Paula's Choice Calm 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant Versus La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum

Paula's Choice Calm 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant Versus La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum Detailed comparison of Paula's Choice Calm 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant versus La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Allantoin to refine skin texture and calm redness. This acne serum is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide to clear breakouts and refine skin texture. Water Methylpropanediol Dicaprylyl Carbonate C15-19 Alkane Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Salicylic Acid Propanediol Inulin Caprylyl Glycol Allantoin Tocopherol Sodium Hydroxide Ethylhexylglycerin Hexylene Glycol Sorbitan Isostearate Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide Glycerin Laminaria Digitata Extract Albatrellus Confluens Extract Glycine Soja Oil Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract Galactoarabinan Citric Acid Schizophyllan Maltodextrin Phenoxyethanol Water, Methylpropanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, C15-19 Alkane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Salicylic Acid, Propanediol, Inulin, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Tocopherol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Glycerin, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Albatrellus Confluens Extract, Glycine Soja Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Galactoarabinan, Citric Acid, Schizophyllan, Maltodextrin, Phenoxyethanol Alcohol Denat. Glycolic Acid Niacinamide Dimethyl Isosorbide Pentylene Glycol PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate Capryloyl Salicylic Acid Biosaccharide Gum-1 Phytic Acid Polyquaternium-10 Parfum Water, Alcohol Denat., Propanediol, Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Pentylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Citric Acid, PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Maltodextrin, Phytic Acid, Polyquaternium-10, Parfum These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath. However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products. Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH. In skincare formulas, citric acid can: While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants. Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations. Rosacea skin has a lower threshold for acids generally, with 62.5% of rosacea subjects in one study reacting to lactic acid in a sting test. This is why we mark citric acid as a potential rosacea trigger. However, this ingredient shows up as a pH adjuster or chelator at roughly 0.1-1% in many products. These low levels are unlikely to be an issue for rosacea skin and becomes a potential trigger at exfoliating concentrations (20%). Because everybody's skin is unique, we recommend a patch test if you are unsure. Maltodextrin is a plant-derived carbohydrate made by breaking down starch (usually from corn, potato, or rice). In cosmetic formulas, it's a multitasking absorbent, emulsion stabilizer, and skin conditioner. This ingredient is mostly used to stabilize emulsions and improve the powdery, non-greasy feel of products (like dry shampoos). Safety-wise, this ingredient is pretty solid; it's even recognized as a food additive. Both animal and clinical studies found no adverse effects at the levels used in cosmetics. Industry data shows this ingredient is used up to 45.7% in spray products and up to 33% in powder products. Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin. It’s often used to: Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent. 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 propert