COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel

COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel Detailed comparison of COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide to refine skin texture and clear breakouts. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. Pyrus Malus Fruit Water Butylene Glycol Glycolic Acid Niacinamide Sodium Hydroxide 1,2-Hexanediol Panthenol Sodium Hyaluronate Xanthan Gum Ethyl Hexanediol Pyrus Malus Fruit Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Sodium Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol Water Aminomethyl Propanol Lactic Acid Mandelic Acid Isoamyl Laurate Tartaric Acid Propanediol Salicylic Acid Malic Acid Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract Glycyrrhetinic Acid Glycerin Tocopherol Bisabolol Allantoin Hydroxyethylcellulose Hydrogenated Lecithin Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 Titanium Dioxide Mica Phenoxyethanol Water, Aminomethyl Propanol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Isoamyl Laurate, Tartaric Acid, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Malic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Phenoxyethanol 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. Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits. It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability. Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge. AHAs 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. Research 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. Overall, glycolic acid helps with: Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally. To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (that’s where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin). The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness: It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts. Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, it can penetrate deeper, which enhances its effectiveness but also makes it more likely to irritate sensitive skin. If your skin is very sensitive or prone to rosacea, glycolic acid may be too strong; in that case, try milder options like lactic acid or a PHA instead. Recent studies suggest glycolic acid might even help protect against UV damage. But don’t skip sunscreen! Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun. Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar. It smooths, brightens, hydrates, and firms the skin. Unless you’re highly sensitive, it’s well worth adding to your routine. Read more about some other popular AHA's here: Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity. In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface. Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior: Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair. Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects. You'll typically see concentratio