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Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant

Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant This brightening serum is formulated around Niacinamide to fade the look of dark spots and brighten dull-looking skin. This pore-care exfoliator is formula

By Peptide Skincare & Beauty Editorial TeamPublished

Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant

This brightening serum is formulated around Niacinamide to fade the look of dark spots and brighten dull-looking skin.

This pore-care exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Phytosphingosine to refine the look of pores and refine skin texture.

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Water

Propanediol

Glycerin

Niacinamide

Cetyl Tranexamate Mesylate

Cetearyl Alcohol

Ceratonia Siliqua Gum

Caprylyl Glycol

Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum

Ethylhexylglycerin

Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Cetyl Tranexamate Mesylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin

Methylpropanediol

Butylene Glycol

Polysorbate 20

Salicylic Acid

Phytosphingosine

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract

Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract

Epilobium Angustifolium Extract

Bisabolol

Tetrasodium EDTA

Sodium Hydroxide

Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Salicylic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Extract, Bisabolol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide

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.

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!

Similar Comparisons

The reference edit

Ingredients, questions
& further reading.

Connected source records selected through this article’s public topic index.

01

Formula cabinet

Ingredients & structured notes

Ingredient index

Ingredients Explained

  1. 01These ingredients are found in both products.
  2. 02Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
  3. 03Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
  4. 04Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
  5. 05Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
  6. 06It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
  7. 07Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
  8. 08This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
  9. 09Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
  10. 10Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
  11. 11Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
  12. 12Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
  13. 13Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
  14. 14Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
  15. 15This ingredient helps:
  16. 16Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
  17. 17As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
  18. 18Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
  19. 19Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
  20. 20This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
Source · skinsort.com ⟶
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Comparison edit

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