Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (118ml)

I love to test out new skincare products. It's one of the very first things that I do when I wake up in the morning! I never was really even into the whole world of skincare until recently, and boy have I learned a lot! Paula's Choice is a brand that I tried pretty recently and ended up falling in love with, so when I got the chance to try it again with a new set of "Sephora Favorites", I jumped at it. This time it's her Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant that was included. Now, this product makes me scratch my head a little. When I think of exfoliating, I think of gritty, textured means of exfoliating, not a liquid that feels basically like water. It doesn't really feel like you're applying anything but- water to your face. It doesn't sting or burn like I ... MoreI love to test out new skincare products. It's one of the very first things that I do when I wake up in the morning! I never was really even into the whole world of skincare until recently, and boy have I learned a lot! Paula's Choice is a brand that I tried pretty recently and ended up falling in love with, so when I got the chance to try it again with a new set of "Sephora Favorites", I jumped at it. This time it's her Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant that was included. Now, this product makes me scratch my head a little. When I think of exfoliating, I think of gritty, textured means of exfoliating, not a liquid that feels basically like water. It doesn't really feel like you're applying anything but- water to your face. It doesn't sting or burn like I would have expected it to from the salicylic acid, and trust me, right now I have a chin COVERED in painful zits and blemishes. It has a very faint smell that isn't at all unpleasant and it appears to be a clear liquid. It made my face feel INCREDIBLY soft, and e-x-t-r-e-m-e-l-y smooth! My complexion also appeared a bit brighter after using it. My skin felt soothed after using it and the redness that I have been experiencing lately was all but gone. The pores on my face appeared smaller as well, which was a tall order, because I have really been struggling with the ones on my nose, but they were much, much smaller! What it is, is a daily leave-on exfoliant with 2% salicylic acid to sweep away dead skin cells, unclog pores, and visibly smooth wrinkles, practically overnight. Made for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types. For skincare concerns such as: Pores, uneven texture, and acne blemishes. This product comes in liquid formulation. Important Ingredients-Salicylic Acid (BHA) 2%: Penetrates pores to clear blemish-causing buildup and shed dead skin. Green Tea: A potent antioxidant that soothes irritated skin while improving visible signs of aging. Methylpropanediol: Hydrates while visibly enhancing the skin's glow and the formula's penetration. Free of parabens, formaldehydes, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, and sulfates SLS SLES. This product is also gluten-free and cruelty-free, which is very important to me. It also comes in recyclable packaging! With a 2% concentration of salicylic acid and a pH range of 3.2 to 3.8, this global bestseller breaks down complexion-dulling buildup on skin's surface and within pores. It leaves skin feeling dramatically smoother and looking clearer more radiant than before. People notice a natural, visible glow after just one use. In an independent consumer panel: 91% of users had visibly healthier skin. 90% saw improved skin texture, and 82% experienced smaller-looking pores. 100% demonstrated increased skin hydration. 96% demonstrated improved skin brightness, and 93% demonstrated improved skin texture of fine lines around mouth. This is an awesome product, and for the price ($34 for 4oz or $13 for 1oz), it's actually affordable and is more than worth it. I definitely recommend checking this out, especially if you suffer from acne or blemishes, and have absolutely found a new product to add to my daily routine!!

The Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a popular product that is designed to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce the appearance of blackheads and blemishes. It contains 2% salicylic acid, which is a beta hydroxy acid that is known for its ability to penetrate deep into the pores and dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells. One of the main benefits of this exfoliant is its effectiveness. It is able to clear up and prevent blackheads and blemishes, and it also helps to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. It is also gentle enough to use daily, and it does not leave the skin feeling dry or tight. Another benefit of the Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is its non-irritating formula. It is free from fragrance and other potential ... MoreThe Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a popular product that is designed to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce the appearance of blackheads and blemishes. It contains 2% salicylic acid, which is a beta hydroxy acid that is known for its ability to penetrate deep into the pores and dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells. One of the main benefits of this exfoliant is its effectiveness. It is able to clear up and prevent blackheads and blemishes, and it also helps to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. It is also gentle enough to use daily, and it does not leave the skin feeling dry or tight. Another benefit of the Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is its non-irritating formula. It is free from fragrance and other potential irritants, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin. It is also alcohol-free, which means it will not dry out the skin or cause any additional irritation. The formula is also lightweight and easy to apply. It comes in a liquid form that can be applied to the skin with a cotton pad, and it absorbs quickly without leaving any residue behind. Overall, I would highly recommend the Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant to anyone looking for an effective and gentle exfoliant that can help to clear up and prevent blackheads and blemishes. Its non-irritating formula and ease of use make it a great option for those with sensitive skin, and its ability to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin make it a great addition to any skincare routine.

10 years of textured skin and irritation GONE!

I don't typically feel compelled to write reviews, but this product has changed my skin literally overnight- and there's no way I won't share my thoughts. I have ALWAYS dealt with acne-prone skin, texture, dullness, oily skin, hormonal acne, etc since I was a pre-teen. Now, as a young adult, my skin gets wishy-washy and can look/feel decent for a few weeks and then go right back to breaking out and feeling super textured and rough in the snap of a finger. When it gets like that, even foundation and concealer cannot hide the tiny bumps or dark spots that stick around after a breakout has subsided. Around this time last month, I was in Sephora, trying to use up a gift card, and came across this travel-sized PC exfoliant product. I had seen it around social media for ... MoreI don't typically feel compelled to write reviews, but this product has changed my skin literally overnight- and there's no way I won't share my thoughts. I have ALWAYS dealt with acne-prone skin, texture, dullness, oily skin, hormonal acne, etc since I was a pre-teen. Now, as a young adult, my skin gets wishy-washy and can look/feel decent for a few weeks and then go right back to breaking out and feeling super textured and rough in the snap of a finger. When it gets like that, even foundation and concealer cannot hide the tiny bumps or dark spots that stick around after a breakout has subsided. Around this time last month, I was in Sephora, trying to use up a gift card, and came across this travel-sized PC exfoliant product. I had seen it around social media for years but didn't want to just buy another hyped product only to have it do absolutely nothing...Then I used this product for the first time after my nighttime skincare and woke up with different skin HA. No joke. 1 day after using this product and someone even asked me what my skincare routine was, what?! I hadn't been complimented on my skin in years! I have been using this consistently on my face morning and night, and babyyyyy my skin is soft, supple, breakout-free, redness-free, texture-free, and just so radiant. I feel like a goddess, seriously that's how confident I am in my skin because of this product. Nothing else in my skincare changed except the addition of this exfoliant and my skin's health has changed so dramatically, it is crazy. In the back of my mind I am afraid my skin issues will just suddenly return one day but day after day when I go to wash my face and feel the silky smooth skin beneath my fingertips, it makes me so giddy. I DO get hormonal acne around that time of the month, and I am awaiting that week to see if this product combats any flare-ups from that, and I feel hopeful it will. I only knocked a star because my oily skin issues still persist but it's not that bad.

AMAZING. This will be a staple in my face routine now!

I don't normally post reviews, but when I see something actually make improvements to my skin I've gotta share my experience because I know there's so much BS in products these days. But Paulas Choice 2% for the win! I got a small sample bottle for $10. I read the reviews and was a little nervous to do it everyday because of what people were saying...but that wasn't my experience.I used it everyday, morning & night. I shook the bottle 3 times into my hand and smoothed it over my entire face. I was using the cotton pads at first, and just doing on the areas that needed it but then I ran out of the pads so I put it in my hands and honestly, it worked way better when I was just using my hands to spread it because it seemed to soak into my face better.I saw people ... MoreI don't normally post reviews, but when I see something actually make improvements to my skin I've gotta share my experience because I know there's so much BS in products these days. But Paulas Choice 2% for the win! I got a small sample bottle for $10. I read the reviews and was a little nervous to do it everyday because of what people were saying...but that wasn't my experience.I used it everyday, morning & night. I shook the bottle 3 times into my hand and smoothed it over my entire face. I was using the cotton pads at first, and just doing on the areas that needed it but then I ran out of the pads so I put it in my hands and honestly, it worked way better when I was just using my hands to spread it because it seemed to soak into my face better.I saw people say that their face would get irritated by using it everyday and the way to use it correctly and see results was to use it once a week... so I just wanted to see how my face would react the next day but nothing felt bad and I decided to do it again in the morning. I loved how it felt on my skin, and I only had 1 flare up and that was a week later May 26-27th (Photos Included) The pimple went away quickly and I still decided to put the product on my face Night & Day.I saw people say it isn't good for sun exposure so not to use it during the day, but I am staying home at the moment so I don't go outside as often, maybe 20 mins a day. So I took that caution with a grain of salt. If you go outside more, maybe you should listen to that warning lol.I am not a product expert of how to use it correctly, all I know is I used it night and day and the hyperpigmentation/dark spots on my forehead have really toned down and my skin looks a lot more smooth/brighter which I love. I always feel like I'm glowing and it feels spa like when I put it on, it's got a nice relaxing smell and a nice soothing texture to it that isn't too oily. I still have more in the small bottle and will be buying again! :)

Great Exfoliant

I am happy I finally purchase this product. I've been wanting to try it for a while now. I have been using it for 7-8 weeks now and I cannot say it transformed my skin in a few weeks but the results are not bad. I experienced purging for a bout 4 weeks and now I can see that my skin has less blackheads and the pigmentation is also fading quickly. I still have a few spots and some texture but I've noticed how my skin is glowing and brighter. I started by using it once or twice a week. Then, I started using it every day for 2 weeks but I realise it was too much for my skin and it was making it worse. Now I think I found the right balance by using it every other day but I still need to see if it really works and it helps me get the clear skin have been wanting for ... MoreI am happy I finally purchase this product. I've been wanting to try it for a while now. I have been using it for 7-8 weeks now and I cannot say it transformed my skin in a few weeks but the results are not bad. I experienced purging for a bout 4 weeks and now I can see that my skin has less blackheads and the pigmentation is also fading quickly. I still have a few spots and some texture but I've noticed how my skin is glowing and brighter. I started by using it once or twice a week. Then, I started using it every day for 2 weeks but I realise it was too much for my skin and it was making it worse. Now I think I found the right balance by using it every other day but I still need to see if it really works and it helps me get the clear skin have been wanting for months. So I'll wait until I reach the 12-week mark to see if it is really transforming my skin or not. What I really struggle with when using this was knowing how often to apply. I also had to use lots of moisturising products to make sure this did not damage my skin barrier since my skin was not used to BHA. However, I'm surprised how smooth my skin is once you apply this exfoliant and the morning after my skin is also glowing. My enlarged pores are also disappearing. Let's say that I'll give it more time before recommending it to other people but I really like what I'm starting to see.

Holy Grail

This is my tried and true holy grail exfoliator. No matter what I try, I always come back to this one. I have emptied soooo many bottles of this. I have very sensitive, combination (super dry/normal in the winter & oily/normal in the summer but I can still use this product all year around despite my skin type) and acne prone skin. I have to say that I hated this product the very first time I tried it--it stung my skin. It was to the point where I ran into the bathroom to wash it off my face after just a few mins of applying it. I really tried to like the product but the sting was too painful and the SMELL of this is absolutely atrocious. The product smells like acetone to me and I probably gagged in about 20 different languages when I put it on my face for the first ... MoreThis is my tried and true holy grail exfoliator. No matter what I try, I always come back to this one. I have emptied soooo many bottles of this. I have very sensitive, combination (super dry/normal in the winter & oily/normal in the summer but I can still use this product all year around despite my skin type) and acne prone skin. I have to say that I hated this product the very first time I tried it--it stung my skin. It was to the point where I ran into the bathroom to wash it off my face after just a few mins of applying it. I really tried to like the product but the sting was too painful and the SMELL of this is absolutely atrocious. The product smells like acetone to me and I probably gagged in about 20 different languages when I put it on my face for the first time (although I would rather it smell disgusting than have them add a ton fragrance to the product. My skin doesn't do will with heavy fragrances). I left this on my vanity for a few months before I picked it up again--I just didn't want to waste my money. Someone told me to dilute the product with water on a cotton pad--I tried it and it didn't sting my face nearly as bad but still some intense tingling going on. But the next morning, I noticed how soft and rejuvenated my skin looked and felt. I continued to use it once a week and I fell in love with the product and slowly stopped diluting it as much as my skin got used to it. After 4-5 years of using this religiously 2-3 times a week, I still feel tingling on my skin when I use it but I've gotten use to the feeling and the horrible smell because the results are worth it. Due to my sensitive skin, I absolutely can NOT use this product more than 2-3 times a week. This product is wonderful. It takes me about a little less than a year.

Life Changing

I have been struggling with hormonal acne for the last two and a half years (out of nowhere) having never really struggled with my skin in the previous 34 years of my life! I have been so upset, self conscious and frustrated by it and no matter how much money I threw at it, nothing really ever improved it. I even went to the doctors and as someone who hates putting medication into my body, I even gave in to that and went on to a prescription for a time to try and clear my acne!At almost 37 now, I found Paula's Choice (which had been recommended previously, along with a mountain of other brands) and tried the sample size version of this along with the BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid. My skin doesn't feel heavy or sticky with the product on and generally feels so much ... MoreI have been struggling with hormonal acne for the last two and a half years (out of nowhere) having never really struggled with my skin in the previous 34 years of my life! I have been so upset, self conscious and frustrated by it and no matter how much money I threw at it, nothing really ever improved it. I even went to the doctors and as someone who hates putting medication into my body, I even gave in to that and went on to a prescription for a time to try and clear my acne!At almost 37 now, I found Paula's Choice (which had been recommended previously, along with a mountain of other brands) and tried the sample size version of this along with the BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid. My skin doesn't feel heavy or sticky with the product on and generally feels so much smoother!!Together they have changed my life and made an incredible difference to my skin in only two weeks! I still get the spots come at the moment but they shrink and go quickly and scarring left behind from previous outbreaks is minimal and lightening every day.I would highly recommend these products. Thank you so much, I can FINALLY see light at the end of this tunnel.

Not all Salicylic Acid products are the same!

As exfoliants, BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are known to help clear and calm the skin. Salicylic acid is probably the most famous of the BHAs. Unlike AHAs such as glycolic acid, it works to exfoliate deeper into the pore. As such, this ingredient is found in all manner of skincare products -- especially those that are marketed to treat spot-prone skin. It's also the featured ingredient in this product by Paula's Choice.But before you go running to try cheaper options, hang on a sec. Because this isn't just any old salicylic acid product -- and believe me in saying that, because I've tried them all. What sets this one apart from the others, and makes it worth spending the extra £££ on, is its unique formulation.The main appeal of this Paula's Choice formula, for me, ... MoreAs exfoliants, BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are known to help clear and calm the skin. Salicylic acid is probably the most famous of the BHAs. Unlike AHAs such as glycolic acid, it works to exfoliate deeper into the pore. As such, this ingredient is found in all manner of skincare products -- especially those that are marketed to treat spot-prone skin. It's also the featured ingredient in this product by Paula's Choice.But before you go running to try cheaper options, hang on a sec. Because this isn't just any old salicylic acid product -- and believe me in saying that, because I've tried them all. What sets this one apart from the others, and makes it worth spending the extra £££ on, is its unique formulation.The main appeal of this Paula's Choice formula, for me, is that it has the liquid consistency of a toner, while also being free of drying alcohols. Look at the ingredients list of any drugstore brand salicylic acid toner, and you'll see that 'alcohol denat.' is in there alongside it. Denatured alcohol is included in these products to help oily skin feel better during application, as it quickly absorbs, and has a drying effect. But this intense drying effect can damage your skin in the long term. And what if your acne-prone skin isn't actually oily in the first place (like mine!!!)Well, this product is the answer. It has all the skin-clearing efficacy of salicylic acid within a lovely viscous-y, liquid formula. It can be wiped on with a pad after your first cleanse, helping to remove any residue as well as treating the skin. The best thing is it actually feels quite moisturising -- I can leave it on for a while before applying my night cream. This is a very good thing, because the effectiveness of acids tends to depend on their PH -- which moisturisers can mess with, rendering the acid ineffective. With this formula, I can leave it on, by itself, and be sure it has some time to work its magic. Plus, as it's not too drying, it can be used every day (although you may want to work up to building this tolerance -- my skin is very used to acids!)As a final note, salicylic acid isn't just for spots. I also suffer from Keratosis Pilaris. After cleansing my face with this, I'll give my arms and legs a quick sweep with the saturated cotton pad. As a keratolytic, it really does help to keep the KP bumps at bay.I was so excited to see Space NK stock Paula's Choice, as it was previously only available in the US. I gave the travel-size of this a go, and now I can't be without it in my skincare arsenal. As someone who easily reacts to new products, I'm hesitant to splurge on a product when I don't know if I'll even be able to use it. But as soon as I know I tolerate it, I'm totally cool with splurging on that product forever more. I wish more skincare brands did smaller, trial sizes. Paula's Choice has found a new fan as a result, and I can't wait to try out other products from the line!

Try before you buy!

What I love about Paula Begoun's skincare range is firstly: the transparency. An explanation is given for each ingredient so you know exactly what you're putting onto/into your skin. Secondly there's ample opportunity to trial the products via a sample size on the website. Not to mention a good returns policy. The 2% BHA lotion was one of the products that I invested in full size (along with a bunch of samples) and funnily enough was my least favorite out of everything I ordered. It's not that it broke me out or disagreed with me in any way, it just didn't do much for me. Even after the first 3 weeks of usage, gradually built up to twice daily applications, my skin still looked exactly the same as before I started using it. Pores, blemishes, oiliness, you name ... MoreWhat I love about Paula Begoun's skincare range is firstly: the transparency. An explanation is given for each ingredient so you know exactly what you're putting onto/into your skin. Secondly there's ample opportunity to trial the products via a sample size on the website. Not to mention a good returns policy. The 2% BHA lotion was one of the products that I invested in full size (along with a bunch of samples) and funnily enough was my least favorite out of everything I ordered. It's not that it broke me out or disagreed with me in any way, it just didn't do much for me. Even after the first 3 weeks of usage, gradually built up to twice daily applications, my skin still looked exactly the same as before I started using it. Pores, blemishes, oiliness, you name it...zero difference! It's unfortunate, as I skipped the option of a sample pack, thinking it wouldn't be enough product to give it a fair try. I was somehow convinced this 1 bottle would be the answer to all my skincare woes (not entirely sure what lead me to believe that!). The good: it wasn't harsh on my skin like many BHA products can be, and the application was well controlled, never too much or too little. And I have, after 4 months of continued use seen a very slight difference to clogged pores on my nose (less gunk when using the weekly nose strip) but nowhere near significant enough to warrant a re-purchase.~ My Sephora Top 7 must-have list ~(My top 7 must-have beauty products of all time, focusing mainly on my purchases at Sephora)1. Hair Loss Treatment: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Hair Oil2. Shampoo: 'Sephora Collection' - Deep Cleaning Shampoo3. Face Mask: ‘Peter Thomas Roth’ – Pumpkin Enzyme Mask4. Pigmentation + Anti-Aging Serum: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Facial Treatment Serum5. Face Scrub: ‘Sisley' - Botanical Gentle Buffing Cream6. Lip Balm: ‘Nuxe’ – Reve De Miel Lip Balm7. Lip Liner: ‘Sephora Collection' - Rouge Gel Lip Liner

thank u whoever u r paula

i bought this in the very start of june and now it’s july and there is definitely a huge difference in my skin. i get really really bad hormonal acne when i get near/on my period (huge cystic pimples on my chin) which are very painful and last a few days, but the worst part is the very dark scars they leave behind. i have been struggling with this since 2020 and nothing has really helped the discoloration except for this… my cousin told me to get it while in sephora and i’m so glad i took her advice. i still have a long way to go until the spots are gone but it has really helped my confidence a lot, and when new pimples on my chin come back, they get lighter a lot quicker (they usually take around half a year to really fade away, they sort of pile on each other.) i ... Morei bought this in the very start of june and now it’s july and there is definitely a huge difference in my skin. i get really really bad hormonal acne when i get near/on my period (huge cystic pimples on my chin) which are very painful and last a few days, but the worst part is the very dark scars they leave behind. i have been struggling with this since 2020 and nothing has really helped the discoloration except for this… my cousin told me to get it while in sephora and i’m so glad i took her advice. i still have a long way to go until the spots are gone but it has really helped my confidence a lot, and when new pimples on my chin come back, they get lighter a lot quicker (they usually take around half a year to really fade away, they sort of pile on each other.) i also get acne on my cheeks when i eat bad and these have faded those acne scars as well.two things i will say that make me not give it 5 stars is that while it faded the rest of my acne fairly quickly it took a little bit for it to do anything to my chin acne but i will say they are very deep, long lasting scars so u must b patient. another thing is i realized it doesn’t rlly sink into ur skin (at least for me) but it kinda layered on. i only use this and aveno moisturizer with tea tree oil as my skin care routine, a long with a really good organic powder cleanser (art naturals brand) and maybe a face mask here and there. but if i don’t wash my face before putting on makeup, there will be significant peeling. doesn’t really bother me now that i know but before a quick errand run it’s a little bothersome. other than that this has rlly changed my skin. sorry for the long review LOL i have been struggling w my chin acne/skin in general for a while and this gave me hope!!! :)****** skin change is also from change in diet and drinking water more frequently!first pic is from april 16th second pic july 9th. i know i look really bad in both LOL