Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant

Review

Results you may expect from using Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant:

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel 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
75
Water
8
Glycolic Acid
4
Sodium Hydroxide
3
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
2
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
1.5
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
1.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
1
Panthenol
0.3
Sodium PCA
0.3
Propylene Glycol
0.3
Butylene Glycol
0.3
Hydroxyethylcellulose
0.3
Polyquaternium-10
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
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Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
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Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Function:
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Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
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Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Function:
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Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
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Panthenol
Function:
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Sodium PCA
Function:
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Propylene Glycol
Function:
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Butylene Glycol
Function:
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Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
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Polyquaternium-10
Function:
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Phenoxyethanol
Function:
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Sodium Benzoate
Function:
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Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.

Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %4
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.

Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Est. %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.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractDerived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity.
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Camellia Oleifera Leaf ExtractAn emollient extract derived from the leaves of the Tea-oil Camellia, which is native to Southeast Asia. It contains astringent and wound-healing tannins that create a tightening feeling on the skin and can speed up the healing process of small cuts.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Panthenol
Est. %1
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 PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PCAOne of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene GlycolA 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.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
Polyquaternium-10
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyquaternium-10A cellulose-based film former.
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.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.