Dermalogica Liquid Peelfoliant Exfoliator Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant
Updated on September 13, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 3 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, sensitive skin, oily skin and reducing pores
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones 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
Dermalogica Liquid Peelfoliant Exfoliator 45 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant 13 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dermalogica Liquid Peelfoliant Exfoliator 45 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant 13 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingPhytic Acid
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
SolventLactic 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
HumectantSucrose Distearate
Emollient
Succinoglycan
Skin ConditioningUrea
Buffering
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientOleyl Alcohol
Emollient
Triolein
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingOleic Acid
Emollient
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantCholesterol
Emollient
Trehalose
HumectantPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentEthyl Acetate
Perfuming
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate 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
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 AcidPhytosphingosine 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 PhytosphingosineIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Dermalogica Liquid Peelfoliant Exfoliator 45 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant 13 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Dermalogica Liquid Peelfoliant Exfoliator 45 ingredients
I freaking love this!
This is my holy grail for the fall!
Fall season means peeling time, and that is what this product does.
After every use, I can see a difference on my skin.
I have some breakouts, and this product kills them.
It does need some time to build up to use daily but I'm so happy I bought this.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant 13 ingredients
Single-handedly cleared up my ever present stubborn blackheads!
I started using this product during the day and layering it under my sunscreen. It wasn't bad for that, but I just find using it at night is much more effective. It is a thick enough consistency that it can go on as the last layer of a night-time routine and act as an overnight mask.
I love the BHA liquid exfoliant and use that during the day now, due to its quick absorption. I am not able to Show more
