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Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated

By Peptide Skincare & Beauty Editorial TeamPublished

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder

This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores.

This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Papain and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin.

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

Dimethylimidazolidinone Rice Starch

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate

Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate

Oryza Sativa Powder

Diglycerin

Oryza Sativa Lees Extract

Calamine

Tapioca Starch

Papain

Maltodextrin

Allantoin

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

Arnica Montana Flower Extract

Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract

Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract

Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract

Dimethylimidazolidinone Rice Starch, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate, Oryza Sativa Powder, Diglycerin, Oryza Sativa Lees Extract, Calamine, Tapioca Starch, Papain, Maltodextrin, Allantoin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Water, Butylene Glycol, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract

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.

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!

Similar Comparisons

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. 03Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
  4. 04Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
  5. 05Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
  6. 06Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
  7. 07What it does:
  8. 08Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
  9. 09Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
  10. 10Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
  11. 11This 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.
  12. 12Note: 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.
  13. 13Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits.
  14. 14It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability.
  15. 15Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge.
  16. 16AHAs work by breaking down the structural “glue” that holds old skin cells in place. When that buildup is gone, your skin can renew itself more efficiently.
  17. 17Research also shows glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and thicken the skin over time. This is one of its biggest advantages over other AHAs.
  18. 18Overall, glycolic acid helps with:
  19. 19Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally.
  20. 20To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (that’s where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin).
Source · skinsort.com ⟶
02

Product index

Related product references

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03

Comparison edit

Read side by side

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