The Ordinary
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%Paula's Choice
8% AHA Lotion ExfoliantA chemical exfoliant built around Azelaic acid and Vitamin E, for barrier repair and smoothing.
A chemical exfoliant built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for barrier repair and smoothing.
Brand price
USD 10.98 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 37.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site
At a Glance
They come out differently on Oil-free; that row is shaded. Tap any answer to see why.
Key Ingredients
Fatty alcohol2
Waxy fatty alcohols used as emollients and thickeners; unrelated to drying alcohol.
Benefits
Barrier Repair5
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Isohexadecane, Tocopherol
Smoothing4
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Isohexadecane
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.
Concerns
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris2
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
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
Emollient
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Emollient
Tocopherol (in both products)
Occlusive
0-3 / 3
- Vitamin E
- Anti-Pollution
- Antioxidant
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
Skin Conditioning
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Dimethicone
Antifoaming, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Skin Protecting
Dimethicone is a silicone.
Learn more about Dimethicone →Tocopherol
Antioxidant, Fragrance, Skin Conditioning, Occlusive
Tocopherol is vitamin E.
Learn more about Tocopherol →Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Chlorphenesin is the organic compound that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Chlorphenesin →