Skin science article
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Anua BHA 2% + Ceramides Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Anua BHA 2% + Ceramides Gentle Exfoliating Toner This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores. This smoothing exfoliator is formu
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Anua BHA 2% + Ceramides Gentle Exfoliating Toner
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores.
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Centella Asiatica Extract to refine skin texture and strengthen the skin barrier.
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Methylpropanediol
Butylene Glycol
Salicylic Acid
Polysorbate 20
Camellia Oleifera Leaf
Sodium Hydroxide
Tetrasodium EDTA
Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Camellia Oleifera Leaf, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA
Dipropylene Glycol
1,2-Hexanediol
C12-14 Alketh-12
Octyldodeceth-16
Pentylene Glycol
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
Centella Asiatica Extract
Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Sodium Hyaluronate
Sodium Citrate
Glycerin
Ethylhexylglycerin
Citric Acid
Xanthan Gum
Disodium EDTA
Panthenol
Tocopherol
Ceramide NP
Zinc Sulfate
Triethylhexanoin
Cholesterol
Glyceryl Stearate
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Cetearyl Alcohol
Potassium C11-15 Alkyl Phosphate
Ceramide Ng
Phytosphingosine
Dimethicone
Ceramide As
Ceramide AP
Ceramide Ns
Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Potassium Hyaluronate
Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Glycine
Glutamic Acid
Glutamine
Lysine
Leucine
Methionine
Valine
Serine
Cysteine
Citrulline
Asparagine
Aspartic Acid
Isoleucine
Alanine
Arginine
Ornithine
Taurine
Tyrosine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Phenylalanine
Proline
Histidine
Ceramide EOP
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Salicylic Acid, C12-14 Alketh-12, Octyldodeceth-16, Pentylene Glycol, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Zinc Sulfate, Triethylhexanoin, Cholesterol, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium C11-15 Alkyl Phosphate, Ceramide Ng, Phytosphingosine, Dimethicone, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, Ceramide Ns, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Lysine, Leucine, Methionine, Valine, Serine, Cysteine, Citrulline, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Isoleucine, Alanine, Arginine, Ornithine, Taurine, Tyrosine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Proline, Histidine, Ceramide EOP
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!