Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-aging
- Moisturizing
- Evens skin tone
- Exfoliation
Doesn't work for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-blemish
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: low
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 0
Key actives
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.
Works for
Does not work for
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
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.
Source: Paula's Choice UK
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.
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
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
Anti-oxidation
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).
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, even though it is not usually used in sufficient concentration in cosmetics
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
You’ll experience a more even, brighter skin tone and a feeling of firmness.
Source: Paula's Choice AUS
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.
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
Exfoliation
What does the product description say?
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.
Source: Paula's Choice UK
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.
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
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
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.
Source: Paula's Choice AUS
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
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
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
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
Anti-blemish
What does the product description say?
Mild exfoliating treatment Targets blemishes, fine lines and dark spots Can be used day and night Contains soothing extracts
Source: Skincity
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.
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
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
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Exfoliation | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Evens skin tone | |
| Anti-blemish |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 90/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
No comedogenic ingredients detected
User reviews (2)
Averages from community submissions.
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| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Paula's choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel | Current | $6.00 | |
 RéVive Glycolic Renewal Peel System | 54% | $295.00 | |
 Geek & Gorgeous 101 Smooth Out | 53% | $12.80 | |
 No7 Glycolic Exfoliating Pads | 52% | $24.95 | |
 BABOR Doctor BABOR Refine Rx Aha Peel Pads | 51% | $40.00 | |
 Balea Niacinamide AHA Peeling Concentrate | 51% | - |
Key Actives
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
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, even though it is not usually used in sufficient concentration in cosmetics
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
Potential irritants
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
Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
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
Comedogenic ingredients
We couldn't find any comedogenic ingredients in this product
All ingredients
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
Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
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
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, even though it is not usually used in sufficient concentration in cosmetics
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
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
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
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
- Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acid
- Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulations
- Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics