Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - US Versus Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel for Sensitive Skin
Updated on November 05, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin and reducing pores
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, 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
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 8 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel for Sensitive Skin 53 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 8 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel for Sensitive Skin 53 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Achillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Soy Isoflavones
Skin ConditioningCopper PCA
HumectantZinc PCA
Humectant
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Citrus Limon Peel Extract
EmollientRose Extract
Skin ConditioningTriethyl Citrate
Masking
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Coriandrum Sativum Fruit/Leaf Extract
AntiseborrhoeicFucus Vesiculosus Extract
Emollient
Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
Masking
Prunus Persica Fruit Extract
Abrasive
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Masking
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Bicarbonate
Abrasive
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Colloidal Oatmeal
Absorbent
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Resveratrol
Antioxidant
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Octoxynol-9
EmulsifyingTetrasodium EDTA
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Polysorbate 20, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Soy Isoflavones, Copper PCA, Zinc PCA, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Rose Extract, Triethyl Citrate, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Coriandrum Sativum Fruit/Leaf Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Colloidal Oatmeal, Centella Asiatica Extract, Phospholipids, Adenosine, Resveratrol, Ubiquinone, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium PCA, Butylene Glycol, Octoxynol-9, Tetrasodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate
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 20Tetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.
Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water.
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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 8 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel for Sensitive Skin 53 ingredients
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