Paula's Choice 2026 BHA 9% Treatment vs CeraVe Blemish Control Gel
12%Match
Only 12% overlap — quite different formulas
Ingredient Breakdown
Only in Paula's Choice (9)
Arginine
C: 0/5I: 0/5amino acid
avenasativakernelextract
boerhaviadiffusarootextract
Butylene Glycol
C: 1/5I: 1/5humectant
peg-75
peg-8
polysorbate-20
propyleneglycol
sea-whip-extract
Shared (4)
Aqua (Water)
C: 0/5I: 0/5other
Disodium EDTA
C: 0/5I: 0/5other
Glycerin
C: 0/5I: 0/5humectant
Salicylic Acid
C: 0/5I: 2/5bha
Only in CeraVe Blemish (20)
behentrimonium-methosulfate
Benzoic Acid
C: 0/5I: 1/5preservative
caprylyl-glycol
Carbomer
C: 0/5I: 0/5other
Ceramide AP
C: 0/5I: 0/5ceramide
Ceramide EOP
C: 0/5I: 0/5ceramide
Ceramide NP
C: 0/5I: 0/5ceramide
Cetearyl Alcohol
C: 2/5I: 0/5emollient
chlorphenesin
Cholesterol
C: 0/5I: 0/5ceramide
Glycolic Acid
C: 0/5I: 3/5aha
hydroxypropyl-guar
Lactic Acid
C: 0/5I: 2/5aha
Niacinamide
C: 0/5I: 1/5antioxidant
Phytosphingosine
C: 0/5I: 0/5ceramide
Sodium Hyaluronate
C: 0/5I: 0/5humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
C: 0/5I: 2/5other
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
C: 0/5I: 0/5surfactant
triethyl-citrate
Xanthan Gum
C: 0/5I: 0/5other
When Used Together
CautionGlycolic Acid + Salicylic Acid
Using AHA and BHA together at high concentrations risks over-exfoliation and barrier damage.
Alternate use — AHA one day, BHA the next.
CautionLactic Acid + Salicylic Acid
[Class rule] Combining AHA and BHA increases exfoliation beyond what most skin can tolerate.
Use on alternate days or choose one.
SynergyNiacinamide + Salicylic Acid
Niacinamide reduces post-BHA redness while salicylic acid unclogs pores — excellent acne-fighting duo.