Versus

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant Versus Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel

Exfoliator

Facial Treatment

American Brand United States

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 6 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain BHA and exfoliants

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

New Comparison

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant 25 ingredients

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel 44 ingredients

What's inside

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant 25 ingredients

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel 44 ingredients

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant

Water

Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol

Humectant

1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying

0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetyl Alcohol

Emollient

2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Salicylic Acid

Masking

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Cyclopentasiloxane

Emollient

Sorbitan Stearate

Emulsifying

0 / 1 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial

Lauric Acid

Cleansing

4 / 1 May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Allantoin

Skin Conditioning

0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant

0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract

Bleaching

Avena Sativa Kernel Extract

Abrasive

Epilobium Angustifolium Extract

Dimethicone

Xanthan Gum

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate

Absorbent

0 / 0

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Sodium Hydroxide

Hexylene Glycol

Disodium EDTA

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel

Water

Alcohol Denat.

Glycolic Acid

Potassium Hydroxide

Hamamelis Virginiana Water

Astringent

Salicylic Acid

Masking

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying

0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Lactic Acid

Mandelic Acid

Malic Acid

Citric Acid

Salix Alba Bark Extract

Astringent

Menthone Glycerin Acetal

Refreshing

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial

Achillea Millefolium Extract

Cleansing

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract

Soy Isoflavones

Copper PCA

Zinc PCA

Lecithin

Disodium EDTA

Alcohol

Antimicrobial

Polysorbate 80

Emulsifying

0 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Parfum

Linalool

Benzyl Salicylate

Benzoic Acid

Phenoxyethanol

Sodium Benzoate

Sodium Bicarbonate

Resveratrol

Retinol

Ascorbic Acid

Ubiquinone

Ascorbyl Palmitate

Phospholipids

Retinyl Palmitate

1-3 / 1-3 Retinoid Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant

0 / 0 Vitamin E Icon

Raphanus Sativus Root Extract

Astringent

Sodium PCA

Humectant

0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

BHT

Octoxynol-9

Simethicone

Tetrasodium EDTA

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.

This ingredient has many skin benefits:

This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.

On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.

Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.

Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.

Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.

Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.

Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.

The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.

Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polysorbate 20

Salicylic Acid

Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning

Salicylic 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 Acid

Water

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