Paula's Choice BHA 9 Treatment vs The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Paula's Choice

The Ordinary

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

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

Chemical exfoliant

12 ingredients

24 ingredients

Brand price

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

Brand price

USD 8.55 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand country not recorded

Brand from Canada

At a Glance

They come out differently on Vegan; that row is shaded. 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

Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 20
AHA3
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic 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

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.
Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Panthenol
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Panthenol
Anti-Aging1
Softens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Glycolic Acid

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

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Polysorbate 20

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 / —

Glycolic Acid
Buffering
0-1 / —
- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
Fragrance
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering
0 / —
Daucus Carota Sativa Extract
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
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
Lactic Acid
Humectant
- AHA
- Lactic acid
- Brightening
- Exfoliating
- Hydrating
- Smoothing
Tartaric Acid
Buffering

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 →
Polysorbate 20
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20 →