Image: paulaschoice.com
Paula's Choice
8% AHA Gel Exfoliant
A chemical exfoliant built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for hydration and barrier repair.
Brand price
USD 37.00 · 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
- Combination skin
- Sensitive skin
- Dark spots & pigmentation
- Fine lines & wrinkles
- Large pores
- Uneven texture
How to use
Apply once or twice daily after cleansing and toning. Apply a dime-sized amount over the entire face, avoiding direct contact with eyes and lips. Do not rinse. For daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater.
Caution
Sun Protection Advice When Using Any AHA Exfoliant: This product contains 8% glycolic acid, an ingredient 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.
What's inside
Ingredients List
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- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
- Panthenol (provitamin B5)
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Reduces Irritation
Key Ingredients
Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Benefits
Hydrating5
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA
Reduces Irritation2
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
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 →Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid is an AHA.
Learn more about Glycolic Acid →Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Fragrance, Skin Conditioning
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract is an extract of the flowerheads of the matricaria, Chamomilla recutita (L.), Compositae
Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract →Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Astringent, Skin Conditioning
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract is the extract of the leaves of Camellia Oleifera, Theaceae
Learn more about Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract →Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate is a hyaluronic acid.
Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate →Panthenol
Antistatic, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning
Panthenol is panthenol (provitamin B5).
Learn more about Panthenol →Sodium PCA
Antistatic, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Sodium 5-oxo-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate
Learn more about Sodium PCA →Propylene Glycol
Fragrance, Humectant, Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Propylene Glycol is the aliphatic alcohol that conforms generally to the formula
Learn more about Propylene Glycol →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 →