Comparisons
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant VS The INKEY List Alpha Hydroxy Acid
ProductComparison
Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more ofPaula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid ExfoliantversusThe INKEY List Alpha Hydroxy Acid.
Last updated on January 04, 2024.Published on March 12, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe .They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, brightening skin, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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 ChoiceSkin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant
The INKEY ListAlpha Hydroxy Acid
ExfoliatorAmerican Brand 
SerumBritish Brand 
Exfoliator
Exfoliators are used to exfoliate the skin, or remove dead skin cells from the skin. Exfoliators may be chemical or physical.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Price
Ingredient Info
Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
Paula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant23 ingredients
The INKEY ListAlpha Hydroxy Acid18 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
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
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
Malassezia Safe
Malassezia (Pityrosporum) folliculitis is a skin condition with acne-like breakouts caused by malassezia, a type of yeast.
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
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
Vegan
Vegan products are formulated without animal products including honey, dairy, eggs, and more.
This product is 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 ChoiceSkin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant23 ingredients
The INKEY ListAlpha Hydroxy Acid18 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
AHA(2)
AHA
AHAs (or Alpha Hydroxy Acids) remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Mandelic Acid
- Lactic Acid
Benefits
Skin Texture
Skin Texture
The most common cause of textured skin is a build up of dead skin cells. The easiest way to get rid of textured skin is to exfoliate and give your skin the proper nutrients.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Lactic Acid
Reduces Large Pores(2)
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 contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Mandelic Acid
- Lactic 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:
- Lactic Acid
Dark Spots
Dark Spots
Dark spots are areas where the skin has changed color due to sun exposure.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Lactic 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:
- Lactic 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:
- Mandelic Acid
- Lactic Acid
Concerns
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:
- Mandelic Acid
- Lactic Acid
Rosacea(2)
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 contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Mandelic Acid
- Lactic 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:
- Lactic Acid
Notable Ingredients
Vitamin C
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps to diminish fine lines, brighten the skin, boost hydration, and can even out skin tone.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Ascorbyl Glucoside
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant, meaning it has the ability to hold water and rehydrate skin.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Sodium Hyaluronate 1%
Benefits
Hydrating
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 contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Glycerin
Redness Reducing(2)
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 contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Ascorbyl Glucoside
- 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
Skin Texture
Skin Texture
The most common cause of textured skin is a build up of dead skin cells. The easiest way to get rid of textured skin is to exfoliate and give your skin the proper nutrients.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Ascorbyl Glucoside
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:
- Ascorbyl Glucoside
Dark Spots
Dark Spots
Dark spots are areas where the skin has changed color due to sun exposure.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Ascorbyl Glucoside
Scar Healing(2)
Scar Healing
A scar is an area of fibrous tissue that remains after the skin has been wounded and healed.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Ascorbyl Glucoside
- Allantoin
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:
- Glycerin
- Ascorbyl Glucoside
Concerns
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:
- Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
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Ingredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Paula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant23 ingredients
The INKEY ListAlpha Hydroxy Acid18 ingredients
Water • 2,3-Butanediol • Mandelic Acid • Lactic Acid • Sodium Hydroxide • Myrica Cerifera Fruit Extract • Akebia Quinata Stem Extract • Prunus Lannesiana Flower Extract • Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate • Saccharomyces Lysate • Achillea Millefolium Extract • Saccharide Isomerate • Arginine • Hydroxyacetophenone • Butylene Glycol • Sodium Phytate • Pentylene Glycol • Xanthan Gum • Citric Acid • Sodium Citrate•1,2-Hexanediol • Caprylyl Glycol • Sodium Benzoate
Water • Propanediol • Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract • Glycerin • Saccharum Officinarum Extract • Ascorbyl Glucoside • Sodium Hydroxide • Sodium Hyaluronate 1% • Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract • Citrus Limon Fruit Extract • Xanthan Gum • Acer Saccharum Extract • Sodium Benzoate • Allantoin • Sodium Levulinate • Potassium Sorbate • Sodium Anisate • Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
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 Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant contains this asingredient number1.
The INKEY List Alpha Hydroxy Acid contains this asingredient number1.
2
Sodium Hydroxide
What it does:Buffering
Community Rating:Mixed
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxidePaula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant contains this asingredient number5.
The INKEY List Alpha Hydroxy Acid contains this asingredient number7.
3
Xanthan Gum
What it does:Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating:Disliked
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumPaula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant contains this asingredient number18.
The INKEY List Alpha Hydroxy Acid contains this asingredient number11.
4
Sodium Benzoate
What it does:Masking, Preservative
Community Rating:Disliked
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
Sodium Benzoate is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoatePaula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant contains this asingredient number23.
The INKEY List Alpha Hydroxy Acid contains this asingredient number13.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Paula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant23 ingredients
The INKEY ListAlpha Hydroxy Acid18 ingredients
39%are loved or liked
30%have mixed ratings
13%are disliked or very disliked
17%have no rating yet
61%are loved or liked
6%have mixed ratings
28%are disliked or very disliked
6%have no rating yet
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Paula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant23 ingredients
The INKEY ListAlpha Hydroxy Acid18 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder hasfound 8potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant.
See 8 alternatives
Our Dupe Finder hasfound 50potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to The INKEY List Alpha Hydroxy Acid.
See 50 alternatives
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