Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Paula's Choice RESIST Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Malic Acid
Buffering
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Punica Granatum Extract
AstringentLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Astringent
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract
AstringentCamellia Oleifera Leaf
MaskingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Peucedanum Graveolens Extract
TonicAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Polyquaternium-10
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Bicarbonate
Abrasive
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Ceramide Ng, Salicylic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Peucedanum Graveolens Extract, Allantoin, Adenosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Bisabolol, Polyquaternium-10, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Hydroxide, Aminomethyl Propanol, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol
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 GlycolCamellia Oleifera Leaf is a green tea plant native to China. It is closely related to Camellia sinensis. Both plants have very similar properties.
Camellia Oleifera Leaf is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals. Antioxidants may help reduce the signs of aging.
Camellia Oleifera Leaf also has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.
Learn more about Camellia Oleifera LeafPolysorbate 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, 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
