Paula's Choice 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant vs Skintific AHA BHA PHA Exfoliating Pads

Paula's Choice

Skintific

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

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

Chemical exfoliant

13 ingredients

28 ingredients

Brand price

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

Brand price

AUD 40.90 · checked 5 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand country not recorded

Brand from Indonesia

At a Glance

They come out differently on Fragrance-free; that row is shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 20
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid1
The BHA used in acne treatment.
Salicylic Acid

PHA1
Polyhydroxy acids — larger and milder than AHAs.
Gluconolactone
AHA3
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Glycolic acid1
The smallest AHA, and so the most penetrating.
Glycolic Acid

Hydrating1
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Phytosphingosine, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Bisabolol
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Bisabolol

Hydrating7
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Polyglycerin-10, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycerin, Niacinamide
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Niacinamide

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Phytosphingosine, Polysorbate 20

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
May Worsen Irritation1
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Aroma
May Worsen Eczema1
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Aroma
May Worsen Rosacea1
Can trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.
Aroma

Show highlights for:

Water
Skin Conditioning
Methylpropanediol
Solvent
0-1 / —
Butylene Glycol (in both products)
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Polysorbate 20
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
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Barrier Repair
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Light Stabilizer
0-1 / —
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract
UV Absorber
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Epilobium Angustifolium Extract
Skin Conditioning

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

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 →
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 →