Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Carnitine Hcl
HumectantSalicylic Acid
Masking
Farnesol
Perfuming
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Adipic Acid
BufferingFomes Officinalis Extract
Skin ProtectingOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin Conditioning
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Phytic Acid
Siraitia Grosvenorii Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Pentasodium Pentetate
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Hexylresorcinol
Antimicrobial
Quercetin
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Urea
Buffering
Isopropyl Jojobate
EmollientJojoba Alcohol
Emollient
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingOctoxynol-9
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Prunus Persica Fruit Extract
Abrasive
Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRose Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
Emollient
Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract
Masking
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Coriandrum Sativum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBenzoic Acid
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Propylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Polysorbate 80, Butylene Glycol, Mandelic Acid, Carnitine Hcl, Salicylic Acid, Farnesol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Adipic Acid, Fomes Officinalis Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Phytic Acid, Siraitia Grosvenorii Fruit Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Bisabolol, Pentasodium Pentetate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hexylresorcinol, Quercetin, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Panthenol, Urea, Isopropyl Jojobate, Jojoba Alcohol, Jojoba Esters, Retinol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Hydroxide, Octoxynol-9, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract, Rose Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Triethyl Citrate, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Coriandrum Sativum Seed Extract, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate
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 a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it 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, 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
