Glad2Glow AHA BHA PHA Intensive Peeling Solution Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin.
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Glycereth-26
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Niacinamide
Smoothing
PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
SolventDipropylene Glycol
HumectantLactic Acid
Buffering
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
MaskingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingInositol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Beta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDipeptide-15
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Parfum
Masking
Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
HumectantMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Gluconolactone
Chelating
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Polyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Fomes Officinalis Extract
Skin ProtectingPropanediol
Solvent
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Lactate
Buffering
Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSucrose
Humectant
Urea
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingTartaric Acid
Buffering
Malic Acid
Buffering
Quaternium-73
Water, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Glycolic Acid, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Polysorbate 20, Niacinamide, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Potassium Hydroxide, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Salicylic Acid, Cellulose Gum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Xanthan Gum, Inositol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Dipeptide-15, Hydroxyacetophenone, Parfum, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract, Maltodextrin, Gluconolactone, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-51, Pentylene Glycol, Beta-Glucan, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Zinc PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Fomes Officinalis Extract, Propanediol, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Sodium Lactate, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Sucrose, Urea, Sodium Citrate, Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid, Quaternium-73
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolPolysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Salicylic 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, it’s 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
