Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant
Updated on March 22, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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 Powerbright Dark Spot Peel 71 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant 23 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel 71 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Niacinamide
Smoothing
C12-18 Alkanoyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Phytic Acid
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Elaeis Guineensis Butter
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingTetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine
Hectorite
AbsorbentBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Arachidyl Alcohol
EmollientTranexamic Acid
Astringent
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Masking
Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil
Masking
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Zingiber Officinale Root Oil
Masking
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Jasminum Sambac Flower Extract
Masking
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit
MaskingViola Odorata Leaf Extract
MaskingCocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Peat Extract
Skin ConditioningJuniperus Virginiana Oil
Masking
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Isochrysis Galbana Extract
Skin ConditioningNannochloropsis Gaditana Extract
Antioxidant
Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Cucumis Sativus Seed Oil
Emollient
Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Squalene
Emollient
Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientLecithin
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Lauryl Alcohol
Emollient
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingPalmitic Acid
Emollient
Myristyl Alcohol
Emollient
Bisabolol
Masking
Polyquaternium-80
CleansingDidecyldimonium Chloride
EmulsifyingBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingDipteryx Odorata Seed Extract
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMethylpropanediol
SolventCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCistus Ladaniferus Resin
MaskingStyrax Benzoin Resin Extract
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Glycolic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Niacinamide, C12-18 Alkanoyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Gluconolactone, Phytic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Elaeis Guineensis Butter, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, Hectorite, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Tranexamic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Zingiber Officinale Root Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Jasminum Sambac Flower Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit, Viola Odorata Leaf Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Peat Extract, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Isochrysis Galbana Extract, Nannochloropsis Gaditana Extract, Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus Seed Oil, Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract, Tocopherol, Squalene, Phosphatidylcholine, Caprylyl Glycol, Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Lauryl Alcohol, Ethoxydiglycol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Palmitic Acid, Myristyl Alcohol, Bisabolol, Polyquaternium-80, Didecyldimonium Chloride, Beta-Sitosterol, Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract, Xanthan Gum, Methylpropanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Titanium Dioxide, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid, Stearic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cistus Ladaniferus Resin, Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene
Water
Skin Conditioning2,3-Butanediol
HumectantMandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingMyrica Cerifera Fruit Extract
HumectantAkebia Quinata Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Lannesiana Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Saccharomyces Lysate
Skin ConditioningAchillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantArginine
Masking
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Phytate
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, 2,3-Butanediol, Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Myrica Cerifera Fruit Extract, Akebia Quinata Stem Extract, Prunus Lannesiana Flower Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Lysate, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Arginine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Phytate, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate
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:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Mandelic Acid helps exfoliate skin. It also contains antioxidant properties.
As an AHA, Mandelic Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Mandelic Acid may be an alternative to Glycolic Acid for those with sensitive skin.
Mandelic Acid may help reduce wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Mandelic 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 HydroxideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel 71 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant 23 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel 71 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant 23 ingredients
Best AHA FOR SENSITIVE SKIN. Cleared up my skin and didn't effect my barrier.
One of the best liquid exfoliants on the market. It’s not oily, but also not drying. I wouldn’t recommend using it during the day, since AHA’s can make you sensitive towards the sun.
