Paula's Choice
1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel TonerThe Ordinary
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling SolutionA 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 smoothing.
Brand price
USD 37.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 8.55 · checked 25 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
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
Hydrating5
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Panthenol, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Barrier Repair3
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
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
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
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
Fragrance
Skin Conditioning
Cleansing
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Salicylic Acid (in both products)
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Buffering
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
Salicylic Acid
Anti-seborrheic, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Keratolytic, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid is a BHA.
Learn more about Salicylic Acid →Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Propanediol is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Propanediol →Caprylyl Glycol
Deodorant, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol is the diol that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol →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 →Citric Acid
Buffering, Chelating, Fragrance
Citric Acid is an AHA.
Learn more about Citric Acid →
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