Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant vs Paula's Choice 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant

Paula's Choice

Paula's Choice

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

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

Chemical exfoliant

8 ingredients

15 ingredients

Brand price

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

Brand price

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

No retailer listed yet

At a Glance

They come out differently on Fungal-acne-safe; 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

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.
Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Panthenol, Propylene Glycol
Reduces Irritation2
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Panthenol
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Polysorbate 20

No concerns found

Show highlights for:

Water (in both products)
Skin Conditioning
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
0-1 / —
- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Sodium Hydroxide (in both products)
Buffering
0 / —
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Redness Reducing
- Reduces Irritation
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Extract
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
0 / 0
- Hyaluronic acid
- Hydrating
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Panthenol (provitamin B5)
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Reduces Irritation
Sodium PCA
Humectant
0 / 0
- Hydrating
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
0 / 0

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Water
Antiplaque, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Learn more about Water →
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 →
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →