Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Versus Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 14 Days Super Miracle Spot All Kill Cream
This pore-care exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Phytosphingosine to refine the look of pores and refine skin texture.
This acne treatment is formulated around Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water and Centella Asiatica Extract to clear breakouts and refine skin texture.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
Antimicrobial
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialOriganum Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
Perfuming
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Fructan
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
Masking
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Protease
Exfoliating
Lipase
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Lactobionic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingPolyisobutene
Microcrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
Absorbent
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Benzyl Glycol
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningRaspberry Ketone
Masking
Disodium EDTA
ChelatingMentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycerin, Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Origanum Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharide Isomerate, Fructan, Salicylic Acid, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Allantoin, Protease, Lipase, Adenosine, Lactobionic Acid, Citric Acid, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Polyisobutene, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose Gum, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Benzyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Raspberry Ketone, Disodium EDTA, Mentha Piperita Oil
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolSalicylic 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 AcidWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
