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La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant This calming serum is formulated around Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester to calm redness. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine ski

By Peptide Skincare & Beauty Editorial TeamPublished

La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

This calming serum is formulated around Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester to calm redness.

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

Glycerin

Isostearyl Neopentanoate

Butylene Glycol

Pentylene Glycol

Polysorbate 20

Tambourissa Trichophylla Leaf Extract

Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer

Dimethicone

Dimethiconol

Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate

Disodium EDTA

Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester

Water, Glycerin, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Tambourissa Trichophylla Leaf Extract, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Disodium EDTA, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester

Methylpropanediol

Salicylic Acid

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.

Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.

It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.

The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.

Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).

True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.

Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.

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.

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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. 03Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits.
  4. 04It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability.
  5. 05Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge.
  6. 06AHAs work by breaking down the structural “glue” that holds old skin cells in place. When that buildup is gone, your skin can renew itself more efficiently.
  7. 07Research also shows glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and thicken the skin over time. This is one of its biggest advantages over other AHAs.
  8. 08Overall, glycolic acid helps with:
  9. 09Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally.
  10. 10To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (that’s where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin).
  11. 11The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness:
  12. 12It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts.
  13. 13Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, it can penetrate deeper, which enhances its effectiveness but also makes it more likely to irritate sensitive skin.
  14. 14If your skin is very sensitive or prone to rosacea, glycolic acid may be too strong; in that case, try milder options like lactic acid or a PHA instead.
  15. 15Recent studies suggest glycolic acid might even help protect against UV damage. But don’t skip sunscreen! Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun.
  16. 16Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar. It smooths, brightens, hydrates, and firms the skin. Unless you’re highly sensitive, it’s well worth adding to your routine.
  17. 17Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
  18. 18Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
  19. 19It’s often used to:
  20. 20Propanediol 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.
Source · skinsort.com ⟶
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03

Comparison edit

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