Comparisons
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant US VS Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover
Versus
Updated on December 05, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe .They have a total of 1 ingredients in common
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 needs an update?Let us know.
New Comparison
Paula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Exfoliator
American Brand 
GarnierSkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover
Makeup Remover
French Brand 
Ingredient Info
Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients
Paula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant8 ingredients
GarnierSkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover10 ingredients
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
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
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
Sulfates are a type of salt mainly used as cleaning agents in skincare.
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
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 is a hydrophobic (water-repelling) substance that can help regulate sebum production in skincare.
This product is free of oils 🎉
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
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 products are formulated without animal products including honey, dairy, eggs, and more.
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
Cruelty-Free is a label that certifies a brand is not testing products on animals.
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
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 match this:
- Polysorbate 20
ph level
6
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 🎉
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
Sulfates are a type of salt mainly used as cleaning agents in skincare.
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
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 is a hydrophobic (water-repelling) substance that can help regulate sebum production in skincare.
This product is free of oils 🎉
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
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
A list of the most-known allergic substances from the European Union’s Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Cruelty Free
Cruelty-Free is a label that certifies a brand is not testing products on animals.
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Not Silicon Free
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 match this:
- Cyclopentasiloxane
Not Vegan
Vegan products are formulated without animal products including honey, dairy, eggs, and more.
This product is not not vegan 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant8 ingredients
GarnierSkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover10 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
BHA
BHAs (or Beta Hydroxy Acids) clean within pores and provide exfoliation.
This product contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
Benefits
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 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
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
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
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 contains1 ingredientthat may have this attribute:
- Salicylic Acid
Concerns
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
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 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 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
Concerns
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:
- Sodium Chloride
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:
- Sodium Chloride
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:
- Sodium Chloride
Ingredients Side-by-side
found in both products
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
WaterSkin Conditioning, Solvent
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.
LovedFull details ->
MethylpropanediolSolvent
Methylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
MixedFull details ->
Butylene GlycolHumectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1/0
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
1 Com./0 Irr.MixedFull details ->
Salicylic AcidMasking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
BHAPreservative5 Benefits4 Concerns
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.
LikedFull details ->
Polysorbate 20Emulsifying
0/0
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
0 Com./0 Irr.Very DislikedFull details ->
Camellia Oleifera LeafMasking
Camellia Oleifera Leaf is a green tea plant native to China. It is closely related to Camellia sinensis. Both plants have very similar properties.
UnknownFull details ->
Sodium HydroxideBuffering
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.
MixedFull details ->
Tetrasodium EDTA
Tetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.
DislikedFull details ->
Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Camellia Oleifera Leaf, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA
SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover
WaterSkin Conditioning, Solvent
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.
LovedFull details ->
CyclopentasiloxaneEmollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Silicon
Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.
DislikedFull details ->
IsohexadecaneEmollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Isohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.
MixedFull details ->
Potassium PhosphateBuffering
Potassium Phosphate is the term for the salts of potassium and phosphate ions. Our bodies naturally create and use potassium phosphate.
LikedFull details ->
Sodium ChlorideMasking
3 Concerns
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
Very DislikedFull details ->
Hexylene GlycolEmulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
0-2/0-1
Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.
0-2 Com./0-1 Irr.DislikedFull details ->
Dipotassium PhosphateBuffering
Dipotassium Phosphate is an inorganic salt. This just means it has a different structure than organic salts. It is a stabilizing and pH adjusting ingredient.
LikedFull details ->
Disodium EDTA
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
DislikedFull details ->
Decyl GlucosideCleansing, Emulsion Stabilising
Decyl Glucoside is a glucose-based surfactant. Surfactants help clean the skin by trapping oil, sebum, and dirt to be washed away.
MixedFull details ->
Polyaminopropyl BiguanidePreservative
Preservative
Polyaminopropyl Biguanide is a preservative.
UnknownFull details ->
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isohexadecane, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Chloride, Hexylene Glycol, Dipotassium Phosphate, Disodium EDTA, Decyl Glucoside, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
2
3
2
1
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover
3
2
4
1
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
When to use
Paula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant8 ingredients
GarnierSkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover10 ingredients
3,256 Routines
27% use in am
72% use in pm
68% use every day
When to useSee routines that use it ->
272 Routines
21% use in am
79% use in pm
92% use every day
When to useSee routines that use it ->
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Paula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant8 ingredients
4.2/5
from 37 ratings
Works Well (8)Expensive (5)Light (2)
skinogre
2 months ago · Oily Skin
Review
The first night I used Paula’s choice exfoliant just once, it cleaned up my skin scraping it whole, I was left GLOWING but it felt kind of tight...
The first night I used Paula’s choice exfoliant just once, it cleaned up my skin scraping it whole, I was left GLOWING but it felt kind of tight like I had been using corsx salicylic acid for 3 days straight, it takes some getting used to, to the extent that the instructions literally say to start off once a week and slowly build your usage up overtime, it’s really strong but does the job well. I’ve noticed that if I overuse it, I get extremely coarse skin and whiteheads slowly appear in the places I use it most (my nose). This is why I highly advise to purchase the small sample bottle first and to build your way up, at MOST every other day. I’ve used it 3-4 times a week since and on the few days I don’t I use a daily-friendly exfoliant toner pad so my skin barrier isn’t destroyed but bacteria doesn’t also build. It dries up all the forehead gunk, removes residue on the sides of my nose and dried up the pimples I had been trying to rid of for so long, my skin is left gleaming, exfoliated as ever, and I know my skin wouldn’t be as flawless without it. 30ml sample version Lasted 2 months from Dec-Feb used every other day. I now use the 118ml version since Feb and there’s plenty left, will most likely last for about 7 months and 3 weeks in total (based on how long i went through the sample size). As much as I love this I deeply suggest researching and sampling because there are mixed reviews of people claiming that it ruined their skin which doesn’t surprise me -since it is pretty harsh exfoliant and skin is diverse. I tend to be wary of western products but one thing western products do well is harsh exfoliants. If you have a lot of bacterial residue, sebaceous filaments and the feeling of gunk on your face even after your exfoliant, this is a good one to consider. This combined with my Needley daily Toner pad is the only reason why my forehead looks like a glazed doughnut
MichelleR
7 months ago · Dry Skin
Review
Viral for a REASON
This product is popular for a reason. Back in the day [showing my age] we used to use Noxzema and Stridex for our acne. But...
Viral for a REASON
This product is popular for a reason. Back in the day [showing my age] we used to use Noxzema and Stridex for our acne. But those products were so harsh, burned, and didn't produce any results. This product not only clears pores but is also nourishing [suspect it is the green tea]. After I apply, my skin doesn't feel raw or sensitive. The formulation of this product is FANTASTIC. Truly viral for a reason. It will forever be in my skincare collection.
GarnierSkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover10 ingredients
3.5/5
from 4 ratings
Broke Me Out (1)Drying (1)Irritating (1)
LiviePie
2 years ago · Combination Skin
Review
Takes off waterproof mascara
It takes off waterproof mascara perfectly but I'm sad to find out its not cruelty-free (or vegan for that matter)
bagheera
6 months ago · Combination Skin
Review
It works, but it leaves behind a residue.
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