Paula's Choice Calm 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant Versus Peter Thomas Roth Pre-Treatment Exfoliating Cleanser
Updated on May 31, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA and Vitamin E
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, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
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Ingredient Info
Paula's Choice Calm 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant 26 ingredients
Peter Thomas Roth Pre-Treatment Exfoliating Cleanser 31 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
Paula's Choice Calm 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant 26 ingredients
Peter Thomas Roth Pre-Treatment Exfoliating Cleanser 31 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientC15-19 Alkane
SolventHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Propanediol
Solvent
Inulin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Albatrellus Confluens Extract
Humectant
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin Conditioning
Galactoarabinan
Citric Acid
Buffering
Schizophyllan
HumectantMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Methylpropanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, C15-19 Alkane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Salicylic Acid, Propanediol, Inulin, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Tocopherol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Glycerin, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Albatrellus Confluens Extract, Glycine Soja Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Galactoarabinan, Citric Acid, Schizophyllan, Maltodextrin, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Bisabolol
Masking
Phragmites Communis Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Extract
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil
Masking
Sorbitan Laurate
Emulsifying
Sodium Glycolate
BufferingCocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate
Emulsifying
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Salicylic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Allantoin, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol, Phragmites Communis Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil, Sorbitan Laurate, Sodium Glycolate, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Decyl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate, CI 42090, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinCitric 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 AcidGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
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 AcidSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Paula's Choice Calm 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant 26 ingredients
Peter Thomas Roth Pre-Treatment Exfoliating Cleanser 31 ingredients
Reviews
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