Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel Versus Reversa Acnex Purifying Solution

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel Versus Reversa Acnex Purifying Solution Detailed comparison of Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel versus Reversa Acnex Purifying Solution. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. This acne exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid to clear breakouts and refine skin texture. 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 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 Salicylic Acid 2% Hamamelis Virginiana Water Arginine Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine Ammonium Hydroxide Salicylic Acid 2%, Water, Glycolic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Arginine, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Allantoin, Ammonium Hydroxide These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics. Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity. Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation. It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh. Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated. This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%. Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating. Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism. 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 t