Paula's Choice 8% AHA Lotion Exfoliant

Paula's Choice 8% AHA Lotion Exfoliant

Review

Results you may expect from using Paula's Choice 8% AHA Lotion Exfoliant:

Paula's Choice 8% AHA Lotion Exfoliant is a type of skincare product designed to be rinsed off, peeled off, or otherwise removed from the skin. Research confirming the moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, and soothing effects of such products is very limited. Therefore, we do not provide efficacy ratings for these types of skincare products.

However, you can explore the roles of specific ingredients in the Ingredients Explained section below.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
Water
8
Glycolic Acid
4
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
3
Glycerin
2
Sodium Hydroxide
1.5
Beheneth-5
1.3
Dimethicone
1
Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
0.3
Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate
0.3
Behenyl Alcohol
0.3
Undecane
0.3
Arachidyl Alcohol
0.3
Stearyl Alcohol
0.3
Cetyl Alcohol
0.3
Phospholipids
0.3
Allantoin
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
0.3
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
0.3
Bisabolol
0.3
Arctium Lappa Seed Oil
0.3
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
0.3
Panthenol
0.3
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
0.3
Tridecane
0.3
Hydrogenated Polydecene
0.3
Sclerotium Gum
0.3
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Chlorphenesin
0.3
Benzoic Acid
0.3
Sorbic Acid
0.3
Ethylhexylglycerin
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
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Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
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Beheneth-5
Function:
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Dimethicone
Function:
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Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Function:
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Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate
Function:
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Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
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Undecane
Function:
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Arachidyl Alcohol
Function:
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Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
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Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
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Phospholipids
Function:
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Allantoin
Function:
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Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
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Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Function:
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Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
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Bisabolol
Function:
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Arctium Lappa Seed Oil
Function:
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Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
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Panthenol
Function:
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Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
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Tridecane
Function:
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Hydrogenated Polydecene
Function:
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Sclerotium Gum
Function:
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Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Function:
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Disodium EDTA
Function:
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Tocopherol
Function:
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Chlorphenesin
Function:
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Benzoic Acid
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Sorbic Acid
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Ethylhexylglycerin
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Phenoxyethanol
Function:
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Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %8
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Beheneth-5
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Beheneth-5
Dimethicone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/DicaprateAn emollient blend of a compound used in the production of lubricants and caprylic and capric fatty acids.
Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Undecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Undecane
Arachidyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arachidyl AlcoholA non-drying fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and viscosity controlling agent. It also produces a mattifying effect when applied in a skincare product onto the skin.
Stearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl AlcoholA natural fatty alcohol that thickens, stabilizes, and keeps emulsions a bright white color. It has many uses, the main one being as an emulsifier. It also acts as an opacifying agent and emollient.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Phospholipids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhospholipidsA large group of lipids that are an essential component of every single cell membrane in the body. They have excellent emollient properties. Phospholipids are also utilized in the manufacturing of ‘fancy’ formulations such as liposomes.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower ExtractDerived from German chamomile flowers, this extract is especially known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits. It contains two soothing compounds called chamazulene and bisabolol, as well as antioxidant flavonoids.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BisabololAn anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.
Arctium Lappa Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arctium Lappa Seed Oil
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acrylates CopolymerA synthetic polymer that can come in various forms and is often used to create light gel-like textures. Some versions can also create a light film on the skin.
Tridecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tridecane
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated PolydeceneA clear, colorless, highly viscous liquid that commonly serves as an emollient. This rich emollient is on the heavier side but provides a smooth sensorial profile upon application.
Sclerotium Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerotium GumA thickener with a silky, velvety feel that many manufacturers use as an alternative to silicones.
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 StearateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced mild emulsifier.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Benzoic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzoic AcidA preservative effective against fungi, yeast, and some bacteria. It is commonly paired with phenoxyethanol to create a broad spectrum preservation system. Benzoic acid can also serve as a pH adjuster, fragrance, and bulking agent.
Sorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbic AcidAn organic acid that can be naturally found in the berries of the Mountain ash, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It is used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, protecting a skincare product from spoiling.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.