Paula's Choice
8% AHA Gel ExfoliantThe Ordinary
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling SolutionA chemical exfoliant built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for hydration and barrier repair.
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 Fungal-acne-safe; that row is shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Key Ingredients

Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.

Benefits

Hydrating5
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA
Reduces Irritation2
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
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

No concerns found
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Skin Conditioning
Glycolic Acid (in both products)
Buffering
0-1 / —
- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Extract
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol (in both products)
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Panthenol (provitamin B5)
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Reduces Irritation
Glycolic Acid (in both products)
Buffering
0-1 / —
- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Fragrance
Skin Conditioning
Cleansing
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Buffering
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid is an AHA.
Learn more about Glycolic Acid →Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →Panthenol
Antistatic, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning
Panthenol is panthenol (provitamin B5).
Learn more about Panthenol →Sodium Benzoate
Anticorrosive, Fragrance, Preservative
Sodium Benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Sodium Benzoate →
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