Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - US Versus Medik8 Pore Refining Scrub
Updated on December 28, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free exfoliators. 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, oily skin and reducing pores
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens 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
Medik8 Pore Refining Scrub 40 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 8 ingredients
Medik8 Pore Refining Scrub 40 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Diatomaceous Earth
Abrasive
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Kaolin
Abrasive
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Dicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Glycol Distearate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingMandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Citrus Reticulata Peel Oil
Masking
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Sucrose Stearate
EmollientLonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
Perfuming
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingCitric Acid
Buffering
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPhytic Acid
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Myristic Acid
Cleansing
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Passiflora Incarnata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Glycerin, Diatomaceous Earth, Jojoba Esters, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Behenyl Alcohol, Kaolin, Niacinamide, Dicaprylyl Ether, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Glycol Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Mandelic Acid, Stearic Acid, Citrus Reticulata Peel Oil, Titanium Dioxide, Sucrose Stearate, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Dimethicone, Phenethyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Sorbate, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Phytic Acid, Alcohol, Myristic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Passiflora Incarnata Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Limonene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Salicylic 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 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 8 ingredients
Medik8 Pore Refining Scrub 40 ingredients
Reviews
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