Skin science article
The INKEY List Lactic Acid Serum Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
The INKEY List Lactic Acid Serum Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant This smoothing serum is formulated around Lactic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic
The INKEY List Lactic Acid Serum Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This smoothing serum is formulated around Lactic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin.
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores.
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Lactic Acid
Propanediol
Glycerin
Sodium Hydroxide
PPG-26-Buteth-26
Sodium Hyaluronate
Phenoxyethanol
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Ethylhexylglycerin
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Agastache Mexicana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Water, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Agastache Mexicana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Methylpropanediol
Butylene Glycol
Salicylic Acid
Polysorbate 20
Camellia Oleifera Leaf
Tetrasodium EDTA
Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Camellia Oleifera Leaf, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA
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!