Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus MediCube Zero Pore Pad 2.0

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus MediCube Zero Pore Pad 2.0

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

This pore-care toner pad uses a pre-saturated pad with Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid to refine the look of pores and refine skin texture.

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

Tromethamine

Lactic Acid

Alcohol Denat.

1,2-Hexanediol

Panthenol

Glycereth-26

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Betaine

Trehalose

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

Ethylhexylglycerin

Glycerin

Allantoin

Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate

Disodium EDTA

Sodium Hyaluronate

Betaine Salicylate

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil

Citrus Limon Peel Oil

Citrus Grandis Peel Oil

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil

Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil

Lavandula Angustifolia Oil

Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract

Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract

Citrus Limon Fruit Extract

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract

Ethyl Hexanediol

Centella Asiatica Extract

Salix Alba Bark Extract

Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract

Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract

Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract

Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

Portulaca Oleracea Extract

Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract

Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract

Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract

Pueraria Lobata Root Extract

Limonene

Water, Methylpropanediol, Tromethamine, Lactic Acid, Alcohol Denat., 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Glycereth-26, Salicylic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Betaine, Trehalose, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Allantoin, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine Salicylate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Ethyl Hexanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Limonene

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.

Methylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.

As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.

Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.

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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