Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads vs. Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant: Which Chemical Peel Works for My Sensitive Skin?

Name: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Review
Brand: Paula's Choice
Price: 35 USD

The AHAs and BHAs battle it out

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By Chelsea Candelario

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Published Jul 29, 2024

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dr. dennis gross peel pads vs paula's choice bha liquid exfoliant review

Chelsea Candelario/PureWow

I’m a beauty editor that loves to write about skincare, but I have a dirty little secret: Active ingredients scare me. I have sensitive skin, so I try my best to keep my routine simple, and I typically avoid AHAs or BHAs. (I know, I know.) In the past, I’ve found some chemical exfoliants to be irritating and drying. However, I was relieved when I read about a product that’s beloved by PureWow editors and readers: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel ($95). A few editors have been raving about the peel pads for a while now, so I decided to be brave and try them out.

But while I was doing more research, I discovered another viral skincare product that Dr. Dennis Gross is often compared to on the internet. The Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant ($35) prides itself on being a gentler and more affordable option, so naturally I wanted to see if that statement was actually true. I tested both products for over a month and here’s my honest opinion of the Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads vs. Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant, including which one worked the best for my skin.

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dr. dennis gross peel pads close up with chelsea candelario

Chelsea Candelario/PureWow

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads Review

Dr. Dennis Gross

Value: 18/20
Functionality: 20/20
Quality: 20/20
Aesthetics: 19/20
Results: 18/20
Total: 95/100

The first thing that caught my eye was the packaging. Many skincare products can cause accidental spills or messes, but the Dr. Dennis Gross peels offer a hassle-free experience. They come in individual packets, so I don’t have to worry about using too much product. Plus, I can slip one in my bag, take it on the go and discard it when I’m done.

It’s a two-step process: I first swiped my face using the packet labeled ‘Exfoliate and Smooth.’ It’s infused with five acids (like malic, lactic and glycolic acid), so the scent is very strong and smells like pure alcohol, which my sensitive nose (and skin) had to adjust to for the first few tries. This first treatment promises to exfoliate and visibly smooth skin. While it definitely did the job, it was a bit drying and caused mild irritation. Not so much so, though, that it was uncomfortable or showed signs of redness, especially after a few weeks of testing.

Per the instructions, I waited two minutes before opening up the second packet labeled ‘Anti-Aging Neutralizer.’ Formulated with 12 antioxidants (like green tea extract), this peel pad was kinder on the skin. It had a pleasant scent and a light, soapy consistency reminiscent of a cleanser. My face felt softer and more hydrated than before. Following the treatment, the brand recommends applying a serum and moisturizer. Although the price tag is a bit steep, the box does come with 30 treatments (and you can even order 60 treatments if you like it so much). Overall, it wasn’t too strong on my sensitive skin, however, I did deal with irritation and dryness, so I have to knock off a few points.

$92 at Sephora

$92 at Dermstore

paula's choice liquid exfoliant close up with chelsea candelario

Chelsea Candelario/PureWow

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Review

Paula's Choice

Value: 19/20
Functionality: 20/20
Quality: 20/20
Aesthetics: 19/20
Results: 19/20
Total: 97/100

This viral product has been on my radar for quite some time—and it’s definitely worth the hype. I couldn’t believe how gentle and lightweight it was on my skin. I only needed a few drops to pat all over and it absorbed quickly. The consistency spread evenly on my face and left a hydrating layer that worked well with my moisturizer. It’s not at all sticky and I’m slowly seeing a glowy complexion after a few weeks.

I’ve had a few hormonal acne breakouts along my jawline and the formula helped soothe any redness and irritation. It contains two percent of salicylic acid, a BHA known to clear up pores and treat acne, plus green tea extract to calm and soothe the skin and methylpropanediol, a synthetic ingredient that deeply penetrates the skin. The formula truly worked in soothing my acne-prone skin and clearing up any congestion. Unlike the first step of the Dr. Dennis Gross peel, this Paula’s Choice liquid exfoliant has a scent so subtle that I have to really put my nose towards the bottle to catch a whiff of it.

The only real con is I that I have to use a cotton pad or my fingers to apply the product. (I guess I got spoiled with Dr. Dennis and its peel pads.) I opted for using my fingers, since I felt like a cotton pad was soaking up too much of the product and I wasn’t getting enough of it on my skin. Also, I didn’t experience this personally, but some reviewers online find the liquid exfoliant leaves a greasy residue, so it might not be the best for oily or combination skin.

$35 at Sephora

$35 at Amazon

What Are the Differences Between Dr. Dennis Gross vs. Paula’s Choice?

The differences between Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads and Paula’s Choice Liquid Exfoliant boils down to ingredients, texture and price. An obvious difference is Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads comes in literal wipes that are soaked in product, so the texture is more alcohol-based. The box comes with 30 individual packets that require a two-step process. Meanwhile, Paula's Choice comes in a 4-ounce bottle with a lighter texture (though some reviewers found it to have a greasy consistency) and can be applied on a cotton pad or using your fingers.

Dr. Dennis Gross has more active ingredients, with a mix of both BHAs and AHAs. As a result, it has a stronger formula and may not be suitable for all skin types. On the flip side, Paula’s Choice uses salicylic acid as its main ingredient for tackling redness, clogged pores and more. According to Skin Sort, the products do have five common ingredients: citric acid, lactic acid, achillea millefolium extract (yarrow plant), sodium benzoate and water. Finally, the price difference is pretty major, with Paula’s Choice being $57 cheaper than Dr. Dennis Gross.

Dr. Dennis Gross vs. Paula’s Choice: Which One Should You Buy?

I’ll admit both products made me see chemical exfoliants in a new light. I feel much more confident implementing them in my skincare routine. They were both great, but I personally found Paula’s Choice to be gentler on my skin. Don’t get me wrong, they both do a great job at evening skin tone, smoothing texture and clearing up pores, however, Dr. Dennis Gross has a stronger formula that gave me mild discomfort (at a higher price point, too). Overall, each proved to be great for my breakouts, so I say both are winners.

Chelsea Candelario

Beauty and Cultures Editor

Writes trend stories, product reviews and how-tos across beauty, cultures, fashion and entertainment
Over 5 years of experience as a Beauty Editor
Studied journalism with a minor in creative writing at SUNY New Paltz

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