Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel Versus alpyn beauty Wild Huckleberry 8-Acid Polishing Peel
Updated on July 17, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any 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 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel 26 ingredients
alpyn beauty Wild Huckleberry 8-Acid Polishing Peel 63 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 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel 26 ingredients
alpyn beauty Wild Huckleberry 8-Acid Polishing Peel 63 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Isoamyl Laurate
Emollient
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Propanediol
Solvent
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Malic Acid
Buffering
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Bisabolol
Masking
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Laurate
Emulsifying
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Aminomethyl Propanol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Isoamyl Laurate, Tartaric Acid, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Malic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Hydrated Silica
Abrasive
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Bentonite
Absorbent
Vaccinium Uliginosum Berry Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Extract
Skin ConditioningBambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Sodium Phytate
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Carrageenan
Glucose
Humectant
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Wax
Skin Conditioning
Borago Officinalis Extract
Emollient
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningDehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Menthyl Lactate
MaskingLactobacillus/Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Acer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningTartaric Acid
Buffering
Malic Acid
Buffering
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosa Damascena Extract
MaskingRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentMusa Sapientum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Camphora Linalooliferum Wood Extract
Perfuming
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Cell Extract
Skin ConditioningIsomalt
HumectantLecithin
Emollient
Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Powder
Abrasive
Water, Glycerin, Hydrated Silica, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Bentonite, Vaccinium Uliginosum Berry Extract, Salix Alba Extract, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Phytate, Azelaic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Carrageenan, Glucose, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Wax, Borago Officinalis Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Menthyl Lactate, Lactobacillus/Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Ferment Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Rosa Damascena Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Extract, Cinnamomum Camphora Linalooliferum Wood Extract, Alcohol, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Cell Extract, Isomalt, Lecithin, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Powder
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 WaterGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidLactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.
Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.
Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.
Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidTartaric acid is an AHA with exfoliating and antioxidant properties. It is found in many fruits, such as tamarind, grapes, bananas, and avocados.
AHAs provide chemical exfoliation, helping to improve skin tone and texture.
Tartaric acid is not as well studied as other AHAs, such as glycolic acid.
Learn more about Tartaric AcidMalic Acid is an acid with both AHA and BHA properties, but is considered an AHA because its AHA properties are stronger.
Like other AHAs, it removes the top layer of old and dead skin to reveal the newer layer underneath. It also helps with improving fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone, skin texture, and acne blemishes.
Due to its exfoliating properties, you should wear SPF when using Malic Acid.
Fun fact: The word "Malic" comes from the word "Malum". In Latin, "Malum" means apple. This ingredient is often derived from unripe fruit.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Malic AcidSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumTitanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.
Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.
With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.
Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.
Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel 26 ingredients
alpyn beauty Wild Huckleberry 8-Acid Polishing Peel 63 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel 26 ingredients
2x weekly use is the only thing that cleared up my skin after a horrific product-induced breakout of cystic acne that had been persisting for months. Amazing product.
