COSRX The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel Versus Paula's Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant
Updated on October 31, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA and exfoliants
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, 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
COSRX The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel 27 ingredients
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant 25 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
COSRX The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel 27 ingredients
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant 25 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Methylpropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Octyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Phosphate
BufferingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Water, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Gluconolactone, Mandelic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid 2%, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Octyldodeceth-16, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Cyanocobalamin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 60, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Sorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Lauric Acid
Cleansing
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Epilobium Angustifolium Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientWater, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Cetyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sorbitan Stearate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lauric Acid, Allantoin, Glycerin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Extract, Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol
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 WaterSalicylic 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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
COSRX The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel 27 ingredients
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant 25 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
COSRX The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel 27 ingredients
Love this. I use it every 2 weeks in the evenings. The next morning my skin looks and feels great. Does exactly what it is supposed to do.
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant 25 ingredients
Why are brands still putting Dimethicone in products 🙄
Strangely oily. The first time I used this I thought it worked wonders but over time lost it's effectiveness and I started breaking out again. When I had another recent breakout, it did absolutely nothing and makes me think that this was contributing to my breakouts all along.
