Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel

Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Ethoxydiglycol (est. ≈65.0%), Butylene Glycol (est. ≈22.0%) and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈2.0%).Tip: Studies suggest that humectants alone do not moisturize the skin. We recommend applying a product with some occlusive ingredients after the use of this one.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈2.0%), Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract (est. ≈2.0%) and Hydroquinone (est. ≈2.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin soothing

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Salicylic Acid (est. ≈2.0%), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈2.0%) and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (est. ≈2.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
22
2
2
2
2
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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Ratings

All humectants
93.1
65
22
2
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 93.1 10
10.0
65
22
2
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
65
22
2
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
All humectants 93.1 10
10
All humectants
93.1
65
22
2
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
2
2
1
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 7.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7.6
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
2
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
2
Hydroquinone
2
Superoxide Dismutase
1
Sodium Metabisulfite
0.3
Sodium Sulfite
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Rating
2
2
2
0.3
All soothing 6.3 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
6.3
2
2
2
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Ethoxydiglycol
Est. %65
Function
Origin
A type of alcohol with humectant moisturizing properties. It also acts as a solvent, since it mixes well with a variety of other compounds, including water and even some oils.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %22
Function
Origin
A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
This effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %2
Function
Origin
A gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
An extract from a plant known in North America as Fireweed and in Europe as Willowherb. It is commonly used in traditional herbal medicine. Due to its abundant content of tannins and flavonoids, it has great astringent and antioxidant properties.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
A licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Hydroquinone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin

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

Superoxide Dismutase
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
Sodium Metabisulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A preservative that is especially effective at preventing fungus and mold growth. It is normally combined with a strong bactericidal preservative in order to achieve broad-spectrum protection. Sodium metabisulfite is also used as an antioxidant.
Sodium Sulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An inorganic salt that defends against oxidation.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.
Polyquaternium-10
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A cellulose-based film former.
Phytic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytic acid is found in rice and is seen as a cousin of alpha-hydroxy acids. As a chelator, it can bind to certain metals that may cause discoloration in products or reduce the efficacy of other ingredients.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The 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.