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Paula's Choice Exfoliants: AHA and BHA | Dermstore

Paula's Choice Exfoliants Looking to increase your skin's firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? Try Paula's Choice exfoliants, which help minimize signs of aging. Exfoliating your skin may help you achieve brighter skin and a glowing c

By Peptide Skincare & Beauty Editorial TeamPublished

Paula's Choice Exfoliants

Looking to increase your skin's firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? Try Paula's Choice exfoliants, which help minimize signs of aging. Exfoliating your skin may help you achieve brighter skin and a glowing complexion, as well as lead to faster absorption of other skin care products. Elevate your current skin care routine with Paula's Choice chemical exfoliants, which you can use weekly. Choose from an alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid exfoliant, which each offer distinct benefits. An AHA exfoliant may improve your skin's smoothness and reduce visible signs of sun damage. Or, unclog pores with a Paula's Choice liquid exfoliant with BHA, which may help to eliminate blemishes and bumps.

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$37.00

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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. 03Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
  4. 04As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
  5. 05It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
  6. 06A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
  7. 07Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is an oil-soluble used to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays (peak 357 nm).
  8. 08It's one of the most effective UVA filters available but has a major caveat of photostability: avobenzone is susceptible to photodegradation.
  9. 09This means it can lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight without the help of a stabilizing agent.
  10. 10Studies show antioxidants (like vitamin E or vitamin C) and some UV filters (like octocrylene and Tinosorb S) can meaningfully improve its stability in a formulation.
  11. 11The maximum allowable concentration according to regulation is 3% in the US + Canada, and 5% in the EU, Australia, China, Korea, and ASEAN countries.
  12. 12It has a well-support safety profile: a comprehensive 2025 review found minimal toxicity with no evidence of carcinogenicity.
  13. 13Overall, avobenzone is a safe and regulated ingredient used in sunscreen for over 40 years.
  14. 14Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
  15. 15What it does:
  16. 16Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
  17. 17Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
  18. 18Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
  19. 19This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
  20. 20Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Source · skinsort.com ⟶
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Product index

Related product references

Product

Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Serum

Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Serum Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Serum ingredients explained: Glycerin⁠, Linseed Seed Oil⁠, Linoleic Acid⁠, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil⁠, Salvia Hispanica (C…

Source: incidecoder.comView reference →
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