e.l.f. cosmetics SuperBrighten Peel Pads Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant

e.l.f. cosmetics SuperBrighten Peel Pads Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant Detailed comparison of e.l.f. cosmetics SuperBrighten Peel Pads versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant. This smoothing exfoliating pad uses a pre-saturated pad with Sodium PCA and Zinc Gluconate to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. Water Butylene Glycol Pentylene Glycol Sodium PCA Citrus Limon Peel Oil Hamamelis Virginiana Extract Carica Papaya Leaf Extract Acer Saccharum Extract Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract Saccharum Officinarum Extract Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract Zinc Gluconate Bisabolol Glycolic Acid 1,2-Hexanediol Ethylhexylglycerin PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil PPG-26-Buteth-26 Phenoxyethanol Sodium Benzoate Disodium EDTA Sodium Hydroxide Water, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium PCA, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Carica Papaya Leaf Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Zinc Gluconate, Bisabolol, Glycolic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Aloe Ferox Leaf Juice Extract Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract Sodium Hyaluronate Panthenol Propylene Glycol Hydroxyethylcellulose Polyquaternium-10 Water, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Aloe Ferox Leaf Juice Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyquaternium-10, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate Be the first to review 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: Phenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!). It has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and especially effective bacteria, yeast, and mold while only having a weak effect on your skin's natural microbiome. On a cellular level, it disrupts the cell membranes of microbes by poking holes that make the cell leak. This shuts down the chemical reactions the microbe needs to make energy so it can no longer survive. Another perk of this ingredient is that it stays functional across a wide pH range (3-10). You'll often see it paired with boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin; one study showed that a 1:9 ratio of Ethylhex