Chemist Confessions Inc. The Specialist Exfoliation Treatment Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
Updated on June 26, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both exfoliators. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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Ingredient Info
Chemist Confessions Inc. The Specialist Exfoliation Treatment 13 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel 26 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Chemist Confessions Inc. The Specialist Exfoliation Treatment 13 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel 26 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantSalicylic Acid
Masking
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingEpilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract
RefreshingIpomoea Batatas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
Antioxidant
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Water
Skin ConditioningAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Isoamyl Laurate
Emollient
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Propanediol
Solvent
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Malic Acid
Buffering
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Bisabolol
Masking
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Laurate
Emulsifying
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Aminomethyl Propanol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Isoamyl Laurate, Tartaric Acid, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Malic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolMandelic Acid helps exfoliate skin. It also contains antioxidant properties.
As an AHA, Mandelic Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Mandelic Acid may be an alternative to Glycolic Acid for those with sensitive skin.
Mandelic Acid may help reduce wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Mandelic AcidPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a texture enhancer and pH adjuster.
It is be used to thicken water-based products and create a gel-texture with a velvet feel.
One manufacturer claims this ingredient to have a pH range of 2-8 and to be biodegradable.
Learn more about Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Β
Itβs often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, itβs still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Chemist Confessions Inc. The Specialist Exfoliation Treatment 13 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel 26 ingredients
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