Gmeelan Orange Enzymes Exfoliating Brightening Gel Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant
Updated on April 11, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free exfoliators. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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
Gmeelan Orange Enzymes Exfoliating Brightening Gel 55 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant 13 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Gmeelan Orange Enzymes Exfoliating Brightening Gel 55 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant 13 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDipropylene Glycol
MaskingDodecylbenzyltrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Parfum
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLactose
HumectantCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Lactobacillus/Milk Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Bacillus
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Glutathione
Pearl Extract
Antioxidant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sea Salt
Abrasive
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Carnosine
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Cynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Cellulose
AbsorbentMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantMannitol
Humectant
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Zea Mays Starch
AbsorbentDisodium EDTA
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Ethylcellulose
PEG-150
HumectantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Methylparaben
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningWater, Carbomer, Dipropylene Glycol, Dodecylbenzyltrimonium Chloride, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lactose, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Lactobacillus/Milk Ferment Filtrate, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Bacillus, Niacinamide, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, Pearl Extract, Salicylic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sea Salt, Jojoba Esters, Titanium Dioxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Carnosine, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root, Folic Acid, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Ceramide As, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, CI 77891, CI 77499, Mannitol, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Zea Mays Starch, Disodium EDTA, Mica, Ethylcellulose, PEG-150, CI 77492, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methylparaben, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol
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 WaterSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
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 a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidButylene 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 GlycolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Gmeelan Orange Enzymes Exfoliating Brightening Gel 55 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant 13 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Gmeelan Orange Enzymes Exfoliating Brightening Gel 55 ingredients
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant 13 ingredients
Single-handedly cleared up my ever present stubborn blackheads!
I started using this product during the day and layering it under my sunscreen. It wasn't bad for that, but I just find using it at night is much more effective. It is a thick enough consistency that it can go on as the last layer of a night-time routine and act as an overnight mask.
I love the BHA liquid exfoliant and use that during the day now, due to its quick absorption. I am not able to Show more
