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Paula's Choice Calm 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant Versus Okana Glass Skin AHA/BHA Serum Liquid Exfoliant

Paula's Choice Calm 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant Versus Okana Glass Skin AHA/BHA Serum Liquid Exfoliant This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Allantoin to refine skin texture and calm redness. This smoothing exfoliator is formula

By Peptide Skincare & Beauty Editorial TeamPublished

Paula's Choice Calm 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant Versus Okana Glass Skin AHA/BHA Serum Liquid Exfoliant

This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Allantoin to refine skin texture and calm redness.

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

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Water

Methylpropanediol

Dicaprylyl Carbonate

C15-19 Alkane

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Salicylic Acid

Propanediol

Inulin

Caprylyl Glycol

Allantoin

Tocopherol

Sodium Hydroxide

Ethylhexylglycerin

Hexylene Glycol

Sorbitan Isostearate

Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide

Glycerin

Laminaria Digitata Extract

Albatrellus Confluens Extract

Glycine Soja Oil

Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract

Galactoarabinan

Citric Acid

Schizophyllan

Maltodextrin

Phenoxyethanol

Water, Methylpropanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, C15-19 Alkane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Salicylic Acid, Propanediol, Inulin, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Tocopherol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Glycerin, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Albatrellus Confluens Extract, Glycine Soja Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Galactoarabinan, Citric Acid, Schizophyllan, Maltodextrin, Phenoxyethanol

Lactobacillus Ferment

Glycolic Acid

Arginine

Lactobacillus

Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract

Sclerotium Gum

Bacillus Ferment

Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate

Water, Lactobacillus Ferment, Glycolic Acid, Arginine, Lactobacillus, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Sclerotium Gum, Bacillus Ferment, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Salicylic Acid

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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.

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. 03This ingredient is a preservative and often used for it's anti-static properties. You'll most likely see this ingredient in hair conditioners.
  4. 04It does not cause irritation or sensitization in leave-on products at 1-5%.
  5. 05Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
  6. 06Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
  7. 07However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
  8. 08Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
  9. 09In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
  10. 10While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
  11. 11Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
  12. 12Rosacea skin has a lower threshold for acids generally, with 62.5% of rosacea subjects in one study reacting to lactic acid in a sting test. This is why we mark citric acid as a potential rosacea trigger.
  13. 13However, this ingredient shows up as a pH adjuster or chelator at roughly 0.1-1% in many products. These low levels are unlikely to be an issue for rosacea skin and becomes a potential trigger at exfoliating concentrations (20%). Because everybody's…
  14. 14Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
  15. 15This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
  16. 16On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
  17. 17One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too st…
  18. 18Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
  19. 19You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
  20. 20Phenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!).
Source · skinsort.com ⟶
02

Product index

Related product references

Product

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03

Comparison edit

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