Versus

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Versus Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel

Exfoliator
Exfoliator
American Brand United States
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on July 19, 2024

Overview

What they are

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

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, 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

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

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

Methylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.

As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.

Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.

Learn more about Methylpropanediol
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene 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 Glycol

When to use

271 Routines
26% use in am
74% use in pm
64% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
415 Routines
19% use in am
81% use in pm
37% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant 13 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 ratings
No Scent (1) Sticky (1) Works Well (1)
nafi_saa's avatar

nafi_saa

2 years ago
Review

Single-handedly cleared up my ever present stubborn blackheads!

MichelleR's avatar

MichelleR

1 year ago
Review

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

#sticky
#no scent
#works well

Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel 19 ingredients

4.2 /5
from 23 ratings
Works Well (16) Great Value (11) No Scent (9)
kayvon's avatar

Kayvon 🪐

8 months ago
Review

🙀 the results of this exfoliator are incredible! it works so well, after only one use, my skin looks & feels so soft & so healthy.

🚿 the previous night, i had showered in hot water, and then at the end, turned the water cold for washing my face

🧖 after the shower, i did my nightly skincare, and then once my face was dry, i put hydrocolloid bandages on practically my whole face

🚰 in Show more

#great value
#no scent
#works well
grakky's avatar

grakky

6 months ago
Review

for me, the secret to glassy, smooth skin is proper exfoliation. i initially stopped using this product because i thought that my face would be fine without exfoliation and my other products would suffice. however, during the months i was not using this product, my skin was dull and started getting dry and occasionally flaked in places. i recently put this product back into my routine and now i Show more

#great value
#works well