What are the actual differences?

DetailPaula's Choice BHAThe Ordinary Peeling Solution
Exact formulaCheck the full product name and ingredient label.AHA 30% + BHA 2%; glycolic, lactic, tartaric, citric and salicylic acids.
TextureCheck the named product's format.Water based serum.
ApplicationFollow that bottle's directions for application and rinsing.Apply to clean, dry skin and rinse within 10 minutes.
FrequencyFollow that bottle's stated frequency.Once or twice weekly, ideally in the evening.
Who should avoid itCheck its warnings and test a small area first.Not for sensitive, peeling or compromised skin; intended for experienced acid users.
PriceCheck the current price and bottle size.$9.50 USD for 30 ml.
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The Ordinary's 30 ml bottle is listed at $9.50 USD, but the receipt is not a treatment plan. A lower purchase price does not tell you whether a peel fits your routine.3

Which should you choose?

If your priority is blackheads or whiteheads, look for salicylic acid: it unclogs pores and exfoliates skin. Check that your chosen Paula's Choice formula contains it and follow that product's directions. If you are new to acids or have sensitive skin, skip The Ordinary peel. Its high acid concentration makes it an advanced option, not a starter exfoliant.12

Exfoliation removes surface skin cells, helping skin look smoother and brighter; the bathroom does not need an escalating acid arms race. Strength depends on acid type, concentration, pH and the rest of the formula, so a percentage alone cannot rank two products. For chemical peels, get supervision from a licensed, trained provider: some products sold for home use have caused serious injuries.356

How do you use The Ordinary peel?

  1. 1Patch test on a clean area of the upper forearm. Keep it dry and rinse within the product's 10 minute limit. Do not use it if redness, burning, itching, blistering or irritation appears.
  2. 2Cleanse and let skin dry thoroughly. Apply evenly with fingertips, avoiding the eye area and broken skin.
  3. 3Leave on for no more than 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use once or twice weekly, ideally in the evening.
  4. 4Afterwards, use a gentle moisturizer. Wear sunscreen, protective clothing and limit sun exposure during use and for a week afterwards.
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Can you use both together?

Do not layer another acid exfoliant with The Ordinary peel. The Ordinary also lists retinoids, direct vitamin C and peptides among incompatible products. Prescription tretinoin and other vitamin A products can make a peel penetrate more deeply, so discuss peeling with your prescriber before adding it. Keep peel aftercare simple: gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen.27

What should you expect, and when should you stop?

Home peels can take several treatments to improve smoothness or dark spots. For acne treatment generally, fewer breakouts can take 4 to 8 weeks and clearing about 16 weeks; those are not specific results promised for either bottle. If irritation occurs with the peel, rinse it off, stop using it and consult a physician. Stop a BHA product for irritation or prolonged stinging and seek medical advice.1247

If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, speak to a dermatologist before treating acne yourself. Pregnancy can also increase the risk of abnormal pigmentation after a peel. Deep, painful pimples or acne that leaves scars need dermatology care rather than a stronger exfoliant.17

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Adult acne treatment dermatologists recommendaad.org
  2. 2AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solutiontheordinary.com
  3. 3Exfoliators | Skincaretheordinary.com
  4. 4Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
  5. 5Alpha Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
  6. 6Chemical peels: Overviewaad.org
  7. 7At-Home Chemical Peel: What You Need To Knowhealth.clevelandclinic.org