If you’re on a quest for clearer, smoother, and more radiant skin, look no further than Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant. This iconic product has gained a loyal following for its impressive ability to tackle common skin concerns such as blackheads, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and fine lines. In this review, we’ll delve into what makes this exfoliant a must-have in your skincare routine.
What is BHA?
BHA, or beta hydroxy acid, is a powerful exfoliant that penetrates deep into the pores to dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells. The star ingredient in this product, salicylic acid, is well-known for its ability to treat acne and improve overall skin texture. Its oil-soluble nature allows it to effectively clear out clogged pores, reducing the occurrence of breakouts and promoting a clearer complexion.
Benefits of Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Exfoliant
- Smoothening: Regular use of this exfoliant reveals smoother skin by sloughing away dead skin cells, which can lead to a brighter and more even skin tone.
- Oil Control: This formula helps control excess oil, making it a fantastic option for those with oily or combination skin types.
- Anti-Aging Properties: By addressing fine lines and wrinkles, this exfoliant can help you achieve a more youthful appearance over time.
- Clogged Pore Reduction: Say goodbye to stubborn blackheads and enlarged pores as this product works to unclog them effectively.
How to Use
To incorporate this product into your skincare routine, apply it 1-2 times per day after cleansing your face. Use clean fingers or a cotton pad to gently apply the liquid exfoliant to your skin. Importantly, do not rinse it off; this leave-on treatment will continue to work its magic throughout the day or night.
Product Features
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- Product Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 5.51 inches; 4 ounces
- Item Model Number: 22010
- Manufacturer: Paula’s Choice
- Country of Origin: USA
Final Thoughts
Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant is truly a game changer in the realm of skincare. Its combination of effective exfoliation, oil control, and anti-aging properties makes it suitable for a variety of skin types. If you’re looking to unlock radiant skin and address pesky skin issues, this product may just be the solution you’ve been searching for. With consistent use, you can achieve a clearer, smoother, and more youthful complexion.
Kaoutar –
My top recommendation for achieving glass skin is to use this in the morning, followed by sunscreen.
Momoften –
I had never tried a product like this before, so I was unsure what to expect. My skin is quite sensitive, and I was worried about potential burning or peeling. Thankfully, I experienced no negative reactions at all.
At 63, I’ve noticed my skin has lost its radiance with age; it doesn’t shed dead skin as it used to. After moving to Jamaica, I’ve also spent a lot of time in the sun, and the damage is becoming evident.
I began using this product about three weeks ago. I apply it every night, let it dry, and then follow up with my go-to pure face and neck cream. When I wash it off the next day, I exfoliate with a rough washcloth. The results are astonishing—my skin feels incredibly smooth and tight, without any dryness, cracking, or redness. My pores are smaller, and my complexion looks revitalized.
Another surprising benefit I’ve noticed is that my facial hair (chin whiskers and mustache) has become much softer and finer. They are so soft that I can barely feel them with my fingers. I only noticed them when looking closely in the mirror under the right lighting. Before this, I felt like I had barbed wire on my chin! I suspect the acidity is helping to reduce them, but I’m thrilled with the outcome, no matter how it’s happening.
It does feel a bit sticky as it dries, but applying my moisturizer helps with that minor inconvenience. My chest, face, and shoulders haven’t felt this smooth in ages. I’m now avoiding the sun and wearing sunscreen to aid in the healing process.
اسيل –
Absolutely amazing! It really reduced my acne, and people kept saying it must be Accutane.
Audrey S. –
My Skin Type:
I’ve been using a nightly Tretinoin cream (0.04% concentration) for acne and early signs of aging, but my dermatologist recommended adding a BHA to tackle my persistent closed comedones and irritating texture. After weighing my options between this and the Cerave SA lotion, I chose this product for its higher salicylic acid concentration.
Initially, it feels sticky for the first 5-10 minutes post-application, but it eventually settles into a satin finish, leaving my skin feeling well-hydrated and plump. My pores appear less noticeable, and it layers nicely under makeup. As someone experienced with chemical exfoliants, I don’t deal with excessive dead skin pilling, though I do occasionally notice some peeling when I apply it to my neck and décolletage—it’s a bit gross yet oddly satisfying! For those new to BHA/AHA, I recommend using it at night initially or embracing a barefaced look until your skin adjusts.
It’s important not to apply this over any products that don’t fully dry down. When I’ve tried using it after serums or heavier products, it takes a long time to absorb. I prefer to apply my serums and essences after this has settled for easier application. My routine typically goes: ACWell Licorice toner — PC 2% BHA — 10% Niacinamide serum — TO Matrixyl serum — Secret Key Black Snail cream or Syn-ake cream with 3 drops of Stratia Fortify oil — Sunscreen.
I’ve noticed results quickly. On my neck, where I don’t apply Tret at night, I saw dead skin peeling on day one, and by day 3-4, a patch of stubborn closed comedones on my face was smaller and smoother. Now, after about 8 days, they’re hardly visible unless I’m very close to the mirror, and they feel almost gone upon touch. There’s slight peeling around my mouth and nose, but it’s manageable, likely due to my regular exfoliation with Tret.
Tips to Keep in Mind:
DO NOT RINSE IT OFF. The bottle clearly states not to rinse, as chemical exfoliators work best when left on. Rinsing may hinder the exfoliation process or irritate your skin. If you have oily skin, consider applying it on bare skin, followed by sunscreen for morning use or a lightweight lotion/cream.
Use sunscreen! BHA and AHA exfoliants increase sun sensitivity. If you’re not already using sunscreen daily, you must do so when incorporating a chemical exfoliator to prevent sun damage.
Less is more! Don’t overapply; a little goes a long way. Avoid saturating a cotton pad, as too much product can take ages to absorb. Start with a shake or two and add more if necessary.
Expect some initial irritation. Chemical exfoliants can be intense, even for resilient skin. Allow your skin time to adjust. If you experience sensitivity, apply soothing products like ceramides (e.g., Cerave Skin Renewing cream) or fatty oils and avoid harsh ingredients or acids like Vitamin C immediately after using this to prevent irritation.
liz Amend –
I typically don’t write reviews unless a product is either exceptional or terrible, as I believe products should perform as advertised. I’m also quite skeptical about beauty products. In my 20s, I was told that once you have large pores, there’s no shrinking them. So, I did my best to manage the noticeable pores on my nose.
I’ve tried various solutions—pore strips, clay masks, charcoal masks—while still incorporating steaming and applying a clay mask to my T-zone overnight once a week. Now at 49, I thought I’d have to accept enlarged pores and fine lines as part of aging. However, when face primer and makeup stopped concealing my pores this year, I had enough! Just to clarify, my pores are clean—no blackheads—just large and abundant.
While browsing Amazon, I found this product. After reading the positive reviews and noting its reasonable price, I decided to give it a try a month ago, following the instructions carefully. I apply it twice daily, morning and night, after washing my face, to my entire face, neck, and chest. I once learned that whatever you do for your face, you should also do for your neck and chest to avoid a crepey neck and wrinkly cleavage that doesn’t match your face. As Dolly Parton wisely put it in Steel Magnolias, “Honey, time marches on and eventually you realize it’s marchin’ across your face!” While aging is inevitable, we can at least keep our skin moisturized and looking its best.
I have sensitive skin and need to be cautious about what I apply. Other reviewers echoed this concern but reported no issues with irritation from this product. I’m pleased to say it did NOT irritate my skin at all! I wash my face, apply this product, and then my lotion, all without any burning sensation. It felt so gentle that I wondered if it even contained active ingredients!
After a month of use, I can confidently say my pores haven’t vanished completely, but they are smaller and shallower. You can still see them, especially with a magnifying mirror, but I hope they continue to improve. Even if I’ve reached the product’s maximum effectiveness for me, I’ll keep purchasing it to maintain the progress I’ve made. With primer and makeup, I’m thrilled that my nose pores are no longer a glaring issue! I give this product 5 stars, highly recommend it, and I’m adding it to my subscription list to ensure I never run out! If you’ve read this far, you have the patience to buy this and give it a chance. Tell ‘em Large Marge sent ya! 😉
laura –
The quantity is quite generous; I ordered it months ago and still have about half left. I use it on my face once or twice a week. I’ve also applied it to my elbows and hands to soften them, and it worked wonderfully. I can definitely see a difference in my skin; it doesn’t irritate, and the quality is worth the price a thousand times over. I apply Aquaphor ointment as a mask after exfoliating, and my skin looks amazing in the morning.
Alex –
This is my first experience with a chemical exfoliant. I previously tried a BHA product but didn’t see much impact, so I didn’t think of revisiting it. However, after receiving strong recommendations for this product, I decided to give it a chance.
For context, I have dry skin that tends to be prone to breakouts, especially on my chin and, more recently, my neck. I also have enlarged pores on my nose and occasionally on my cheeks, along with uneven skin tone and brown spots from past cystic acne. I chose this product to address my occasional breakouts, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone. My husband shares this product with me; he has oily skin and primarily struggles with enlarged pores and occasional breakouts in similar areas.
Since my skin is on the drier side and I use a physical exfoliant about three times a week, I apply this product a maximum of twice a week on days I use a hydrating cleanser. I typically use a nickel-sized amount, applying it with my fingers. I’ve been using it for around two months now.
I must say, even with limited use, this product has improved my skin texture. My skin, which used to feel quite dull, has noticeably changed. While my brown spots remain the same, I didn’t expect them to change significantly given my infrequent use and the short duration.
Before starting this BHA formulation, I dealt with frequent breakouts—usually getting a new one before the last had fully healed. Although it didn’t eliminate my pimples right away, it significantly sped up the healing process. I haven’t had a new breakout in the past month.
My skin generally feels fine after using it, although it does feel dry if I don’t apply a moisturizing cream promptly (I usually wait about 30 minutes post-application to let the BHAs work). This dryness is typical for me, even with gentle cleansing.
I haven’t noticed a difference in my pore size yet, but I’m willing to continue using it given the other benefits. I’m curious to see if any changes might become more evident with extended use.
As for my husband, who uses it as often as I do, it has helped improve his skin tone and keeps his breakouts at bay, although he hasn’t seen a significant change in pore size either.
Overall, this is definitely a solid BHA product if you’re looking for one (and can afford it). If you occasionally deal with stubborn pimples and dull skin, I highly recommend trying this out. For those with dry skin, it might be wise to gradually increase usage to avoid irritation. While I haven’t personally noticed a difference in pore size with my once-a-week application over two months, your experience may vary.
Ekaterina Andreeva –
I absolutely love this product! It truly works wonders, and my skin looks so much better. I’ll definitely be purchasing again! 👍