Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Acne Eliminating Pads Versus Paula's Choice RESIST Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA
Updated on September 15, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and peptides
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, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens and fragrances
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
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Acne Eliminating Pads 44 ingredients
Paula's Choice RESIST Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA 34 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Acne Eliminating Pads 44 ingredients
Paula's Choice RESIST Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA 34 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Achillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Bentonite
AbsorbentBisabolol
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caffeine
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Carnitine Hcl
HumectantChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Copper PCA
HumectantCyclodextrin
AbsorbentDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventDisodium EDTA
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantFarnesol
Perfuming
Parfum
Masking
Glutamic Acid
HumectantGlutathione
Glycerin
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Malic Acid
Buffering
Octoxynol-9
EmulsifyingPantothenic Acid
Skin ConditioningPentasodium Pentetate
Phospholipids
Skin ConditioningPhytic Acid
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Citrate
BufferingPotassium Gluconate
Skin ProtectingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Saccharide Isomerate
HumectantSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Soy Isoflavones
Skin ConditioningTetrapeptide-21
Skin Conditioning
Vitex Agnus Castus Extract
AstringentWater
Skin ConditioningZinc PCA
Humectant
Achillea Millefolium Extract, Alcohol Denat., Ascorbic Acid, Bentonite, Bisabolol, Butylene Glycol, Caffeine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Carnitine Hcl, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Copper PCA, Cyclodextrin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Disodium EDTA, Ethoxydiglycol, Farnesol, Parfum, Glutamic Acid, Glutathione, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Octoxynol-9, Pantothenic Acid, Pentasodium Pentetate, Phospholipids, Phytic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Gluconate, Potassium Hydroxide, Retinol, Saccharide Isomerate, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Soy Isoflavones, Tetrapeptide-21, Vitex Agnus Castus Extract, Water, Zinc PCA
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMalic Acid
Buffering
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Punica Granatum Extract
AstringentLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract
AstringentCamellia Oleifera Leaf
MaskingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Peucedanum Graveolens Extract
TonicAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingBisabolol
Masking
Polyquaternium-10
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Bicarbonate
Abrasive
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Ceramide Ng, Salicylic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Peucedanum Graveolens Extract, Allantoin, Adenosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Bisabolol, Polyquaternium-10, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Hydroxide, Aminomethyl Propanol, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Bisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
This ingredient also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
All these properties makes bisabolol a great skin barrier helper ingredient.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Note: Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Learn more about BisabololButylene 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.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.
Antioxidant components in chamomile make it an effective ingredient to help slow the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may damage your skin.
Essential oils from chamomile have been found to improve wound healing due to its antimicrobial properties.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help treat stomach issues.
Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Flower ExtractGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidLactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.
Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.
Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.
Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidMalic Acid is an acid with both AHA and BHA properties, but is considered an AHA because its AHA properties are stronger.
Like other AHAs, it removes the top layer of old and dead skin to reveal the newer layer underneath. It also helps with improving fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone, skin texture, and acne blemishes.
Due to its exfoliating properties, you should wear SPF when using Malic Acid.
Fun fact: The word "Malic" comes from the word "Malum". In Latin, "Malum" means apple. This ingredient is often derived from unripe fruit.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Malic 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 20Water. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Acne Eliminating Pads 44 ingredients
Paula's Choice RESIST Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA 34 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Acne Eliminating Pads 44 ingredients
One of the harsher products I've tried due to the burning sensation. Was dealing with dark spots and inflamed skin, this was the only active I used which dramatically helped reduce breakouts and lowkey some darkspots. Definitely not equipped to do the whole job of dealing with acne scars/darkspots, but helpful enough.
