Comparisons
Paula's Choice BHA 9 Treatment VS CALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant
ProductComparison
Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more ofPaula's Choice BHA 9 TreatmentversusPaula's Choice CALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant.
Published on March 05, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe exfoliators.They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research.Spot a product that need an update?Let us know.
Paula's ChoiceBHA 9 Treatment
Paula's ChoiceCALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant
ExfoliatorAmerican Brand 
ExfoliatorAmerican Brand
Exfoliator
Exfoliators are used to exfoliate the skin, or remove dead skin cells from the skin. Exfoliators may be chemical or physical.
Exfoliator
Exfoliators are used to exfoliate the skin, or remove dead skin cells from the skin. Exfoliators may be chemical or physical.
Price
Ingredient Info
Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
Paula's ChoiceBHA 9 Treatment13 ingredients
Paula's ChoiceCALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant26 ingredients
alcohol-free
Alcohol Free
Some harsh forms of alcohol can break down your skin's natural barrier with prolonged use.
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
silicon-free
Silicon Free
Silicones are a colorless substance derived from the silicon mineral used to help boost the appearance and feel of a product.
This product is free of silicons 🎉
fragrance-free
Fragrance Free
Fragrances are the ingredients in your skincare that either neutralize bad scents or are used to make a product smell good. Fragrances come in 3 forms: synthetic, natural, or essential oils.
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
sulfate-free
Sulfate Free
Sulfates are a type of salt mainly used as cleaning agents in skincare.
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
paraben-free
Paraben Free
Parabens are a type of preservative to preserve shelf-life and prevent growth of bacteria in products.
This product is free of parabens 🎉
oil-free
Oil Free
Oil is a hydrophobic (water-repelling) substance that can help regulate sebum production in skincare.
This product is free of oils 🎉
fungal-acne safe
Not Malassezia Safe
Malassezia (Pityrosporum) folliculitis is a skin condition with acne-like breakouts caused by malassezia, a type of yeast.
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
- Arginine
- Polysorbate 20
reef-safe
Reef Safe
Many factors affect if a product is reef safe, including the particle size of ingredients. We do our best to ensure our data is accurate, so please get in touch if you spot an error.
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
eu-allergen-free
EU Allergen Free
A list of the most-known allergic substances from the European Union’s Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
vegan
Non Vegan
Vegan products are formulated without animal products including honey, dairy, eggs, and more.
This product is not vegan 😥
cruelty-free
Cruelty Free
Cruelty-Free is a label that certifies a brand is not testing products on animals.
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
alcohol-free
Alcohol Free
Some harsh forms of alcohol can break down your skin's natural barrier with prolonged use.
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
silicon-free
Silicon Free
Silicones are a colorless substance derived from the silicon mineral used to help boost the appearance and feel of a product.
This product is free of silicons 🎉
fragrance-free
Fragrance Free
Fragrances are the ingredients in your skincare that either neutralize bad scents or are used to make a product smell good. Fragrances come in 3 forms: synthetic, natural, or essential oils.
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
sulfate-free
Sulfate Free
Sulfates are a type of salt mainly used as cleaning agents in skincare.
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
paraben-free
Paraben Free
Parabens are a type of preservative to preserve shelf-life and prevent growth of bacteria in products.
This product is free of parabens 🎉
oil-free
Contains Oils
Oil is a hydrophobic (water-repelling) substance that can help regulate sebum production in skincare.
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
- Glycine Soja Oil
fungal-acne safe
Not Malassezia Safe
Malassezia (Pityrosporum) folliculitis is a skin condition with acne-like breakouts caused by malassezia, a type of yeast.
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
- Sorbitan Isostearate
- Glycine Soja Oil
reef-safe
Reef Safe
Many factors affect if a product is reef safe, including the particle size of ingredients. We do our best to ensure our data is accurate, so please get in touch if you spot an error.
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
eu-allergen-free
EU Allergen Free
A list of the most-known allergic substances from the European Union’s Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
vegan
Non Vegan
Vegan products are formulated without animal products including honey, dairy, eggs, and more.
This product is not vegan 😥
cruelty-free
Cruelty Free
Cruelty-Free is a label that certifies a brand is not testing products on animals.
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's ChoiceBHA 9 Treatment13 ingredients
Paula's ChoiceCALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant26 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
BHA
BHA
BHAs (or Beta Hydroxy Acids) clean within pores and provide exfoliation.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
Exfoliators
Exfoliators
Exfoliants help remove dead skin cells and may aid in unclogging pores, smoothing rough skin, and help to increase hydration of skin.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Benefits
Hydrating(2)
Hydrating
Dry skin is often characterized by redness, itchiness, tightness, flaking, peeling, and cracking. Dryness can be caused by a variety of factors: genetics, over-exfoliating, climate, diet, age, and skin conditions.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Glycerin
- Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Good For Oily Skin
Good For Oily Skin
Oily Skin is determined by your genetics, but can also be influenced by factors such as stress levels, changing hormonal levels, and humidity.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Irritation
Skin irritation can arise from a number of reasons: very dry skin, sensitivity to certain ingredients, allergies, dermatitis, bug bites, eczema, rosacea, and illness are common factors.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Reduces Large Pores
Reduces Large Pores
Pores are little openings on the skin that let out sweat and oil. They can become enlarged from excessive sebum production, acne, sun damage, and by using pore-clogging ingredients.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
Scar Healing
Scar Healing
A scar is an area of fibrous tissue that remains after the skin has been wounded and healed.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
Acne Fighting
Acne Fighting
Common acne is known as Acne vulgaris. Acne forms when skin follicles are clogged by sebum, hair, skin cells, or oils. There are several types of acne: whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
Brightening(2)
Brightening
Dull skin is temporary; all it usually will need is a little perk-me-up, such as extra hydration, some exfoliation, and vitamin nourishment.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
- Glycerin
Concerns
Drying
Drying
Dry skin is often characterized by redness, itchiness, tightness, flaking, peeling, and cracking. Dryness can be caused by a variety of factors: genetics, over-exfoliating, climate, diet, age, and skin conditions.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
Irritating
Irritating
Skin irritation can arise from a number of reasons: very dry skin, sensitivity to certain ingredients, allergies, dermatitis, bug bites, eczema, rosacea, and illness are common factors.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
Rosacea
Rosacea
Rosacea may be genetic or triggered by mites, bacteria, or blood vessel issues. The most common symptom is redness of the face.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
Eczema(2)
Eczema
Eczema is also known as Atopic Dermatitis. Common symptoms include redness of the skin, itchiness, patches of rough skin, and small bumps.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Propylene Glycol
- Salicylic Acid
Notable Ingredients
BHA
BHA
BHAs (or Beta Hydroxy Acids) clean within pores and provide exfoliation.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
Vitamin E
Vitamin E
Vitamin E contains loads of antioxidants which help protect your skin from pollution and reduce hyperpigmentation.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Tocopherol
Benefits
Hydrating(2)
Hydrating
Dry skin is often characterized by redness, itchiness, tightness, flaking, peeling, and cracking. Dryness can be caused by a variety of factors: genetics, over-exfoliating, climate, diet, age, and skin conditions.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Tocopherol
- Glycerin
Good For Oily Skin
Good For Oily Skin
Oily Skin is determined by your genetics, but can also be influenced by factors such as stress levels, changing hormonal levels, and humidity.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
Redness Reducing
Redness Reducing
Redness and irritation may be caused by several reasons, although there is no definitive answer. Reasons may range from physical exertion to sun exposure, allergies, or Rosacea.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Allantoin
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Irritation
Skin irritation can arise from a number of reasons: very dry skin, sensitivity to certain ingredients, allergies, dermatitis, bug bites, eczema, rosacea, and illness are common factors.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Allantoin
Reduces Large Pores
Reduces Large Pores
Pores are little openings on the skin that let out sweat and oil. They can become enlarged from excessive sebum production, acne, sun damage, and by using pore-clogging ingredients.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
Anti-Aging
Anti-Aging
Decreased natural production of oils, degraded collagen, UV exposure, and lifestyle all contribute to how your skin looks over time. Although we cannot stop aging, there are ingredients that have been shown to slow the process: retinoids, antioxidants, and some peptides.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Tocopherol
Scar Healing(3)
Scar Healing
A scar is an area of fibrous tissue that remains after the skin has been wounded and healed.
This product contains3 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
- Allantoin
- Tocopherol
Acne Fighting
Acne Fighting
Common acne is known as Acne vulgaris. Acne forms when skin follicles are clogged by sebum, hair, skin cells, or oils. There are several types of acne: whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
Brightening(3)
Brightening
Dull skin is temporary; all it usually will need is a little perk-me-up, such as extra hydration, some exfoliation, and vitamin nourishment.
This product contains3 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
- Tocopherol
- Glycerin
Concerns
Drying
Drying
Dry skin is often characterized by redness, itchiness, tightness, flaking, peeling, and cracking. Dryness can be caused by a variety of factors: genetics, over-exfoliating, climate, diet, age, and skin conditions.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
Irritating(2)
Irritating
Skin irritation can arise from a number of reasons: very dry skin, sensitivity to certain ingredients, allergies, dermatitis, bug bites, eczema, rosacea, and illness are common factors.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
- Tocopherol
Rosacea
Rosacea
Rosacea may be genetic or triggered by mites, bacteria, or blood vessel issues. The most common symptom is redness of the face.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
Eczema
Eczema
Eczema is also known as Atopic Dermatitis. Common symptoms include redness of the skin, itchiness, patches of rough skin, and small bumps.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
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Ingredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Paula's ChoiceBHA 9 Treatment13 ingredients
Paula's ChoiceCALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant26 ingredients
Propylene Glycol • Peg-75 • Peg-8 • Water • Salicylic Acid • Glycerin • Avena Sativa Kernel Extract • Butylene Glycol • Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract • Sea Whip Extract • Arginine • Polysorbate 20 • Disodium EDTA
Water • Methylpropanediol • Dicaprylyl Carbonate • C15-19 Alkane • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Salicylic Acid • Propanediol • Inulin • Caprylyl Glycol • Allantoin • Tocopherol • Sodium Hydroxide • Ethylhexylglycerin • Hexylene Glycol • Sorbitan Isostearate • Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide • Glycerin • Laminaria Digitata Extract • Albatrellus Confluens Extract • Glycine Soja Oil•Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract • Galactoarabinan • Citric Acid • Schizophyllan • Maltodextrin • Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1
Water
What it does:Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating:Loved
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterPaula's Choice BHA 9 Treatment contains this asingredient number4.
Paula's Choice CALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant contains this asingredient number1.
2
Salicylic Acid
What it does:Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating:Liked
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidPaula's Choice BHA 9 Treatment contains this asingredient number5.
Paula's Choice CALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant contains this asingredient number6.
3
Glycerin
What it does:Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating:Loved
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPaula's Choice BHA 9 Treatment contains this asingredient number6.
Paula's Choice CALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant contains this asingredient number17.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Paula's ChoiceBHA 9 Treatment13 ingredients
Paula's ChoiceCALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant26 ingredients
38%are loved or liked
15%have mixed ratings
31%are disliked or very disliked
15%have no rating yet
46%are loved or liked
12%have mixed ratings
27%are disliked or very disliked
15%have no rating yet
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Paula's ChoiceBHA 9 Treatment13 ingredients
Paula's ChoiceCALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant26 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Paula's ChoiceBHA 9 Treatment13 ingredients
5.0/5
from 1 rating
LaurenCavarra_200
7 months ago · Combination Skin
Review
I feel it keeps my pimples and oiliness at bay.
Paula's ChoiceCALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant26 ingredients
CALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it nowAlternatives
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