Dermalogica Liquid Peelfoliant Exfoliator Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Gluconolactone to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin.
This pore-care exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Phytosphingosine to refine the look of pores and refine skin texture.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
Antioxidant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingPhytic Acid
Chelating
Gluconolactone
Chelating
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
Antioxidant
Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil
Masking
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Raspberry Ketone
Masking
Rosa Damascena Flower
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
Humectant
Sucrose Distearate
Emollient
Succinoglycan
Skin ConditioningUrea
Buffering
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Oleyl Alcohol
Emollient
Triolein
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Oleic Acid
Emollient
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantCholesterol
Emollient
Trehalose
Humectant
Polyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Ethyl Acetate
Perfuming
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Chelating1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Gamma-Undecalactone
Perfuming
Water, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Glycolic Acid, Aminomethyl Propanol, Phytic Acid, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Propanediol, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Raspberry Ketone, Rosa Damascena Flower, Sodium PCA, Sucrose Distearate, Succinoglycan, Urea, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Oleyl Alcohol, Triolein, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oleic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Cholesterol, Trehalose, Polyquaternium-51, Maltodextrin, Ethyl Acetate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Stearic Acid, Gamma-Undecalactone
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin as a building block for ceramides.. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.
Phytosphingosine contributes to your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). The NMF is responsible for hydration, a strong barrier, and plasticity. Our NMF decreases with age. Increasing NMF leads to more healthy and hydrated skin.
Studies show products formulated with NMF ingredients help strengthen our skin's barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier reduces irritation and increases hydration. Our skin barrier is responsible for having plump and firm skin. It also helps protect our skin against infection, allergies, and inflammation.
Fun fact: Phytosphingosine is abundant in plants and fungi.
More ingredients that help boost collagen in skin:
Learn more about PhytosphingosineSalicylic 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, it’s 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
