Alpha-H Liquid Gold + Vitamin C vs Paula's Choice 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant

Alpha-H

Paula's Choice

A chemical exfoliant built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for barrier repair and smoothing.

A chemical exfoliant built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for hydration and barrier repair.

Chemical exfoliant

12 ingredients

15 ingredients

Brand price

AUD 86.95 · checked 5 Oct 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 37.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand from Australia

Brand country not recorded

At a Glance

They come out differently on Alcohol-free and Vegan; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Vitamin C derivative (stable)1
Stable derivatives of ascorbic acid.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
AHA1
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid1
The smallest AHA, and so the most penetrating.
Glycolic Acid
Vitamin C1
Vitamin C in any form: an antioxidant and brightener.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid

Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
AHA1
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid1
The smallest AHA, and so the most penetrating.
Glycolic Acid
Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Silk
Barrier Repair3
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract

Hydrating5
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Panthenol, Propylene Glycol
Reduces Irritation2
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Panthenol
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract

May Worsen Irritation2
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Alcohol, Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Eczema2
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Alcohol, Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Rosacea2
Can trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.
Alcohol, Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Dryness2
Can strip moisture and worsen dryness.
Alcohol, Alcohol Denat.

No concerns found

Show highlights for:

Water
Skin Conditioning
Glycolic Acid (in both products)
Buffering
0-1 / —
- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering
0 / —
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Redness Reducing
- Reduces Irritation
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Extract
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
0 / 0
- Hyaluronic acid
- Hydrating
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Panthenol (provitamin B5)
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Reduces Irritation
Sodium PCA
Humectant
0 / 0
- Hydrating
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
0 / 0

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid is an AHA.
Learn more about Glycolic Acid →
Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →