Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Kit
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingAcrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Oleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingSpiraea Ulmaria Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Linalool
Perfuming
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingLimonene
Perfuming
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Cetearyl Glucoside
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Terpineol
Masking
Thymol
AntimicrobialChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingLecithin
Emollient
Pullulan
Propanediol
Solvent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Silica
Abrasive
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
Cleansing
Citrus Limon Peel Extract
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf Oil
Masking
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil
Masking
Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Extract
AstringentCinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Oil
Masking
Maclura Cochinchinensis Leaf Prenylflavonoids
Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Haslea Ostrearia Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract
TonicCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingTanacetum Annuum Flower Oil
Masking
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Salicylic Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Oleanolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Linalool, Sodium Hydroxide, Limonene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Glycerin, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Terpineol, Thymol, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Pullulan, Propanediol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Silica, Sodium Citrate, Carbomer, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Oil, Maclura Cochinchinensis Leaf Prenylflavonoids, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Haslea Ostrearia Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Tanacetum Annuum Flower Oil, Sodium Chloride
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 GlycolPolysorbate 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 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, itβs 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 Water
