Paula's Choice
1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel TonerMinimalist
AHA BHA 10% Face ExfoliatorA chemical exfoliant built around BHA and Salicylic acid, for barrier repair and smoothing.
A chemical exfoliant built around AHA and Lactic acid, for smoothing and hydration.
Brand price
USD 37.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
INR 539.00 · checked 26 Sept 2026 · brand's site
At a Glance
They come out differently on Pore-clogger-free and Oil-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.
Key Ingredients
AHA3
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Benefits
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
Hydrating4
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Smoothing5
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Lecithin, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid
Concerns
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.
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris4
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Glycine Soja Oil, Hexylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tocopherol
Ingredients Side-by-side
Emollient
Solvent
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Salicylic Acid (in both products)
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Skin Conditioning
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin C derivative (stable)
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aqua
Solvent
Methylpropanediol
Solvent
2-Methyl-1,3-propanediol
Learn more about Methylpropanediol →Salicylic Acid
Anti-seborrheic, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Keratolytic, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid is a BHA.
Learn more about Salicylic Acid →Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →Ethylhexylglycerin
Deodorant, Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Ethylhexylglycerin →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 →Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →
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