Skin science article
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Geek & Gorgeous Stress Less
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Geek & Gorgeous Stress Less This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores. This calming serum is formulated around Saccharide Isom
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Geek & Gorgeous Stress Less
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores.
This calming serum is formulated around Saccharide Isomerate and Madecassoside to calm redness and strengthen the skin barrier.
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No 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
Methyl Gluceth-20
Saccharide Isomerate
Glycerin
Madecassoside
Beta-Glucan
1,2-Hexanediol
Citric Acid
Sodium Citrate
Caprylyl Glycol
Carbomer
Ethylhexylglycerin
Phenoxyethanol
Water, Methyl Gluceth-20, Saccharide Isomerate, Glycerin, Madecassoside, Beta-Glucan, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
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.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
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!