Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

Minimalist AHA PHA BHA 32% Face Peel Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel

Minimalist AHA PHA BHA 32% Face Peel Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel Detailed comparison of Minimalist AHA PHA BHA 32% Face Peel versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel. This smoothing exfolia

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Minimalist AHA PHA BHA 32% Face Peel Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel Detailed comparison of Minimalist AHA PHA BHA 32% Face Peel versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. Water Glycolic Acid Lactic Acid Propylene Glycol Gluconolactone Mandelic Acid Dimethyl Isosorbide Sodium Hydroxide Salicylic Acid Propanediol Ethoxydiglycol Curcuma Longa Root Extract Triethanolamine Sodium Hyaluronate Phenoxyethanol Pullulan Ethylhexylglycerin Hydroxyethylcellulose Xanthan Gum Sclerotium Gum Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Lecithin Water, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Mandelic Acid, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Propanediol, Ethoxydiglycol, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Pullulan, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Lecithin Aminomethyl Propanol Isoamyl Laurate Tartaric Acid Malic Acid Butylene Glycol Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract Glycyrrhetinic Acid Glycerin Tocopherol Bisabolol Allantoin Hydrogenated Lecithin Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 Titanium Dioxide Mica 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. 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: Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure. This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product. This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients. Lactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective. Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin. Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they don’t penetrate as deeply. This means they’re less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin. Like glycolic acid, it can: Lactic acid