Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Versus Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Versus Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner

This pore-care exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Phytosphingosine to refine the look of pores and refine skin texture.

This smoothing toner is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Salix Alba Bark Extract to refine skin texture and clear breakouts.

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Water

Methylpropanediol

Butylene Glycol

Polysorbate 20

Salicylic Acid

Phytosphingosine

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract

Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract

Epilobium Angustifolium Extract

Bisabolol

Tetrasodium EDTA

Sodium Hydroxide

Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Salicylic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Extract, Bisabolol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide

Dipropylene Glycol

1,2-Hexanediol

C12-14 Pareth-12

Octyldodeceth-16

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract

Pentylene Glycol

Salix Alba Bark Extract

Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract

Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract

Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract

Pueraria Lobata Root Extract

Centella Asiatica Extract

Ficus Carica Fruit Extract

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium Citrate

Citric Acid

Xanthan Gum

Disodium EDTA

Tocopherol

Ceramide NP

Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Potassium Hyaluronate

Hyaluronic Acid

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate

Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Ethylhexylglycerin

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Salicylic Acid, C12-14 Pareth-12, Octyldodeceth-16, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Butylene Glycol, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin

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.

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

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!

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