Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Versus Herbivore Blue Wave 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Clearing Serum
Updated on March 20, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any 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
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant 13 ingredients
Herbivore Blue Wave 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Clearing Serum 43 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant 13 ingredients
Herbivore Blue Wave 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Clearing Serum 43 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Tanacetum Annuum Flower Oil
Masking
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Bisabolol
Masking
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Diheptyl Succinate
EmollientHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Betaine
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningJasminum Sambac Flower Extract
Masking
Galactoarabinan
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract
TonicOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialSoybean Peroxidase
Antioxidant
Superoxide Dismutase
Antioxidant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Linalool
Perfuming
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Water, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Salicylic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Glucoside, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Tanacetum Annuum Flower Oil, Sodium PCA, Bisabolol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Diheptyl Succinate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Xanthan Gum, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Betaine, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Jasminum Sambac Flower Extract, Galactoarabinan, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate, Soybean Peroxidase, Superoxide Dismutase, Sodium Hydroxide, Titanium Dioxide, Linalool, Benzyl Alcohol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Bisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
This ingredient also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
All these properties makes bisabolol a great skin barrier helper ingredient.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Note: Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Learn more about BisabololSalicylic 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
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant 13 ingredients
Herbivore Blue Wave 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Clearing Serum 43 ingredients
Reviews
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Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant 13 ingredients
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