Kiehl's Ferulic Brew Antioxidant Facial Treatment with Lactic Acid Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Kiehl's Ferulic Brew Antioxidant Facial Treatment with Lactic Acid Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

This smoothing essence is formulated around Lactic Acid and Ferulic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin.

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

Arginine

Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate

Dicaprylyl Ether

Glycerin

Pentylene Glycol

Lactic Acid

Propanediol

Squalane

Butylene Glycol

Sodium Chloride

Tocopherol

Ascorbyl Glucoside

Salicylic Acid

Ferulic Acid

Caramel

Adenosine

Lavandula Hybrida Oil

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil

Linalool

Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil

Brassica Campestris Extract

Brassica Napus Extract

Brassica Campestris Sprout Extract

Mentha Piperita Oil

Sodium Hyaluronate

Citronellol

Geraniol

Limonene

Origanum Majorana Leaf Oil

Water, Arginine, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Salicylic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Caramel, Adenosine, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Linalool, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Brassica Campestris Extract, Brassica Napus Extract, Brassica Campestris Sprout Extract, Mentha Piperita Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Origanum Majorana Leaf Oil

Methylpropanediol

Polysorbate 20

Camellia Oleifera Leaf

Sodium Hydroxide

Tetrasodium EDTA

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

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Alternatives

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though 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.

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.

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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