Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Paula's Choice

The Ordinary

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

A chemical exfoliant built around Azelaic acid and Vitamin E, for barrier repair and smoothing.

Chemical exfoliant

8 ingredients

17 ingredients

Brand price

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

Brand price

USD 10.98 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand country not recorded

Brand from Canada

At a Glance

They come out differently on Silicone-free and Pore-clogger-free; those rows are 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

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 60
Azelaic acid1
Works on acne, redness and pigmentation at once.
Azelaic Acid

Hydrating3
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Dimethicone, Ethoxydiglycol, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair5
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Isohexadecane, Tocopherol
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Azelaic Acid
Smoothing4
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Isohexadecane

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

May Trigger Acne2
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Tocopherol, Triethanolamine
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 60
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris2
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Tocopherol, Triethanolamine
May Worsen Irritation1
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Tocopherol

Show highlights for:

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Isodecyl Neopentanoate
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
1 / 0
- Silicones
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Smoothing
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
- Azelaic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Redness Reducing
Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer
Emollient
0-1 / —
- Silicones
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Viscosity Controlling
0 / —
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Polysilicone-11
Film Forming
- Silicones
Isohexadecane
Emollient
Tocopherol
Occlusive
0-3 / 3
- Vitamin E
- Anti-Pollution
- Antioxidant
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris

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