Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - US Versus TheSkinlist BHA Acne Intense Care Serum
Updated on December 05, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 4 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 harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or silicones
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
TheSkinlist BHA Acne Intense Care Serum 26 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
TheSkinlist BHA Acne Intense Care Serum 26 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
PEG-8
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Carnitine
CleansingAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
Isostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentEpigallocatechin Gallate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSophora Flavescens Root Extract
Antioxidant
Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Niacinamide, PEG-8, Butylene Glycol, Carnitine, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Polysorbate 20, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Zinc PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Isostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Cyclodextrin, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract
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 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. 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
TheSkinlist BHA Acne Intense Care Serum 26 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
