Versus

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule Versus Paula's Choice CALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant

Ampoule
Exfoliator
Korean Brand South Korea
American Brand United States

Updated on January 15, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common

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 and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain oils

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant 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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule

Centella Asiatica Extract

Cleansing
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

Propanediol

Solvent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin 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 Glycerin
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin. 

It’s often used to:

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.

Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.

Learn more about Allantoin
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

This is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.

It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.

Emulsifying

Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.

As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.

Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.

Learn more about Sorbitan Isostearate

When to use

1,038 Routines
36% use in am
64% use in pm
89% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
64 Routines
22% use in am
78% use in pm
53% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule 44 ingredients

4.3 /5
from 21 ratings
Hydrating (15) Works Well (15) Great Value (13)
Cheeks's avatar

Cheeks

5 months ago
Review

This has been my favourite barrier supporting ampoule/serum to date! My skin soaks this up I use this both am and pm (with a little more in the pm). I have dry, sensitive and rosacea prone skin and this hasn’t ever aggravated anything, no reactions, blends effortlessly and just gives me a hydrated glowy look! Love it! It’s a creamy ampoule but not super thick and just melts into the skin. It’s so Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
sjordan74's avatar

Shane Jordan

3 days ago
Review

As someone who loves a milky skincare texture, this ampoule immediately caught my eye—and it absolutely delivered. The Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule has a soft, silky, lightweight consistency that feels deeply moisturizing without being heavy or greasy. It absorbs beautifully and leaves my skin feeling calm, hydrated, and balanced.

This is a fragrance-free formula, Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well

Paula's Choice CALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant 26 ingredients

CALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant hasn't been rated yet.
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