Skin science article
Mesoestetic Acne One Cream Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
Mesoestetic Acne One Cream Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel This acne moisturizer is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Mandelic Acid to clear breakouts and balance excess oil. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated arou
Mesoestetic Acne One Cream Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
This acne moisturizer is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Mandelic Acid to clear breakouts and balance excess oil.
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin.
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Propylene Glycol
Disodium Azelate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Carbomer
Salicylic Acid
Polysorbate 80
Mandelic Acid
Disodium EDTA
Shikimic Acid
Simethicone
Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract
Retinoxytrimethylsilane
Water, Propylene Glycol, Disodium Azelate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carbomer, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 80, Mandelic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Shikimic Acid, Simethicone, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Retinoxytrimethylsilane
Aminomethyl Propanol
Glycolic Acid
Lactic Acid
Isoamyl Laurate
Tartaric Acid
Propanediol
Malic Acid
Butylene Glycol
Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract
Sodium Hyaluronate
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Glycerin
Tocopherol
Bisabolol
Allantoin
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Xanthan Gum
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Titanium Dioxide
Mica
Phenoxyethanol
Water, Aminomethyl Propanol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Isoamyl Laurate, Tartaric Acid, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Malic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Phenoxyethanol
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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.
Mandelic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).
Like other AHAs, it helps exfoliate the surface of the skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
Mandelic acid helps with:
Due to it having a larger molecular size than glycolic acid, mandelic acid is able to penetrate the skin more slowly and evenly. This makes it gentler and less irritating, making it a great option for sensitive or beginner skin.
Despite being milder, mandelic acid is still an effective exfoliant that improves skin texture and tone over time.
What makes mandelic acid stand out from other AHAs? It has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
These traits make it a great option for acne-prone or problem skin by reducing active breakouts and fading post-acne marks. Studies show that mandelic acid (especially when combined with salicylic acid) can significantly reduce pimples and hyperpigmentation while causing fewer side effects than stronger acids.
Mandelic acid is effective in concentrations of 5% and up with an ideal pH range of 3-4 for at-home use.
Like other AHAs, it’s important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your newly exfoliated skin.
However, unlike glycolic acid, mandelic acid is light-sensitive. Be sure your mandelic acid is packaged in opaque containers to ensure it stays stable and effective.
In short, mandelic acid is a gentle yet powerful AHA that exfoliates, brightens, and helps clarify skin while keeping irritation low. Its antibacterial action makes it especially beneficial for those with acne-prone, sensitive, or uneven skin, offering smoother, clearer, and more even-toned results over time.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
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!