Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Versus Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 14 Days Super Miracle Spot All Kill Cream

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Versus Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 14 Days Super Miracle Spot All Kill Cream

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

This acne treatment is formulated around Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water and Centella Asiatica Extract to clear breakouts and refine skin texture.

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

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water

Centella Asiatica Extract

Glycerin

Niacinamide

Panthenol

Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract

Lavandula Angustifolia Extract

Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract

Origanum Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

Thymus Vulgaris Extract

Sodium Hyaluronate

Saccharide Isomerate

Fructan

Madecassoside

Madecassic Acid

Asiaticoside

Asiatic Acid

Allantoin

Protease

Lipase

Adenosine

Lactobionic Acid

Citric Acid

Sorbitan Oleate

Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside

Polyisobutene

Microcrystalline Cellulose

Cellulose Gum

Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate

Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

1,2-Hexanediol

Benzyl Glycol

Ethylhexylglycerin

Raspberry Ketone

Disodium EDTA

Mentha Piperita Oil

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycerin, Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Origanum Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharide Isomerate, Fructan, Salicylic Acid, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Allantoin, Protease, Lipase, Adenosine, Lactobionic Acid, Citric Acid, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Polyisobutene, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose Gum, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Benzyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Raspberry Ketone, Disodium EDTA, Mentha Piperita Oil

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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