Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - US Versus The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Updated on January 25, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 1 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin and reducing pores
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 20 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
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 20 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Squalane
Emollient
Water
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Sucrose Stearate
EmollientEthyl Macadamiate
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sucrose Laurate
Emollient
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantSucrose Dilaurate
Emollient
Sucrose Trilaurate
Emulsifying
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingIsoceteth-20
Emulsifying
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Malic Acid
Buffering
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Squalane, Water, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Sucrose Stearate, Ethyl Macadamiate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sucrose Laurate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Sucrose Dilaurate, Sucrose Trilaurate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Isoceteth-20, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tocopherol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Malic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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
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
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 20 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 8 ingredients
The first night I used Paula’s choice exfoliant just once, it cleaned up my skin scraping it whole, I was left GLOWING but it felt kind of tight like I had been using corsx salicylic acid for 3 days straight, it takes some getting used to, to the extent that the instructions literally say to start off once a week and slowly build your usage up overtime, it’s really strong but does the job well. Show more
Blackheads? Gone. Dry flakes? Gone. Nose? Smooth. Clogged pores who? My skin tends to be sensitive at times but it could easily handle this product.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 20 ingredients
I've struggled with fungal acne for the longest time and used to ran away from cleasing oils, but decided to give this one a try and has been working beautifully on my skin. It doesn't have many potential FA triggers on it, plus the main ingredient is squalane. Definitely a good option for FA sufferers who are looking to incorporate cleasing oils in their routines.
Been using this for a couple years now - I find it to be a light non-drying cleanser.
Would recommend for people with dry/sensitive skin!
