Paula's Choice
2% BHA Lotion ExfoliantThe 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 Silicone-free and Pore-clogger-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Key Ingredients

Fatty alcohol1
Waxy fatty alcohols used as emollients and thickeners; unrelated to drying alcohol.

Benefits

Hydrating4
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Dimethicone, Glycerin
Barrier Repair9
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Reduces Irritation4
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Redness Reducing2
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
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 Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis5
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Cetyl Alcohol, Lauric Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Stearate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris3
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20 (in both products)
Cleansing
0 / 0
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Emollient
2 / 2
- Fatty alcohol
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Salicylic Acid (in both products)
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Emulsifying
0 / 1
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Cleansing
4 / 1
- Fatty acids (stearic, oleic, lauric)
- Possibly animal-derived
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
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.
Polysorbate 20
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20 →Salicylic Acid
Anti-seborrheic, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Keratolytic, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid is a BHA.
Learn more about Salicylic Acid →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 →Xanthan Gum
Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning, Cleansing, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
Xanthan gum
Learn more about Xanthan Gum →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 →Caprylyl Glycol
Deodorant, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol is the diol that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol →
Similar Comparisons
Each product against its closest dupes.
- View the comparison

Paula's Choice
2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant

Paula's Choice
Regular Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution With 2% Salicylic Acid
- View the comparison

The Ordinary
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

The Ordinary
Lactic Acid 10% + HA
- View the comparison

Paula's Choice
2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant

Paula's Choice
2% BHA Gel Exfoliant
- View the comparison

The Ordinary
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

The Ordinary
Lactic Acid 5% + HA