Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant Versus Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution
Updated on July 17, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe . They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for 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 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 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant 15 ingredients
Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution 22 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant 15 ingredients
Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Aloe Ferox Leaf Juice Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium PCA
HumectantPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPolyquaternium-10
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Propanediol
SolventLactic Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Morus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingWater, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Glycolic Acid, Propanediol, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Panthenol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Citrate
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 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 HydroxidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant 15 ingredients
Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution 22 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant 15 ingredients
Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution 22 ingredients
Works, but irritating on sensitive skin
I've used two bottles in the past. It works at brightening up hyperpigmentation, but took awhile for my skin to build up the tolerance needed for it. Usually left my t-zone very red.
An amazing AHA toner for anyone that wants a good value toner for hyperpigmentation or acne/post acne scarring. It absorbs very well and has a nice glycolic/lactic/kojic/azelaic acid mix that i just love and have been using since 2023, Only red flag is that its marketed for every day and i just don't recommend due to my personal experience. Lets guess you have the most healthy skin barrier with Show more
