Paula's Choice BHA 9 Treatment vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Paula's Choice

The Ordinary

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

A chemical exfoliant built around Azelaic acid and Vitamin E, for barrier repair and smoothing.

Chemical exfoliant

12 ingredients

17 ingredients

Brand price

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

Brand price

USD 10.98 · 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 Silicone-free, Pore-clogger-free and Vegan; those rows are 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

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 60
Azelaic acid1
Works on acne, redness and pigmentation at once.
Azelaic 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

Hydrating3
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Dimethicone, Ethoxydiglycol, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair5
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Isohexadecane, Tocopherol
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Azelaic Acid
Smoothing4
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Isohexadecane

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

May Trigger Acne2
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Tocopherol, Triethanolamine
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 60
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris2
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Tocopherol, Triethanolamine
May Worsen Irritation1
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Tocopherol

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
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Glycerin
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 / —
Isodecyl Neopentanoate
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
1 / 0
- Silicones
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Smoothing
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
- Azelaic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Redness Reducing
Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer
Emollient
0-1 / —
- Silicones
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Viscosity Controlling
0 / —
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Polysilicone-11
Film Forming
- Silicones
Isohexadecane
Emollient
Tocopherol
Occlusive
0-3 / 3
- Vitamin E
- Anti-Pollution
- Antioxidant
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris

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