Comparisons
Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster VS Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant
ProductComparison
Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more ofPaula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid BoosterversusPaula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant.
Last updated on January 04, 2024.Published on March 06, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe .They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens 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 Choice10% Azelaic Acid Booster
Paula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant
Facial TreatmentAmerican Brand 
ExfoliatorAmerican Brand
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
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 Choice10% Azelaic Acid Booster21 ingredients
Paula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant23 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
Contains Silicon
Silicones are a colorless substance derived from the silicon mineral used to help boost the appearance and feel of a product.
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
- Dimethicone
- Cyclopentasiloxane
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:
- Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Glyceryl Stearate
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
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 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice10% Azelaic Acid Booster21 ingredients
Paula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant23 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
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
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(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:
- Azelaic Acid
- Allantoin
Reduces Irritation(3)
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 contains3 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
- Allantoin
- Bisabolol
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:
- Azelaic Acid
- 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:
- Adenosine
Dark Spots(2)
Dark Spots
Dark spots are areas where the skin has changed color due to sun exposure.
This product contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Azelaic Acid
- Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Scar Healing(4)
Scar Healing
A scar is an area of fibrous tissue that remains after the skin has been wounded and healed.
This product contains4 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Azelaic Acid
- Salicylic Acid
- Adenosine
- Allantoin
Acne Fighting(2)
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 contains2 ingredientsthat may have this attribute:
- Azelaic Acid
- 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:
- Glycerin
- Salicylic Acid
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
May Worsen Oily Skin
May Worsen 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:
- Cetearyl Alcohol
Acne Trigger
Acne Trigger
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:
- Cetearyl Alcohol
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
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
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
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Ingredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Paula's Choice10% Azelaic Acid Booster21 ingredients
Paula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant23 ingredients
Water • Azelaic Acid • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate • Glycerin • Cetearyl Alcohol • Glyceryl Stearate • Dimethicone • Salicylic Acid • Adenosine • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract • Allantoin • Bisabolol • Cyclopentasiloxane • Xanthan Gum • Sclerotium Gum • Propanediol • Butylene Glycol•Phenoxyethanol
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
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 10% Azelaic Acid Booster contains this asingredient number1.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant contains this asingredient number1.
2
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 10% Azelaic Acid Booster contains this asingredient number17.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant contains this asingredient number18.
3
Butylene Glycol
What it does:Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating:Mixed
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster contains this asingredient number20.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant contains this asingredient number15.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Paula's Choice10% Azelaic Acid Booster21 ingredients
Paula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant23 ingredients
43%are loved or liked
10%have mixed ratings
43%are disliked or very disliked
5%have no rating yet
39%are loved or liked
35%have mixed ratings
13%are disliked or very disliked
13%have no rating yet
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Paula's Choice10% Azelaic Acid Booster21 ingredients
Paula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant23 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Paula's Choice10% Azelaic Acid Booster21 ingredients
3.7/5
from 6 ratings
Broke Me Out (1)Doesn't Work (1)Irritating (1)
thesunrising
1 month ago · Normal Skin
Review
Did nothing for my fungal acne. Actually did nothing at all.
(Compared to my cheap no-name Russian brand Azelaic acid cream which worked wonders).
2 people liked thisBubbIes
3 months ago · Combination Skin
Review
Paula's Choice at it again with cetearyl alcohol high up on the ingredient list. I'm disappointed by their ingredients fairly consistently now.
1 person liked thisPaula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant23 ingredients
Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it nowAlternatives
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