Versus

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Versus Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner

Exfoliator
Toner
American Brand United States
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on June 03, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 3 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 and reducing pores

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

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
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning

Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.

Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.

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 a Salicylic Acid into your routine.

In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.

While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.

If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.

Learn more about Salicylic Acid

When to use

268 Routines
26% use in am
74% use in pm
63% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
2,244 Routines
34% use in am
66% use in pm
76% 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

Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner 26 ingredients

3.2 /5
from 42 ratings
Light (15) Works Well (13) Strong Scent (12)
RasberryIce's avatar

RasberryIce

1 year ago
Review

Texture: watery
Smell: pleasant but a bit strong
Honestly kinda mid.
I feel like it helps mild acne but is a no for sensitive skin and people who's barrier is f up. The combination of three different exfoliating acids in miniscule concentrations feels all over the place and can further sensitivity. I think what's actually working in the product is the 2% niacinamide.
Overall it's okay, would Show more

#great value
#drying
#irritating
#light
nozanin_786's avatar

Nozanin

4 months ago
Review

HG🏆after usting this toner for 1week it got rid off my acne. Literally gets rid off tiny bumps, FA safe and gives my skin glow, Best for Acne-prone, oily, combo skin types

#great value
#hydrating
#absorbs well
#works well