Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant Versus Alpha Skin Care Intensive Renewal Serum 14% Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant Versus Alpha Skin Care Intensive Renewal Serum 14% Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid Detailed comparison of Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant versus Alpha Skin Care Intensive Renewal Serum 14% Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. This smoothing serum is formulated around Glycolic Acid to refine skin texture and soften the look of wrinkles. 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 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 Ammonium Hydroxide Glycerin Chamomilla Recutita Extract Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Wheat Germamidopropyldimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Cellulose Gum Diazolidinyl Urea Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate Water, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Wheat Germamidopropyldimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Cellulose Gum, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate 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. 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: Propylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent. As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes. The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations. True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant). It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions. Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue. Sodiu