Paula's choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Lotion
Works for
Anti-agingGlycolic acid, TocopherolWorks well
“Research-proven glycolic acid is joined with antioxidants and a complex of smoothing plant extracts to noticeably reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while leaving skin looking firmer and radiant.”
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.
ExfoliationGlycolic acid, AllantoinWorks well
“Exfoliates built-up dead skin cells to reveal the fresher, smoother, younger-looking skin beneath.”
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.
Evens skin toneGlycolic acid, Dipotassium glycyrrhizateWorks well
“Its hydrating formula helps preserve skin's moisture balance as it brightens a dull, uneven complexion.”
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.
MoisturizingPanthenol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 13 moreWorks well
“SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Lotion is a lightweight, moisturizing AHA exfoliant that combines 8% glycolic acid with a customized mix of calming, anti-aging antioxidants and nourishing plant oils that soothe, smooth, and dramatically soften dry skin showing multiple signs of aging.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
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. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy14 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~45–55%
Glycolic acid~5.8–7.1%
- 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 acidCaprylic/capric triglyceride~4.3–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideGlycerin~3–3.7%
- 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 GlycerinSodium hydroxide~2.3–2.8%
Beheneth-5~1.9–2.3%
Dimethicone~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeNeopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polyglyceryl-3 stearate~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 stearateBehenyl alcohol~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholUndecane~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a non-greasy finish on the skin
More about UndecaneArachidyl alcohol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Arachidyl alcoholStearyl alcohol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholCetyl alcohol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholPhospholipids~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product
More about PhospholipidsAllantoin~0.35–0.65%
- 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 AllantoinTocopheryl acetate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateChamomilla recutita flower extract~0.3–0.6%
- 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 extractHelianthus annuus seed oil~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
More about Helianthus annuus seed oilBisabolol~0.25–0.45%
- 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 BisabololArctium lappa root extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract. Has some anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating
More about Arctium lappa root extractDipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening
More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizatePanthenol~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolSodium acrylates copolymer~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylates copolymerTridecane~0.2–0.35%
Hydrogenated polydecene~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Hydrogenated polydeceneSclerotium gum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions
More about Sclerotium gumPolyglyceryl-10 stearate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together and softens the upper layer of the skin
More about Polyglyceryl-10 stearateDisodium edta~0.2–0.35%
Tocopherol~0.15–0.3%
- 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 TocopherolChlorphenesin~0.1–0.2%
Benzoic acid~0.15–0.25%
Sorbic acid~0.1–0.2%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.1%
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Water, Glycolic acid, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glycerin, Sodium hydroxide, Beheneth-5, Dimethicone, Neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, Polyglyceryl-3 stearate, Behenyl alcohol, Undecane, Arachidyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Phospholipids, Allantoin, Tocopheryl acetate, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Bisabolol, Arctium lappa root extract, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Panthenol, Sodium acrylates copolymer, Tridecane, Hydrogenated polydecene, Sclerotium gum, Polyglyceryl-10 stearate, Disodium edta, Tocopherol, Chlorphenesin, Benzoic acid, Sorbic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, 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 choiceSkin Perfecting 8% AHA LotionYOUR PRODUCT | No7Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum Activating Pads | Geek GorgeousSmooth Out | CreamyTônico clareador | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 58% | 56% | 55% |
| Price | $37.00 | $20.62−$16.38 | $12.80−$24.20 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 9 | 3 of 9 | 5 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Gluconolactone | Anhydroxylitol | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Balea Niacinamide AHA Peeling ConcentrateBABOR Doctor BABOR Refine Rx Aha Peel Pads
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 22 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
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