
Image: paulaschoice.com
Paula's Choice
25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
A peel built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for hydration and smoothing.
Brand price
USD 39.20 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · on the brand's site
From the brand
What the brand says about this product. Our ingredient analysis follows below.
The brand recommends it for
- Dry skin
- Oily skin
- Combination skin
- Normal skin
- Sensitive skin
- Acne & blemishes
- Dark spots & pigmentation
- Fine lines & wrinkles
- Dullness
- Large pores
- Uneven texture
How to use
Weekly, apply a generous amount to clean, dry skin, avoiding the immediate eye area and lips. Leave on for ten minutes then rinse using warm water. Pat dry. Do not use other exfoliants at the same time as this product. Do not use more than once per week. Note: Slight tingling may occur; if this happens, it should subside within a moment or two. If it does not subside or intensifies, immediately rinse peel with warm water. Do not use on compromised, sensitized skin. Sun Protection Advice When Using Any AHA Exfoliant: This product contains alpha hydroxy acids, ingredients that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and the possibility of sunburn. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater every day. When outdoors, wear protective clothing whenever possible, seek shade, and avoid prolonged sun exposure. If you have a salicylate allergy, check with your physician before using any products that contain salicylic acid.
Caution
Note: Slight tingling may occur; if this happens, it should subside within a moment or two. If it does not subside or intensifies, immediately rinse peel with warm water. Do not use on compromised, sensitized skin. Sun Protection Advice When Using Any AHA Exfoliant: This product contains alpha hydroxy acids, ingredients that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and the possibility of sunburn. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater every day. When outdoors, wear protective clothing whenever possible, seek shade, and avoid prolonged sun exposure. If you have a salicylate allergy, check with your physician before using any products that contain salicylic acid.
What's inside
Ingredients List
5 trigger at least one check · 21 trigger none
- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Key Ingredients
Mineral sunscreen1
Uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to absorb and scatter UV rays.
AHA3
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Benefits
Hydrating6
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair4
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Smoothing6
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Allantoin, Glycolic Acid, Isoamyl Laurate, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating5
Lifts dead surface cells to smooth texture.
Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid
Concerns
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis4
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Hydrogenated Lecithin, Isoamyl Laurate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate
Ingredients Explained
Click on any ingredient to learn more about it
Water
Antiplaque, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Learn more about Water →Aminomethyl Propanol
Buffering
2-Amino-2-methylpropanol
Learn more about Aminomethyl Propanol →Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid is an AHA.
Learn more about Glycolic Acid →Lactic Acid
Buffering, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid is an AHA.
Learn more about Lactic Acid →Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Mandelic Acid is an AHA.
Learn more about Mandelic Acid →Isoamyl Laurate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
Isoamyl Laurate isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Isoamyl Laurate →Tartaric Acid
Buffering, Fragrance
2,3-Dihydroxybutanedioic acid
Learn more about Tartaric Acid →Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Propanediol is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Propanediol →Salicylic Acid
Anti-seborrheic, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Keratolytic, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid is a BHA.
Learn more about Salicylic Acid →Malic Acid
Buffering
Butenedioic acid, hydroxy-, (2S)-
Learn more about Malic Acid →
Dupes
- Minimalist AHA PHA BHA 32% Face Peel64% match
- COSRX The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel63% match
- Dermalogica liquid peelfoliant62% match
- Dermalogica breakout clearing liquid peel61% match
- The Derma Co 15% AHA+1% BHA Beginner Face Peeling Solution60% match