Mad Hippie AHA Exfoliating Peel Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant

Mad Hippie AHA Exfoliating Peel Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant

This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid to refine skin texture and soften the look of wrinkles.

This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin.

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Water

Glycolic Acid

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol

Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract

Isomalt

Hyaluronic Acid

Glycerin

Malva Sylvestris Extract

Veronica Officinalis Leaf Extract

Lactic Acid

Xanthan Gum

Tocopherol

Pantothenic Acid

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38

Niacinamide

Camellia Sinensis Extract

Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract

Methylcellulose

Melatonin

Caffeine

Biotin

Ceramide NP

Squalane

Hydrolyzed Soy Protein

Potassium Citrate

Water, Glycolic Acid, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Isomalt, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Veronica Officinalis Leaf Extract, Lactic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Pantothenic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Niacinamide, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Methylcellulose, Melatonin, Caffeine, Biotin, Ceramide NP, Squalane, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Potassium Citrate

Sodium Hydroxide

Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract

Aloe Ferox Leaf Juice Extract

Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract

Sodium Hyaluronate

Panthenol

Sodium PCA

Propylene Glycol

Butylene Glycol

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Polyquaternium-10

Phenoxyethanol

Sodium Benzoate

Water, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Aloe Ferox Leaf Juice Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyquaternium-10, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate

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.

Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits.

It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability.

Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge.

AHAs 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.

Research 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.

Overall, glycolic acid helps with:

Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally.

To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (that’s where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin).

The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness:

It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts.

Because 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.

If 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.

Recent 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.

Glycolic 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.

Read more about some other popular AHA's 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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