Versus

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Conditioner Versus The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Conditioner
Facial Treatment
American Brand United States
Canadian Brand Canada

Updated on January 25, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 4 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, scar healing and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens

What's Inside

They both contain 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Conditioner

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Skin Conditioning

Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.

There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.

D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.

Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):

Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.

This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.

Learn more about Panthenol
Buffering, Masking

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid
Masking, Preservative

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.

Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.

It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.

Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.

We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Sodium Benzoate

When to use

410 Routines
9% use in am
91% use in pm
28% use every week
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Conditioner 36 ingredients

Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Conditioner hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 24 ingredients

4.3 /5
from 9 ratings
Works Well (5) Great Value (4) Drying (3)
PurpleRiot's avatar

Alanas Strukčinskas

5 months ago
Review

The best exfoliator i ever tried. I think it's the best choice for those who has stubborn blackheads, because it literally melts them away. People with sensitive skin should be cautious, because it's an intense product and maybe too harsh for sensitive and dry skin types. I would highly recommend to use a deeply hydrating mask and restore skin's barrier after the procedure, because as I said Show more

#great value
#drying
#light scent
#works well
mikasaalonso's avatar

Mikasa Alonso

5 months ago
Review

Very good but beware it’s very strong. It says use once or twice a week but I would recommend once very 2 or three weeks. If it’s too strong for you, use the Glycerin Acid Toner 7%. After that don’t put any toner. Pair it up with Hyaluronic acid of your choice and a very moisturizing cream in the night time and you’re all set :)

#great value
#drying
#hydrating
#absorbs well