Paula's choice 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
Works for
ExfoliationGlycolic acid, Lactic acid + 4 moreWorks well
“25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel”
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid.
Anti-agingGlycolic acid, Lactic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“Tackle multiple signs of ageing using just one treatment with Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel, a potent multi-acid blend to help restore a smoother, more youthful complexion.The AHAs in Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel get to work on the skin’s surface, helping to reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles and uneven texture.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: lactic acid.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Evens skin toneGlycolic acid, Lactic acid + 3 moreWorks well
“Tackle multiple signs of ageing using just one treatment with Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel, a potent multi-acid blend to help restore a smoother, more youthful complexion.The AHAs in Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel get to work on the skin’s surface, helping to reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles and uneven texture.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: glycyrrhetinic acid.
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, Glycolic acid + 2 moreWorks well
“Meanwhile, BHAs penetrate the pores, helping to unclog them for a more refined appearance.The peel contains plants extracts, including bisabolol and allantoin, which perform a soothing action as the acids do their work.”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: glycolic acid, mandelic acid
MoisturizingLactic acid, Tartaric acid + 5 moreWorks
“Apply the liquid gel to the skin once a week to help achieve a hydrated, supple complexion with a radiantly-youthful glow.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, lactic acid.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Tartaric acid, Glycyrrhetinic acid + 2 moreWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (glycyrrhetinic acid) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredients - tartaric acid also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy7 flagged ingredientsMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Aminomethyl propanol~6–9%
Glycolic acid~3.9–5.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
More about Glycolic acidLactic acid~2.7–4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
More about Lactic acidMandelic acid~2–3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid
More about Mandelic acidIsoamyl laurate~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps stabilize emulsions and create a nice product texture
More about Isoamyl laurateTartaric acid~1.4–2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels
More about Tartaric acidPropanediol~1.2–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolSalicylic acid~0.55–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
More about Salicylic acidMalic acid~0.55–1.25%
Butylene glycol~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolClitoria ternatea flower extract~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium hyaluronate~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateGlycyrrhetinic acid~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Active compound of licorice root. Works to calm down inflammation, as an anti-oxidant, and might be helpful in lightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation
More about Glycyrrhetinic acidGlycerin~0.35–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinTocopherol~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolBisabolol~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololAllantoin~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinHydroxyethylcellulose~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcelluloseHydrogenated lecithin~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinXanthan gum~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPolyglyceryl-4 laurate~0.15–0.65%
Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Titanium dioxide~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideNeral~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Mica~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaNeral~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Water, Aminomethyl propanol, Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Mandelic acid, Isoamyl laurate, Tartaric acid, Propanediol, Salicylic acid, Malic acid, Butylene glycol, Clitoria ternatea flower extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Glycyrrhetinic acid, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrogenated lecithin, Xanthan gum, Polyglyceryl-4 laurate, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Titanium dioxide, Neral, Unknown, Mica, Neral, Unknown, Phenoxyethanol
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| Paula's choice25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant PeelYOUR PRODUCT | Jan MariniMarini Multi-Acid Exfoliating Pads | Deviant SkincareGentle Resurfacing Liquid | Be MinimalistAHA PHA BHA 32% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 90% | 89% | 87% |
| Price | $45.00 | — | $52.00+$7.00 | $15.46−$29.54 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 12 | 5 of 12 | 5 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | Gluconolactone | Gluconolactone |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: StackedSkincare TCA Lactic & Glycolic Face PeelBeauty Drops AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling
Product summary
"Paula's choice - 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel" is effective for: Exfoliation, Anti-aging, Evens skin tone and Anti-blemish
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- Exfoliating acids (mandelic acid 2.00% - 3.00%, lactic acid 2.70% - 4.00% and glycolic acid 3.90% - 5.80%). In this concentration, they will have a noticeable exfoliating effect. They can also have an anti-aging effect and stimulate collagen production in a long-run. Lactic Acid can also help to attract water to the upper layer (works as a humectant).
- Salicylic acid (0.55% - 1.35%). This is an oil-soluble exfoliating acid. Because of this property, it can work inside pores and help reduce the congestion. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and is used to treat acne. Because it is a quite strong exfoliator, be careful with using this product too often: it could result in over-exfoliation.
- Humectants (glycerin 0.35% - 0.75%, sodium hyaluronate 0.35% - 0.80% and lactic acid 2.70% - 4.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 66.00A$ in Australia, from 45.00$ up to 50.50$ in the United States and from 36.55£ up to 39.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
- 6
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