SkinCeuticals Glycolic Acid 10 Renew Cream for Night Time vs Paula's Choice 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant

SkinCeuticals

Paula's Choice

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

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

Chemical exfoliant

24 ingredients

13 ingredients

Brand price

USD 96.00 · checked 28 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 37.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

At a Glance

They come out differently on Silicone-free, Pore-clogger-free and Cruelty-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
AHA1
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Glycolic 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

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

Hydrating7
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Jojoba Esters, Polyglycerin-3, Propanediol, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair8
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Acacia Decurrens Flower Cera, Caprylyl Glycol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera, Jojoba Esters, Tocopherol
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Jojoba Esters
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Jojoba Esters

Hydrating1
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Phytosphingosine, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Bisabolol
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Bisabolol

May Trigger Acne1
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis4
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Acacia Decurrens Flower Cera, Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera, Jojoba Esters, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Irritation1
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Tocopherol

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

Show highlights for:

Water
Skin Conditioning
Methylpropanediol
Solvent
0-1 / —
Butylene Glycol (in both products)
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Polysorbate 20
Cleansing
0 / 0
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Salicylic Acid (in both products)
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Barrier Repair
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Light Stabilizer
0-1 / —
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract
UV Absorber
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Epilobium Angustifolium Extract
Skin Conditioning

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Butylene Glycol
Fragrance, Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
Learn more about Butylene Glycol →
Salicylic Acid
Anti-seborrheic, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Keratolytic, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid is a BHA.
Learn more about Salicylic Acid →