Can you use Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant with The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA?
Yes, with care
They can work together, but build up slowly.
Based on 2 active-ingredient pairings, listed below.
How to use them
- Choose one product that contains both, or alternate days.
- Start 2-3 times a week.
- Wear sunscreen every day; AHAs increase UV sensitivity.
Every active pairing checked
| Actives | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Salicylic Acid + mandelic acid | Yes, with care | Yes, with care. Salicylic acid and mandelic acid can be used in one routine, but avoid stacking them daily. |
| Salicylic Acid + hyaluronic acid | Yes | Yes. Hyaluronic acid is a good partner for salicylic acid. |
What's in each product
Key actives
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Key actives
The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
Actives read from each brand's published ingredient list (as transcribed on INCIDecoder and INCIDecoder). Formulas change; check your bottle.
Sources
- Garg VK, Sinha S, Sarkar R. Glycolic acid peels versus salicylic-mandelic acid peels in active acne vulgaris and post-acne scarring and hyperpigmentation: a comparative study. Dermatol Surg. 2009;35(1):59-65.
- Kornhauser A, Coelho SG, Hearing VJ. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2010;3:135-142.
- Reynolds RV, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024;90(5):1006.e1-1006.e30.
- Code of Federal Regulations. 21 CFR 333.310, Acne active ingredients.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Beta Hydroxy Acids. Cosmetic ingredients. Content current as of 02/25/2022.
- Dayal S, Kalra KD, Sahu P. Comparative study of efficacy and safety of 45% mandelic acid versus 30% salicylic acid peels in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19(2):393-399.
- Malviya A, Shrivastava S, Pancholi S, et al. A Prospective Study Comparing Clinical Efficacy of 30% Mandelic Acid Peel Versus 30% Lactic Acid Peel in Periorbital Melanosis. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2025;16(6):916-920.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Alpha Hydroxy Acids. Cosmetic ingredients. Content current as of 11/22/2022.
- Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: a key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):253-258.
- Pavicic T, et al. Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. J Drugs Dermatol. 2011;10(9):990-1000.
- Zanchetta C, Scandolera A, Reynaud R. Hyaluronic Acid in Topical Applications: The Various Forms and Biological Effects of a Hero Molecule in the Cosmetics Industry. Biomolecules. 2025;15(12):1656.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Fillers). Content current as of 07/06/2023.
- INCIDecoder. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: ingredient list.
- INCIDecoder. The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA: ingredient list.