Paula's Choice
2% BHA Gel ExfoliantA chemical exfoliant built around BHA and Salicylic acid, for hydration and barrier repair.
A chemical exfoliant built around BHA and Salicylic acid, for barrier repair and controlling oil.
Brand price
USD 35.10 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 37.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

At a Glance

They come out differently on Fungal-acne-safe; that row is shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Key Ingredients

Astringent (witch hazel / tannin)1
Tannin-bearing astringents such as witch hazel.

Benefits

Hydrating7
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Betaine, Glycerin, Inositol, Propanediol, Trehalose, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids
Reduces Irritation2
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Redness Reducing3
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.

Concerns

No concerns found
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Salicylic Acid (in both products)
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Water (in both products)
Skin Conditioning
Hair Conditioning
Water (in both products)
Skin Conditioning
Cleansing
0 / 0
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Salicylic Acid (in both products)
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Barrier Repair
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
UV Absorber
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Epilobium Angustifolium Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Salicylic Acid
Anti-seborrheic, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Keratolytic, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid is a BHA.
Learn more about Salicylic Acid →Water
Antiplaque, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Learn more about Water →Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →
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