Paula's choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel
Works for
4 of 5 advertised claims delivered
Anti-aging2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Formulated with 8% AHA (glycolic acid), it helps to fade signs of sun damage and corrects uneven skin tone while improving the appearance of wrinkles.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic 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.
Moisturizing5 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Combines the exfoliating benefits of glycolic acid with a sheer weightless gel formula that provides long-lasting hydration and dramatically improves the smoothness of skin.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": sodium pca, butylene glycol.
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).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol
Evens skin tone1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
“You’ll experience a more even, brighter skin tone and a feeling of firmness.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic 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.
Exfoliation1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
“Get your glow on. This ultra-light gel exfoliant gently dissolves built-up layers of dead skin to reveal a smoother, brighter, more radiant complexion.”
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.
Anti-blemish2 ingredients credited for this claimLimited support
“Mild exfoliating treatment Targets blemishes, fine lines and dark spots Can be used day and night Contains soothing extracts”
This product contains ingredients (glycolic acid) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
This product contains antioxidants (camellia oleifera leaf extract) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Glycolic acid~4.7–7.1%
- 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 acidSodium hydroxide~3.7–5.5%
Chamomilla recutita flower extract~2.7–4.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Chamomilla recutita flower extractChamomilla recutita extract~2–3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Chamomilla recutita extractAloe barbadensis leaf juice~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceCamellia oleifera leaf extract~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, even though it is not usually used in sufficient concentration in cosmetics
More about Camellia oleifera leaf extractPanthenol~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolSodium pca~0.95–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium pcaPropylene glycol~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolButylene glycol~0.45–1.1%
- 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 glycolHydroxyethylcellulose~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcellulosePolyquaternium-10~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish
More about Polyquaternium-10Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolSodium benzoate~0.05–0.2%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycolic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Chamomilla recutita extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Camellia oleifera leaf extract, Panthenol, Sodium pca, Propylene glycol, Butylene glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyquaternium-10, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium benzoate
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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 choiceSkin Perfecting 8% AHA GelYOUR PRODUCT | RéViveGlycolic Renewal Peel System | Geek & Gorgeous 101Smooth Out | No7Glycolic Exfoliating Pads | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 54% | 53% | 52% |
| Price | $17.00 | $295.00+$278.00 | $12.80−$4.20 | $32.98+$15.98 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 4 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 4 |
| Key difference | — | Arginine | Anhydroxylitol | Gluconolactone |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
"Paula's choice - Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel" is effective for: Anti-aging, Moisturizing, Evens skin tone and Exfoliation
Ingredient callouts
- Exfoliating acids (glycolic acid 4.70% - 7.10%). In this concentration, they will have a noticeable exfoliating effect. They can also have an anti-aging effect and stimulate collagen production in a long-run.
- Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 1.20% - 1.80% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
What our users say
Based on 2 reviews 100% recommend this product- When it comes to comedogenicity, two out of two reviewers say that the product does not clog pores.
Price
The product retails from 31.00£ up to 35.34£ in the United Kingdom, from 17.00$ up to 34.00$ in the United States, for 54.00A$ in Australia and for 6.00SEK in Sweden.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 9 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
- 5
- 6Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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