Alpha-H Generation Glow Daily Resurfacing Essence Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant
Updated on July 17, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Alpha-H Generation Glow Daily Resurfacing Essence 36 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant 15 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Alpha-H Generation Glow Daily Resurfacing Essence 36 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant 15 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Dodecane
Perfuming
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Isohexadecane
EmollientHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Acer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Citric Acid
Buffering
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Masking
Mentha Viridis Extract
MaskingPogostemon Cablin Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Rose Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Saccharomyces Lysate
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Dodecane, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 80, Isohexadecane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Carbomer, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Lactic Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Sorbitan Oleate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Mentha Viridis Extract, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Extract, Rose Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Lysate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Aloe Ferox Leaf Juice Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium PCA
HumectantPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPolyquaternium-10
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.
This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.
Learn more about HydroxyethylcelluloseChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.
Antioxidant components in chamomile make it an effective ingredient to help slow the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may damage your skin.
Essential oils from chamomile have been found to improve wound healing due to its antimicrobial properties.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help treat stomach issues.
Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Flower ExtractSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Alpha-H Generation Glow Daily Resurfacing Essence 36 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant 15 ingredients
