Paula's Choice BHA 9 Treatment vs Minimalist AHA BHA 10% Face Exfoliator

Paula's Choice

Minimalist

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

A chemical exfoliant built around AHA and Lactic acid, for smoothing and hydration.

Chemical exfoliant

12 ingredients

23 ingredients

Brand price

USD 45.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

INR 539.00 · checked 26 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand country not recorded

Brand from India

At a Glance

Every check both products could be assessed on comes out the same. Tap any answer to see why.

Colloidal oatmeal1
Finely milled oat — an FDA-recognised skin protectant.
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
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 C derivative (stable)1
Stable derivatives of ascorbic acid.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
AHA3
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Glycolic acid1
The smallest AHA, and so the most penetrating.
Glycolic Acid

Hydrating4
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG-8, Propylene Glycol
Barrier Repair4
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Smoothing2
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Salicylic Acid

Hydrating4
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycerin, Lecithin
Anti-Aging1
Softens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Glycolic Acid
Smoothing5
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Lecithin, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
PEG-75 Stearate, Polysorbate 20

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

Show highlights for:

Propylene Glycol
Humectant
0 / 0
PEG-75 Stearate
Cleansing
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
PEG-8
Humectant
Water
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid (in both products)
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Emollient
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Barrier Repair
- Reduces Irritation
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Skin Protecting
Arginine
Skin Conditioning
0 / —

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Methylpropanediol
Solvent
0-1 / —
Lactic Acid
Humectant
- AHA
- Lactic acid
- Brightening
- Exfoliating
- Hydrating
- Smoothing
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Viscosity Controlling
0 / —
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
0-1 / —
- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Ethoxydiglycol
Humectant
0 / 0
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
0 / —
- AHA
- Mandelic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering
0 / —
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin C derivative (stable)
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

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 →