Versus

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Versus e.l.f. cosmetics Gentle Peeling Exfoliant

Exfoliator
Exfoliator
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on March 06, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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

Concerns

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:

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

270 Routines
26% use in am
74% use in pm
64% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
44 Routines
32% use in am
68% use in pm
50% 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

e.l.f. cosmetics Gentle Peeling Exfoliant 14 ingredients

4.4 /5
from 5 ratings
Great Value (3) Works Well (3) Drying (1)
freechurro's avatar

-‘🕯️’-

10 months ago
Review

I love this, my nose and forehead CHRONICALLY peel, it’s never ending no matter how much i moisturize, but this definitely reduces it. It gentle enough for me to use almost daily, works fast and isn’t expensive. Unfortunately the pump broke so ive been scooping it out of the bottle.🥲🩷(Follow this up with a moisturizer cuz it does dry your skin out a bit💔)

#great value
#drying
#light scent
#works well
briannagrace96's avatar

briannagrace96

1 year ago
Review

Best stuff!
This is great for exfoliation. I’ve used it for years now twice a week and it’s wonderful. Afterwards my skin is so soft and glowy. It’s also fun to use to see the skin slough off when using it. No burning or irritation at all with it. Love this!!