid

Smooths Bumpy Skin Evens Skin Tone Hydration
12 Allantoin Occlusive
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Soothing

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-

Soothing
8 scientific references
  • Chemistry Series, March 2020, pages 7-21
  • Molecules, June 2019, pages 1-33
  • European Journal of Pharmacology, February 2018, pages 68-78
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, June 2017, Volume 76, Issue 2, Supplement 1
  • Pharmacognosy Review, Volume 5, July-December 2011
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2010, Supplement, pages 84S-97S
  • Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, October 2008, ePublication
  • https://wwwaccessdatafdagov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearchcfm?CFRPart=347&showFR=1
13 Propanediol Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • PubChem Compound Summary, April 2021, ePublication
  • SpecialChem, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, June 2018, pages 1-73
  • Cosmetics & Toiletries, May 2013, pages 81-86
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2020, pages 34-35
  • Periodica Polytechnica Chemical Engineering, 2014, pages 43-48
  • International Journal of Toxicology, January 2003, pages 4-5
  • Food and Chemical Toxicology, January 2000, pages 79-98
  • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, August 1985, pages 303-311
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Lecithins, hydrogenated

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2020, pages 5S-25S
  • Nanocosmetics, June 2019, pages 95–140
  • Current Drug Delivery, 2016, pages 111–120
  • Pharmaceutical Research, February 2013, pages 538–55
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

N-(1-Oxododecyl)-L-glutamic acid, phytosterols and 2-octyl-1-dodecanol ester

Hydration
17 Sodium Gluconate Chelator
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Chelator

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium gluconate

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May/June 2019, pages 5S-38S
  • Journals of Materials Research, February 2006, pages 343-348
  • https://wwwepagov/sites/production/files/2019-08/documents/support_document_for_proposed_designation_of_d-gluconic_acid_sodium_saltpdf

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in PHA Peeling Gel?

AQUA, CELLULOSE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE, GLYCERIN, CHRYSANTHEMUM MORIFOLIUM FLOWER EXTRACT, CERAMIDE NP, SODIUM HYALURONATE, DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, LACTOBIONIC ACID, ALLANTOIN, PROPANEDIOL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, PHYTOSTERYL/OCTYLDODECYL LAUROYL GLUTAMATE, SODIUM GLUCONATE.

What are the active ingredients in PHA Peeling Gel?

CERAMIDE NP, SODIUM HYALURONATE, LACTOBIONIC ACID.

How do I use PHA Peeling Gel?

Apply a generous amount on clean dry skin. Gently massage in a circular motion to roll and sweep away impurities. Rinse well with water.

What skin types is PHA Peeling Gel good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced, Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is PHA Peeling Gel good for sensitive skin?

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Is PHA Peeling Gel fungal acne safe?

No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.

Can I use PHA Peeling Gel while pregnant?

Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.

Is PHA Peeling Gel fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does PHA Peeling Gel contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is PHA Peeling Gel silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does PHA Peeling Gel contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is PHA Peeling Gel paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with PHA Peeling Gel?

It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Benzoyl peroxide, Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone) — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.

When should I apply PHA Peeling Gel?

Use it in the evening, after cleansing, before serums.

How many ingredients does PHA Peeling Gel have?

It lists 17 ingredients, of which 3 are recorded as actives.

Who makes PHA Peeling Gel?

Benton.

Brand
Benton

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