Germaine de Capuccini PUREXPERT Refiner Essence Oily Skin Exfoliating Fluid Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentGlycerin
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPassiflora Edulis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAnanas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum
AbsorbentLeptospermone
Skin ConditioningFlavesone
Skin ConditioningIsoleptospermone
Skin ConditioningSodium Bisulfite
AntioxidantTriethylhexanoin
MaskingDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Triethanolamine
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 61570
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Alcohol Denat., Pentylene Glycol, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract, Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Leptospermone, Flavesone, Isoleptospermone, Sodium Bisulfite, Triethylhexanoin, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Methylpropanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Polysorbate 80, Disodium EDTA, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, CI 61570
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Methylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolSalicylic 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, itβs 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