Benzac pH Control Antibacterial Facial Wash Versus Paula's Choice Moisture Boost One Step Face Cleanser
Updated on July 05, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 5 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, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or silicones
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
Benzac pH Control Antibacterial Facial Wash 18 ingredients
Paula's Choice Moisture Boost One Step Face Cleanser 19 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Benzac pH Control Antibacterial Facial Wash 18 ingredients
Paula's Choice Moisture Boost One Step Face Cleanser 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Citrate
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPropanediol
Solvent
Zinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Glycol Stearate
Emollient
Methyl Gluceth-20
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingDisodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Phytic Acid
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycol Stearate, Methyl Gluceth-20, Glyceryl Stearate, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Phytic Acid, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl 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 GlycolCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetaineSodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a gentle cleanser and surfactant. It is the sodium salt of the Cocoyl Glutamic Acid and comes from coconut oil. As a surfactant, it helps lift dirt and oil to be washed away.
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate also has an emolliating effect and can help leave the skin feeling soft.
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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Benzac pH Control Antibacterial Facial Wash 18 ingredients
Paula's Choice Moisture Boost One Step Face Cleanser 19 ingredients
Reviews
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