Paula's Choice

Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel

ExfoliantPremiumEvening only
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A high-strength weekly at-home peel combining 25% AHA and 2% BHA with soothing extracts. Strong resurfacing for experienced acid users; a once-weekly treatment only, with strict SPF the next day.
The verdict

What this is good for

✓ Great forRough TextureDullnessCongestion
The formulation

Ingredient stack

Each ingredient is listed in descending concentration. Above the 1% line the order is regulated — below it, brands can list in any order.

Ingredients above the dashed gold line are dosed above 1% (the regulatory threshold) — these are what the formulation is really built on. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them.

~50–80%Aqua
~5–25%Glycolic Acid
~3–10%Lactic Acid
~2–6%Tartaric Acid
~1.5–4%Salicylic Acid
~1–2%3 ingredients
≤ 1% each3 more ingredients below 1%
position-estimated %1% regulatory line
Hero actives

What's actually doing the work

Glycolic Acid
AHA Blend
Acid
The smallest AHA, so it penetrates efficiently to loosen dead surface cells, smoothing texture and boosting radiance. Increases sun sensitivity — daily SPF is essential.
Full glossary entry →
Salicylic Acid
BHA
Acid
An oil-soluble BHA that exfoliates inside the pore, dissolving the sebum and dead-cell plugs behind blackheads and congestion. Anti-inflammatory and especially suited to oily, acne-prone skin.
Full glossary entry →
Green Tea
Camellia Sinensis
Antioxidant
A key active in this formula. See the glossary for the full breakdown of how Green Tea works, the evidence behind it, and how to use it.
Full glossary entry →
When to use

Routine placement

Evening only
Cheaper alternatives

Looking for a dupe?

The closest active-matched alternative is the The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (77% active overlap). We found 6 options that share this product’s hero actives.

Dupe guide
See all exfoliant dupes for this product
Ranked by ingredient overlap, with an honest note on what’s different in each.
Related products

Similar on the shelf

Paula's Choice
2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
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COSRX
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
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The Ordinary
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Exfoliant
The Ordinary
Lactic Acid 10% + HA
Exfoliant
Next steps

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Skin Stacker is independent and receives no payment from any brand. Ingredient analysis is based on publicly disclosed INCI lists and the peer-reviewed literature. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them. Formulations change — always re-check the label on your specific batch before using.