Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Medik8 Pore Refining Scrub

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Medik8 Pore Refining Scrub

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

This pore-care exfoliator is formulated around Diatomaceous Earth and Niacinamide 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

Glycerin

Diatomaceous Earth

Jojoba Esters

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Behenyl Alcohol

Kaolin

Niacinamide

Dicaprylyl Ether

Xanthan Gum

Cetyl Alcohol

Palmitic Acid

Glycol Distearate

Glyceryl Stearate Se

Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate

Mandelic Acid

Stearic Acid

Citrus Reticulata Peel Oil

Titanium Dioxide

Sucrose Stearate

Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract

Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract

Dimethicone

Phenethyl Alcohol

Citric Acid

Caprylyl Glycol

Allantoin

Tocopheryl Acetate

Potassium Sorbate

Hamamelis Virginiana Water

Carbomer

Phytic Acid

Alcohol

Myristic Acid

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Passiflora Incarnata Flower Extract

Tocopherol

Limonene

Water, Glycerin, Diatomaceous Earth, Jojoba Esters, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Behenyl Alcohol, Kaolin, Niacinamide, Dicaprylyl Ether, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Glycol Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Mandelic Acid, Stearic Acid, Citrus Reticulata Peel Oil, Titanium Dioxide, Sucrose Stearate, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Dimethicone, Phenethyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Sorbate, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Phytic Acid, Alcohol, Myristic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Passiflora Incarnata Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Limonene

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Alternatives

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

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.

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!

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