Versus

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water Versus Paula's Choice Clear Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution

Essence
Exfoliator
Korean Brand South Korea
American Brand United States

Updated on April 30, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin and reducing pores

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water

When to use

5,258 Routines
50% use in am
50% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
40 Routines
45% use in am
55% use in pm
75% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water 24 ingredients

4.1 /5
from 98 ratings
Hydrating (53) Light (43) Absorbs Well (42)
laila.21's avatar

Laila

1 year ago
Review

It gives a nice hydrating boost but I didn't see much difference, so I'm still stuck with the first bottle after 4 months.
It stings sometimes so I wouldn't repurchase it again.
🎀Update: I gave this product another chance to see if it works since the ingredients were too good, so I used it as a toner for 15 days and I loved it.
Not only did it hydrate my skin, but it brightened my old acne Show more

#hydrating
#light
#light scent
#doesn't work
rachaelolivia's avatar

rachael

1 year ago
Review

love this!!! <3 i got this about a year ago and it helped my skin a lot, it’s so hydrating for me and gives me a nice glow without being oily. it also has great ingredients! i have very oily + blemished skin but also sensitive and can get dry patches and this never breaks me out. i stopped using this after a while and tried other things but have gone back to this as it’s the best for my skin. it Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well

Paula's Choice Clear Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution 9 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Expensive (1) Light (1)
christychen's avatar

Christy

18 days ago
Review

[THIS IS A REVIEW FROM 2019]
I’m new to SkinSort but I really wanted to write a review for this bc the Paula’s Choice acne line actually changed my life… when I was in uni I had a super oily T-zone and crazy acne on my forehead so I bought the PC extra strength travel kit to try out (includes Pore Normalizing Cleanser, Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution and Daily Skin Clearing Treatment). It Show more

#sticky
#no scent
#works well
52_pm's avatar

52_pm

1 year ago
Review

expensive, watery non-oily easy application

#expensive
#light
#absorbs well