Paula's Choice
25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant PeelA peel built around Astringent and AHA, for hydration and barrier repair.
A peel built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for hydration and smoothing.
Brand price
USD 49.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 39.20 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

At a Glance

They come out differently on Fragrance-free, Silicone-free and Oil-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Key Ingredients

Astringent (witch hazel / tannin)1
Tannin-bearing astringents such as witch hazel.
Mineral sunscreen1
Uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to absorb and scatter UV rays.
AHA3
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.

Benefits

Hydrating13
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Inositol, Propanediol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Trehalose, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids
Barrier Repair9
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Tocopherol
Reduces Irritation3
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Hydrating6
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair4
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.

Concerns

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis3
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Butyl Avocadate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris2
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
May Worsen Oily Skin2
May increase shine or excess oil.
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis4
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Hydrogenated Lecithin, Isoamyl Laurate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate

Ingredients Side-by-side

Water (in both products)
Skin Conditioning
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Glycolic Acid (in both products)
Buffering
0-1 / —
- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Water (in both products)
Skin Conditioning
Glycolic Acid (in both products)
Buffering
0-1 / —
- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Buffering
Salicylic Acid (in both products)
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Ingredients Explained
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 →Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming, Humectant, Skin Protecting, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Glycerin may be plant, synthetic or animal depending on the supplier.
Learn more about Glycerin →Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Propanediol is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Propanediol →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 →Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid is an AHA.
Learn more about Glycolic Acid →Allantoin
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
Learn more about Allantoin →Tocopherol
Antioxidant, Fragrance, Skin Conditioning, Occlusive
Tocopherol is vitamin E.
Learn more about Tocopherol →Salicylic Acid
Anti-seborrheic, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Keratolytic, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid is a BHA.
Learn more about Salicylic Acid →Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →
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