Versus

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant Versus I'm from Rice Toner

Exfoliator
Toner
American Brand United States
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on June 03, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

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 harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant 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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

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
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

When to use

684 Routines
25% use in am
75% use in pm
60% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
3,379 Routines
50% use in am
49% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant 25 ingredients

3.9 /5
from 7 ratings
Broke Me Out (2) Expensive (1) Irritating (1)
MichelleR's avatar

MichelleR

12 months ago
Review

Why are brands still putting Dimethicone in products 🙄

#broke me out
#irritating
rehaylew's avatar

Rebecca

8 months ago
Review

Strangely oily. The first time I used this I thought it worked wonders but over time lost it's effectiveness and I started breaking out again. When I had another recent breakout, it did absolutely nothing and makes me think that this was contributing to my breakouts all along.

#expensive
#broke me out
#oily

I'm from Rice Toner 18 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 64 ratings
Hydrating (28) Absorbs Well (24) Light (20)
Clover's avatar

Clover

1 year ago
Review

Light but moisturizing
I now understand the praise this product has received because now it is one of my favorites too! The consistency is more on the watery side, so I was surprised that not only is this product hydrating, but moisturizing as well because it is very effective at locking in that hydration. This toner is able to accomplish this without feeling too heavy on the face. I also noticed Show more

#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
amandarup's avatar

Amanda Rup

9 months ago
Review

- hydrating
- made me break out

#broke me out
#irritating
#doesn't work