Paula's Choice 2026 BHA 9% Treatment vs COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum
10%Match
Only 10% overlap — quite different formulas
Ingredient Breakdown
Only in Paula's Choice (8)
avenasativakernelextract
boerhaviadiffusarootextract
peg-75
peg-8
polysorbate-20
propyleneglycol
Salicylic Acid
C: 0/5I: 2/5bha
sea-whip-extract
Shared (5)
Aqua (Water)
C: 0/5I: 0/5other
Arginine
C: 0/5I: 0/5amino acid
Butylene Glycol
C: 1/5I: 1/5humectant
Disodium EDTA
C: 0/5I: 0/5other
Glycerin
C: 0/5I: 0/5humectant
Only in COSRX The (35)
1-2-hexanediol
acetyl-glucosamine
alcohol
Allantoin
C: 0/5I: 0/5humectant
Alpha Arbutin
C: 0/5I: 1/5brightener
Aqua/Water/Eau
C: 0/5I: 0/5other
Citric Acid
C: 0/5I: 2/5aha
dextrin
diethoxyethyl-succinate
Dimethicone
C: 1/5I: 0/5silicone
dimethyl-isosorbide
Ethylhexylglycerin
C: 0/5I: 1/5preservative
Ferulic Acid
C: 0/5I: 1/5antioxidant
glutathione
glycyrrhiza-glabra-root-extract
Hyaluronic Acid
C: 0/5I: 0/5humectant
hydrogenated-lecithin
hydrolyzed-hyaluronic-acid
madecassoside
methyl-trimethicone
Niacinamide
C: 0/5I: 1/5antioxidant
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
C: 0/5I: 0/5humectant
Propanediol
C: 0/5I: 0/5humectant
sodium-acetylated-hyaluronate
sodium-citrate
Sodium Hyaluronate
C: 0/5I: 0/5humectant
sodium-hyaluronate-crosspolymer
sodium-metabisulfite
sodium-methyl-stearoyl-taurate
sodium-polyacryloyldimethyl-taurate
sodium-pyrosulfite
theobroma-cacao-extract
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
C: 2/5I: 1/5antioxidant
Tranexamic Acid
C: 0/5I: 1/5brightener
Xanthan Gum
C: 0/5I: 0/5other
When Used Together
SynergyGlycerin + Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid and glycerin together provide multi-weight hydration for plump, supple skin.
SynergyNiacinamide + Salicylic Acid
Niacinamide reduces post-BHA redness while salicylic acid unclogs pores — excellent acne-fighting duo.
SynergyHyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide
Niacinamide enhances hyaluronic acid hydration. Excellent combo for all skin types.
SynergyFerulic Acid + Niacinamide
[Class rule] Antioxidants work synergistically — combining multiple provides broader protection.