Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores.
This brightening toner is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid to brighten dull-looking skin and fade the look of dark spots.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Morus Alba Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
ChelatingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Kojic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Azelaic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Sodium 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
