Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2 Bha Liquid

The Product That Has Completely Banished My Blackheads

• Story By:Kelly Etz

Blackheads have plagued me for years they simply cannot let me go. Across my T-zone, I have pretty large pores going on that cannot resist getting filled with gunk. After years of skin torture in the form of Biore pore strips and ultra strong peel-off masks, I was left with blackheads and a load of irritation. I have tried anything and everything in my quest to send blackheads to that place that Gandalf fell, including a memorable incident with a pore vacuum, which I can heartily say I do not recommend. While it turns out expecting instant results was getting me nowhere , I have stumbled upon a cult favorite product I would happily douse my face in for the rest of my life.

I routinely spend time google researching blackhead remedies while binging The Great British Baking Show , and unfailingly, the Paulas Choice BHA exfoliant would appear in comments and on message boards surrounded by words like magic, life-changing, and undeniable. Its a chemical exfoliator, which means it doesnt require those skin-shredding granules I used to slather over my face in middle school.

In general when Im having skin woes, I go back to the drawing board with my tried-and-true products I know work and dont irritate my skin. The 2% BHA Exfoliant always makes the list, along with a gentle cleanser and hyaluronic acid serum. And of course, sunscreen.

The Results: The Appearance Of Smaller Pores Without Any Irritation

After a full week of use, I could feel and see the difference in my skin texture. Since I only use this two to three times a week on nights when I don’t use retinol, my results may take a little longer to show. I felt a little tingle on my skin the first night I applied the toner, but I woke up the next morning without any irritation or visible angry bumps. Lately, I can skip foundation and only wear concealers, which is always a sign that my skin is changing for the better. My hyperpigmentation spots are still visible, but I think “my spots,” as I like to call them, will fade away with continued use.

Good To Know Before You Start Using Your Exfoliant

It is best to gradually build up use of a BHA product. Start by using your exfoliant once every other day and then increase usage to once or twice daily based on your skins response. You need to experiment a bit to see what suits your skin best. During the day, always use a moisturiser with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater. Your skin will in fact be slightly more sensitive to sunlight when using an exfoliant, so the chance of sunburn and sun damage is slightly higher.

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How To Use Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 2% Bha Liquid Exfoliant

Now every skin has a different threshold of how much chemical exfoliant it can take and I am not an advocate of exfoliating your skin barrier away, but despite my skin being pretty sensitive due to Tretinoin use, I could apply this one three times a week without any issues. If you are not using other irritating ingredients, daily use might be possible, but the on the website recommended twice daily is too much if you ask me.For prevention, using it over the whole area potentially affected by congestion is best, for me that is the hormonal beard area, either patted on with your hands, which I prefer or as swipe on with a cotton pad.It can be used morning or night, depending where it fits in your routine and can be layered with the rest of your skincare. While I prefer to keep my Tretinoin and exfoliation separate to reduce the risk of irritation, you could use them the same night if you feel the need to. Just be mindful of warning signs of damaged skin barrier then.

Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.Other than the Salicylic Acid present at 2% you will find Butylene Glycol and Methylpropanediol, two glycols used as solvents and penetration enhancers and probably responsible for the silky feeling, and Green Tea Extract for extra antioxidants and some anti-inflammatory benefits.

Our No1 Bestselling Exfoliant Around The World

Reveal flawless skin with our bestselling leave-on exfoliant. This gentle, lightweight fluid quickly exfoliates dead skin cells both on the surface and deep inside pores to reveal smoother, clearer, more radiant-looking skin. BHA has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce blackheads, blemishes and redness.

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Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% Bha Liquid Exfoliant

• $13.00 – $34.00

• This product is not eligible for Kohls coupons, including Kohls Cash® earn and redemption. However, you are able to earn Kohls Rewards® and Sephora Beauty Insider points on this product. Modified return policy applies.

What it is: Skin Type:Skincare Concerns:Formulation:Ingredient Callouts:What Else You Need to Know:Clinical Results:

Due to its contents, this product cannot be shipped via our Priority Service or sent to Alaska, Hawaii, P.O. boxes, and/or APO/FPO military addresses.

-Follow with serum and/or moisturizer.

-For daytime wear, always finish with SPF 30+.

Start Slowly: Apply every other day and note skin’s response. Then use up to twice daily. For daytime, always finish with SPF 30+. For nighttime, follow with the rest of your routine. If you have a salicylate allergy, check with your physician before using any products that contain salicylic acid.

I Used This Product Religiously For Four Weeks To See If It’s Worth The Hype My Skin Gave Me The Answer

Its confession time: For the past six to nine months, Ive zoomed in on every single picture of my face for analysis. Is it the lighting, or is that a blemish? A stray hair or a new line? Ive visited the dermatologist to discuss Botox because the aging process is real, and I am not willing to go gentle into that good chapter of my life. Ultimately, I decided to hold off on injections for a few years. Instead, Im changing up my skin care routine to see if some new products made a difference. Enter Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting Liquid Exfoliant.

I love trying new products, but Im also a creature of habit. And when it comes time to replenish my beloved essentials, I often chicken out and just stick to what I know. Ive been using the same routine for about three years now, but its finally time to try something newand my dermatologist agreed. After some research, I took the plunge and ordered some products from a brand I had heard of but never tried, including a new exfoliant.

With more than 47,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting Liquid Exfoliant is one of the most popular exfoliators out there. Surely theres a reason for all the raving, right? I thought so and took the plunge to find out for sure. I added it to my updated skin care regimen and used it consistently for four weeks. Spoiler alert: Three weeks in, I was already receiving compliments on my glowing skin.

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What Makes The 2% Bha Lotion Different To The 2% Bha Gel And Liquid

The primary difference is texture. The 2% BHA Lotion is a lightweight cream, while the 2% BHA Gel has a silky gel texture and the 2% BHA Liquid has a thin, toner-like consistency that’s best applied to a cotton pad. All of them are formulated to provide the same key benefits to your skin. Which one to choose is a matter of personal preference and your skin type.

Geek And Gorgeous Porefectly Clear Serum

This one replaced The Ordinarys version for me, and is again firmer and less liquidy than the Paulas Choice one. When using it over prolonged periods of time, it was more irritating than Paulas Choice despite using Allantoin for soothing, so due to the different texture I used Paulas Choice for prevention and Geek and Gorgeous as spot treatment. That isnt necessary though, having just one of them will be sufficient.

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The Skin Perfecting 2% Bha Liquid Exfoliant Feels A Bit Sticky/greasy On My Face Why Is That

If the BHA is feeling sticky, you are probably using too much product. The average amount needed is the size of a small coin, and its best to apply it in a thin layer. The greasy feel can be attributed to the high levels of glycol in this product . If you live in a humid, moist climate, this effect will be more pronounced and, if too much product is used, can create a greasy feel on the skin.

What’s The Difference Between The 2% Bha Liquid And The 2% Bha Gel

First, texture: One is a fluid with a toner-like consistency, the other is a thicker, clear gel. Both contain the same amount of salicylic acid, though the 2% BHA Liquid contains an ingredient that allows the salicylic acid to penetrate faster and further. With the 2% BHA Gel formula, you’re getting a slower release of salicylic acid. Both are great options for treating acne, blackheads, and signs of ageing. Both are suitable for all skin types but best for normal to oily or combination skin.

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Would I Repurchase And Which Skin Types Do I Recommend Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 2% Bha Liquid Exfoliant To

I really dont know why it took me so long to finally try this, as I can tell you the hype is real here. It is a beautiful, silky chemical exfoliant that will work amazingly for congestion prone oily skin without immediately causing irritation. It still might not be the best choice for daily use on sensitive skins, but if you are normal to oily and struggle with pores, breakouts and congestion, I highly suggest you dont wait as long as I did before giving it a go.

The Value: Worth Every Penny

This product retails around $30. Finding an exfoliator that works without disrupting your skin barrier or causing irritation isn’t always the easiest to find for those with sensitive or reactive skin types. You only need a few drops of this, and the bottle design ensures you don’t go overboard. I think it’s worth the price.

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Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2 Bha Liquid Exfoliant

A refining toner formulated with beta hydroxy acids.

4 installments of $8.50 withKlarnaLearn more about klarna_slice Learn more

Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant boosts the skin’s tone and texture to enhance a natural glow. Salicylic acid exfoliates and promotes faster cell regeneration to minimize the appearance of blemishes, redness, large pores and wrinkles. Green tea soothes inflammation and shields against free-radical damage.

Key Ingredients:

• Beta Hydroxy Acid : mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by helping it shed extra layers while unclogging and clearing pores

Key Benefits:

• Clears and minimizes enlarged pores
• Sheds built-up layers of skin
• Fluid, lightweight texture absorbs quickly

Dispense approximately a dime-sized amount onto a cotton ball or pad and stroke over clean skin, including around the eyes . This product may also be applied with your fingers. Do not rinse off. Follow with Paula’s Choice CLEAR Acne Fighting Treatment , moisturizer, and/or specialty product. For daytime, wear under a product rated SPF 15 or higher.

Skin Type:Acne-Prone Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Mature Skin, Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Sensitive Skin

Water , Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA.

Why Is It Different

A unique leave-on formula thats gentle enough for daily use on all skin types. Exfoliates dead skin cells while clearing pores for a more even, radiant tone, plus visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles to reveal remarkably smoother, younger-looking skin. This exfoliant has an optimal pH range of 3.23.8.All Paulas Choice products are 100% fragrance free, clinically proven to be non-irritating, and never tested on animals.2021 Beauty Insiders Beauty & Wellness Awards – Readers Choice Award Best Exfoliator 2021 Daily Vanity Editor’s & Readers’ Choice

A unique leave-on formula thats gentle enough for daily use on all skin types. Exfoliates dead skin cells while clearing pores for a more even, radiant tone, plus visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles to reveal remarkably smoother, younger-looking skin. This exfoliant has an optimal pH range of 3.23.8.All Paulas Choice products are 100% fragrance free, clinically proven to be non-irritating, and never tested on animals.2021 Beauty Insiders Beauty & Wellness Awards – Readers Choice Award Best Exfoliator 2021 Daily Vanity Editor’s & Readers’ Choice

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How We Tested It

courtesy Marissa Hillman

Since I previously used an exfoliator just once a week, and because this was a brand-new product, I was set on following the instructions. I expected to receive my new exfoliant in a box with an insert that explains exactly how to use it. However, the bottle arrived wrapped in what seemed like a pound of plastic, presumably to prevent the box from becoming a soggy mess should the bottle leak or break.

On the back of the Paulas Choice bottle is a square with the number three next to the word exfoliate, followed by directions. They instruct applying the product all over the face and neck every other day, then working up to twice a day, and wearing sunscreen after application in the daytime. Simple enough, but I still had some questions.

First of all, does the number three mean this product should be the third step in my skin care routine? What are steps one and two? How many steps are there? Can I put moisturizer on over this? These may seem like no-brainers to some. But the products Ive used for years are designed to be mixed together and put on all at once, so Im not used to steps.

Since the directions on the bottle didnt address any of my questions, I visited the Paulas Choice website for answers. I learned that I was correct in my assumption that this exfoliant is the third step. The website also told me that the right way to apply my skin care products is to follow up with a face serum and moisturizer.

Skin Perfecting 2% Bha Liquid Exfoliant With Exclusive Packaging

• Fast absorbing liquid removes built-up dead skin cells and fights blackheads.

• Skin Type:Combination skin, Oily skin
• Skin Type:+ Combination skin, + Oily skin
• Concern:Breakouts, Blackheads, Enlarged pores, Redness
• Ingredients: Salicylic Acid/BHA, Green Tea Extract, Methylpropanediol
• Routine:Exfoliate

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What Does It Do

Skin becomes dull, dry and congested when dead skin cells build up on its surface. Beta hydroxy acid mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by helping it shed extra layers while unclogging and clearing pores.

Skin becomes dull, dry and congested when dead skin cells build up on its surface. Beta hydroxy acid mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by helping it shed extra layers while unclogging and clearing pores.

Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting Liquid Exfoliant Product Features

This award-winning Perfecting Liquid Exfoliant has a lot going for it, starting with its main ingredients. Salicylic acid unclogs and shrinks pores and dissolves dead skin cells, leaving your face with an even, glowing tone. Meanwhile, soothing green tea extract helps repair sun damage and fight signs of aging. The non-granulated formula is gentle enough for all skin types, so its a simple yet beneficial addition to your skin care routine.

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What Is Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 2% Bha Liquid Exfoliant

Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting Liquid Exfoliant is a gentle, leave-on exfoliant formulated to unclog and shrink pores. Its formulated with salicylic acid , which helps to dissolve dead skin cells, and soothing green tea leaf extract. These key ingredients leave skin soft, smooth, and even-toned.

Unlike other facial scrubs and exfoliators, which are often recommended for use just once or twice a week, Paulas Choice is so gentle that it can be used twice a day. It doesnt contain any microparticles, aka those miniscule little scrubbing beads that are in some other exfoliators. Instead, its a lightweight, water-based formula that goes on easily and absorbs quickly into your skin. Thats right! You leave it on. No rinsing required.

Similar Products: You Have Options

Perricone MD No:Rinse Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner : Formulated with salicylic acid, copper complex, and DMAE, this toner exfoliates, plumps, and hydrates.

Glossier Solution : Made with three acids: alpha hydroxy acid , beta hydroxy acid , and polyhydroxy acid , this daily liquid exfoliator is formulated to zap blemishes, reduce redness, and minimize the appearance of pores.

I’m a skeptic when it comes to products with nearly all five-star reviews. But Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant lives up to the hype and has been a visual game-changer for my skin.

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