Paula's Choice
8% AHA Gel ExfoliantThe Ordinary
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%A chemical exfoliant built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for hydration and barrier repair.
A chemical exfoliant built around Azelaic acid and Vitamin E, for barrier repair and smoothing.
Brand price
USD 37.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 10.98 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site
At a Glance
They come out differently on Silicone-free, Fungal-acne-safe and Pore-clogger-free; those rows are 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.
Barrier Repair5
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Isohexadecane, Tocopherol
Smoothing4
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Isohexadecane
Concerns
No concerns found
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris2
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Ingredients Side-by-side
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Extract
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Emollient
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Emollient
Occlusive
0-3 / 3
- Vitamin E
- Anti-Pollution
- Antioxidant
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →
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