alpyn beauty Pore Perfecting Liquid with 2% BHA + Borage Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

alpyn beauty Pore Perfecting Liquid with 2% BHA + Borage Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

This pore-care treatment is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Borago Officinalis Extract to refine the look of pores and refine skin texture.

This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores.

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Water

Propanediol

Salicylic Acid

Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate

Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate

Borago Officinalis Extract

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Benzyl Alcohol

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Tocopherol

Glycerin

Sodium Hydroxide

Ascorbic Acid

Ethylhexylglycerin

Potassium Sorbate

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil

Phytic Acid

Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract

Maltodextrin

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

Squalane

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil

Niacinamide

Phyllostachys Bambusoides Extract

Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil

Sodium Hyaluronate

Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract

Rosa Damascena Flower Water

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

Prunus Davidiana Extract

Beta-Sitosterol

Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract

Sodium Benzoate

Medicago Sativa Extract

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Centella Asiatica Extract

Collagen

Sorbic Acid

Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate

Citric Acid

Water, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Borago Officinalis Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Benzyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Ascorbic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Phytic Acid, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Squalane, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Phyllostachys Bambusoides Extract, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Prunus Davidiana Extract, Beta-Sitosterol, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Medicago Sativa Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Centella Asiatica Extract, Collagen, Sorbic Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Citric Acid

Methylpropanediol

Butylene Glycol

Polysorbate 20

Camellia Oleifera Leaf

Tetrasodium EDTA

Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Camellia Oleifera Leaf, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Salicylic 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.

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.

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. Remember to stay hydrated!

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