Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - US
Updated on June 28, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
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, oils, parabens 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
Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter 49 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 8 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
Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter 49 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 8 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polysilicone-11
Isododecane
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
PEG-6
HumectantMorus Bombycis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
Humectant
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientSalicylic Acid
Masking
Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Isohexadecane
EmollientBetula Alba Bark Extract
Masking
Trametes Versicolor Extract
Sodium Rna
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningDimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol
Antioxidant
Di-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seedcake
Abrasive
Yeast Extract
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Tromethamine
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Sodium Sulfite
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Isododecane, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, PEG-10 Dimethicone, PEG-6, Morus Bombycis Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Salicylic Acid, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Cholesterol, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Squalane, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Isohexadecane, Betula Alba Bark Extract, Trametes Versicolor Extract, Sodium Rna, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol, Di-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake, Yeast Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 80, Tromethamine, Sodium Hydroxide, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Sulfite, Phenoxyethanol, CI 15985, CI 19140
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:
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 GlycolSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
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 a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidPolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Sodium 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 HydroxideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter 49 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 8 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter 49 ingredients
Lightened acne scarring, and helps my acne not leave marks while healing. Soothing and doesn’t break me out.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 8 ingredients
The first night I used Paula’s choice exfoliant just once, it cleaned up my skin scraping it whole, I was left GLOWING but it felt kind of tight like I had been using corsx salicylic acid for 3 days straight, it takes some getting used to, to the extent that the instructions literally say to start off once a week and slowly build your usage up overtime, it’s really strong but does the job well. Show more
Blackheads? Gone. Dry flakes? Gone. Nose? Smooth. Clogged pores who? My skin tends to be sensitive at times but it could easily handle this product.
