Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant Versus Balea Niacinamide Peeling Concentrate

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant Versus Balea Niacinamide Peeling Concentrate Detailed comparison of Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant versus Balea Niacinamide Peeling Concentrate. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. This smoothing serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores. 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 Niacinamide Glycerin Mandelic Acid Pentylene Glycol Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Sclerotium Gum Allantoin Ethylhexylglycerin Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Sclerotium Gum, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate 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: Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair. There are two forms of panthenol: D and L. D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol. Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons): Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated. This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds. Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells. This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5. Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically. Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the us