Skin science article
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant This acne treatment is formulated around Adapalene to clear breakouts and refine skin texture. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Aci
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This acne treatment is formulated around Adapalene to clear breakouts 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
Adapalene 0.1%
Carbomer
Disodium EDTA
Methylparaben
Poloxamer 182
Propylene Glycol
Water
Sodium Hydroxide
Adapalene 0.1%, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Poloxamer 182, Propylene Glycol, Water, Sodium Hydroxide
Methylpropanediol
Butylene Glycol
Salicylic Acid
Polysorbate 20
Camellia Oleifera Leaf
Tetrasodium EDTA
Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Camellia Oleifera Leaf, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA
Reviews
Alternatives
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.
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!