Paula's Choice
8% AHA Lotion ExfoliantThe Ordinary
Lactic Acid 5% + HAA chemical exfoliant built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for barrier repair and smoothing.
A chemical exfoliant built around AHA and Lactic acid, for hydration and barrier repair.
Brand price
USD 37.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 7.29 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site
At a Glance
They come out differently on Silicone-free, Pore-clogger-free and Oil-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.
Key Ingredients
Fatty alcohol2
Waxy fatty alcohols used as emollients and thickeners; unrelated to drying alcohol.
Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Benefits
Hydrating8
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Panthenol, Stearyl Alcohol, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair15
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Panthenol, Stearyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Tridecane, Undecane
Reduces Irritation5
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin, Bisabolol, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Panthenol
Redness Reducing3
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Hydrating4
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Concerns
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis9
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Arachidyl Alcohol, Beheneth-5, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Phospholipids, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris3
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Ingredients Side-by-side
Skin Conditioning
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Antioxidant
Fragrance
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 →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 →
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