Clearstem Skincare Brightmeup Advanced Brightening Toner Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Methylpropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Lactobacillus/Salix Purpurea Bark Ferment Extract
AntiseborrhoeicCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Masking
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Honey Extract
Humectant
Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Seed Extract
Perfuming
Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
Masking
Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract
MaskingFerula Galbaniflua Gum Extract
Antimicrobial
Rosa Damascena Flower Extract
Masking
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingLavandula Oil/Extract
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Rose Flower Oil/Extract
Linalool
Perfuming
Linalyl Acetate
Masking
Camphor
Masking
Coumarin
Perfuming
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Beta-Caryophyllene
Masking
Farnesol
Perfuming
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Eugenol
Perfuming
Terpineol
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Isoeugenol
Perfuming
Water, Alcohol Denat., Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Propanediol, Zinc PCA, Lactobacillus/Salix Purpurea Bark Ferment Extract, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium PCA, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Gluconate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Citric Acid, Honey Extract, Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Seed Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract, Ferula Galbaniflua Gum Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Lavandula Oil/Extract, Lactic Acid, Rose Flower Oil/Extract, Linalool, Linalyl Acetate, Camphor, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate, Beta-Caryophyllene, Farnesol, Benzyl Alcohol, Eugenol, Terpineol, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Isoeugenol
Reviews
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 GlycolMethylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolSalicylic 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 AcidSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
