Paula’s choice 25%aha 2%bha vs. The Ordinary 30%Aha 2%Bha

Paula’s is a little less potent. But overall, even if the ingredients are the same, the sourcing might not be - for example, when buying an ingredient, the particles may be in different sizes, the quality may be different. Or there are mixes of ingredients where you buy a few ingredients that are already combined vs every ingredient separately so you have a say in how they are mixed. The formulation process can be longer or shorter and with more or less steps, and so on and so on. Sometimes you are paying more for the name (*cough*lamer*cough*), and sometimes it’s the quality of the product and how much work was put into it. But they should work the same.

The Ordinary is stronger than Paulas Choice but I believe they exfoliate the same way - however, I think what makes the key difference is their formulations and supporting ingredients to support the skin’s barrier and its health. I personally prefer paulas choice formulation (which causes it to have a higher price as it’s much well refined) but the ordinary is a good budget option. Here are just some differences in the soothing ingredients the products have decided to use: The Ordinary: This contains aloe water towards the top of the list, which is really good for soothing and hydrating. There is also panthenol, a good pro-vitamin B5 which helps with irritation and keeping a strong and healthy skin barrier. This highlight of the ingridient list is the tasmannian lanceolata fruit/leaf extract - this extract is anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy and antimicrobial, whilst also being an antioxidant. It can also relieve itching and burning sensations by a great extrent in a quick amount of time. Paulas Choice: Sodium hyalurnate to prevent over drying or stripping the skin whilst boosting hydration. It also contains bisabool which is an active part of chamomile and aims to a nice anti-inflammatory and soothing agent. Allantoin is used soothe the skin and encourage wound healing. Naturally derived butterfly pea flower calms and gives the peel its natural lilac color. The pH range is tightly controlled to stay within the safe and efficacious range of 3.5-3.9 (controlled by the use of aminomethyl propanol).

I've tried both (couldn't resist buying PC for the colour 😅) and PC is less potent, or at least it feels like it is. There was no tingling with that one. The ordinary does tingle and therefore feels like it's doing more. I would recommend buying the ordinary one.