Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum with 9.8% Glycolic Acid
10% Niacinamide Booster

Kiehl's

Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum with 9.8% Glycolic Acid

Paula's Choice

10% Niacinamide Booster

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

A serum built around Niacinamide and Vitamin C derivative, for hydration and barrier repair.

Serum
Serum
7 ingredients
27 ingredients

Brand price

INR 3200.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 53.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet
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At a Glance

They come out differently on Alcohol-free, Fungal-acne-safe and Cruelty-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Key Ingredients

  • 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

  • Vitamin C derivative (stable)1

    Stable derivatives of ascorbic acid.

    Ascorbyl Glucoside

  • Panthenol (provitamin B5)1

    Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.

    Panthenol

  • Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1

    Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.

    Polysorbate 20

  • AHA1

    Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.

    Citric Acid

Benefits

Concerns

  • May Worsen Irritation1

    May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.

    Alcohol Denat.

  • May Worsen Eczema1

    May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.

    Alcohol Denat.

  • May Worsen Rosacea1

    Can trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.

    Alcohol Denat.

  • May Worsen Dryness1

    Can strip moisture and worsen dryness.

    Alcohol Denat.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Show highlights for:

  • Aqua

    Solvent

    0 / —

  • Glycolic Acid

    Buffering

    0-1 / —

    • AHA
    • Glycolic acid
    • Anti-Aging
    • Brightening
    • Dark Spots
    • Exfoliating
    • Smoothing

  • Glycerin (in both products)

    Humectant

    0 / 0

    • Possibly animal-derived
    • Hydrating

  • Alcohol Denat.

    Fragrance

    0 / —

    • Denatured alcohol
    • May Worsen Dryness
    • May Worsen Eczema
    • May Worsen Irritation
    • May Worsen Rosacea

  • Sodium Hydroxide (in both products)

    Buffering

    0 / —

  • Sodium Hyaluronate (in both products)

    Humectant

    0 / 0

    • Hyaluronic acid
    • Hydrating

  • Hydroxyethylcellulose

    Light Stabilizer

    0-1 / —

  • Water

    Skin Conditioning

  • Niacinamide

    Smoothing

    0 / —

    • Niacinamide
    • Acne Fighting
    • Barrier Repair
    • Brightening
    • Dark Spots
    • Even Tone
    • Oil Control
    • Pore Refining
    • Redness Reducing

  • Acetyl Glucosamine

    Skin Conditioning

    • Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
    • Dark Spots
    • Hydrating
    • May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

  • Ascorbyl Glucoside

    Antioxidant

    • Vitamin C
    • Vitamin C derivative (stable)
    • Antioxidant
    • Brightening
    • Dark Spots

  • Butylene Glycol

    Humectant

    1 / 0

    • Hydrating

  • Phospholipids

    Skin Conditioning

    • Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
    • May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

  • Sodium Hyaluronate (in both products)

    Humectant

    0 / 0

    • Hyaluronic acid
    • Hydrating

  • Allantoin

    Skin Conditioning

    0 / 0

    • Reduces Irritation
    • Smoothing

  • Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract

    Skin Protecting

  • Glycerin (in both products)

    Humectant

    0 / 0

    • Possibly animal-derived
    • Hydrating

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

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