Paula's Choice 1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel Toner vs COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid

Paula's Choice

COSRX

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

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

Chemical exfoliant

26 ingredients

10 ingredients

Brand price

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

Brand price

USD 22.00 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand country not recorded

Brand from South Korea

At a Glance

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

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
AHA1
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Citric Acid
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid1
The BHA used in acne treatment.
Salicylic 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

Hydrating5
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Albatrellus Confluens Extract, Glycerin, Propanediol, Schizophyllan, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair7
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Caprylyl Glycol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Glycine Soja Oil, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Tocopherol
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Allantoin

Hydrating3
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Niacinamide, Panthenol
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Panthenol
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Niacinamide

May Trigger Acne4
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Glycine Soja Oil, Hexylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Glycine Soja Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris4
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Glycine Soja Oil, Hexylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Oily Skin1
May increase shine or excess oil.
Glycine Soja Oil

No concerns found

Show highlights for:

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Methylpropanediol
Solvent
0-1 / —
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Emollient
C15-19 Alkane
Solvent
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Salicylic Acid
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Propanediol
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Inulin
Skin Conditioning
0-1 / —
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
0-1 / —
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Reduces Irritation
- Smoothing

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →

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