Pacifica Glow Baby Liquid Exfoliator with 5% AHA + BHA Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Pacifica Glow Baby Liquid Exfoliator with 5% AHA + BHA Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Lactic 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

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Glycolic Acid

Lactic Acid

Gluconolactone

Salicylic Acid

Niacinamide

Betaine

Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract

Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract

Sodium Hyaluronate

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract

Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract

Citrus Tangerina Peel Extract

Dimethyl Isosorbide

Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract

Propanediol

Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer

Sodium PCA

Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium Benzoate

Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Gluconolactone, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Betaine, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Citrus Tangerina Peel Extract, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Propanediol, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate

Methylpropanediol

Butylene Glycol

Polysorbate 20

Camellia Oleifera Leaf

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.

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.

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

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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