COSRX Low pH Goodnight Soft Peeling Gel vs Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

COSRX

Paula's Choice

A chemical exfoliant built around Niacinamide and PHA, for hydration and barrier repair.

A chemical exfoliant built around BHA and Salicylic acid, for hydration and smoothing.

Chemical exfoliant

25 ingredients

8 ingredients

Brand price

USD 16.00 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

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

No retailer listed yet

Brand from South Korea

Brand country not recorded

At a Glance

Every check both products could be assessed on comes out the same. Tap any answer to see why.

PHA1
Polyhydroxy acids — larger and milder than AHAs.
Lactobionic Acid
Hyaluronic acid2
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate
Niacinamide1
Vitamin B3 — supports the barrier and evens tone.
Niacinamide
Enzyme exfoliant1
Proteolytic enzymes that exfoliate without acid.
Papain

Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 20
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid1
The BHA used in acne treatment.
Salicylic Acid

Hydrating7
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair4
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Niacinamide
Smoothing2
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Niacinamide

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Polysorbate 20

Show highlights for:

Water (in both products)
Skin Conditioning
Cellulose
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
Glycerin
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Butylene Glycol (in both products)
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water
Skin Conditioning

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Water
Antiplaque, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Learn more about Water →
Butylene Glycol
Fragrance, Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
Learn more about Butylene Glycol →