Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Versus TheSkinlist BHA Acne Intense Care Serum
Updated on September 12, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . 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 and reducing pores
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or silicones
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
TheSkinlist BHA Acne Intense Care Serum 26 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant 13 ingredients
TheSkinlist BHA Acne Intense Care Serum 26 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
PEG-8
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Carnitine
CleansingAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningIsostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentEpigallocatechin Gallate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSophora Flavescens Root Extract
Antioxidant
Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Niacinamide, PEG-8, Butylene Glycol, Carnitine, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Polysorbate 20, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Zinc PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Isostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Cyclodextrin, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterButylene 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.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Salicylic 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 AcidIngredient 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
TheSkinlist BHA Acne Intense Care Serum 26 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant 13 ingredients
Single-handedly cleared up my ever present stubborn blackheads!
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
