If you’re a complete beginner to chemical exfoliants and not sure if Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant is good for your skin, don’t worry – you’re in the right spot and we’ll cover everything you need in this honest review.
Shedding the layers of skincare is hard, especially if you are new to chemical exfoliants. With countless acids and products out there, it can be a tightrope walk of finding that product that’s right for your skin and that won’t overwhelm it. That’s where Paula’s Choice’s BHA Liquid Exfoliant comes in – which people of all skin types swear by.
This exfoliant has a cult following for a reason – with just the right concentration of 2% salicylic acid, you can clear your pores without ever having to reach for the harsh stuff and reduce and blackheads and improve skin texture over time. It utilizes the strength of salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which penetrates into the skin to dissolve dead skin cells and oil. The special thing is that its is formulated for sensitive skin, and it suits my skin very well without making my already sensitive skin feel stripped or irritated.
If you’re dealing with an occasional breakout, a complexion that tends to get congested or dull, or if you’re just in need of a solid exfoliant to add to your routine, this review will cover all the bases—from the ingredients the packaging and how to use it, to how it compares with other exfoliants and cleansers. So courtesy of said comfy seat, allow me to delve deep into why this could easily be the exfoliant you’ve been looking for.
Did You Know?
Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it’s able to penetrate deep into the pores to exfoliate inside the lining of the pore and leave you with less blackheads and whiteheads—the latter of which not all acids can promise.
At a Glance: What You Need to Know
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant |
| Key Ingredient | 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA) |
| Skin Types | All skin types, especially oily, combination, and acne-prone |
| Benefits | Unclogs pores, smooths texture, reduces blackheads, evens skin tone |
| Texture | Lightweight, watery liquid |
| Usage Frequency | Once or twice daily |
| Price Range | Mid-range, affordable for quality chemical exfoliants |
A Closer Look: Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant
The Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a cult favorite product and is heavily promoted for being able exfoliate skin and address a multitude of issues like acne, blackheads, enlarged pores. Here’s what makes it unique:
- Salicylic acid is the star ingredient. BHA is lipid-soluble, goes deep inside the pores to exfoliate the pore lining, clearing away dead skin cells and sebum.
- Helps to remove blackheads and whitehead.
- It can reduce the appearance of pores by cleaning them out.
- It gently lifts away the dull stuff to reveal smooth and radiant skin.
- Regular usage can result in a more even skin tone and smoother skin texture.
- It can also help reduce redness and soothe the skin. This can be useful for conditions such as rosacea.
Want to try it for yourself? Order it online here.
Key Ingredients and Their Functions
The Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant’s star ingredient is none other than 2% BHA. This level is effective to exfoliate the skin while also being non-irritating, making it a great option for beginners. Some important claims that come along with this product:
- Salicylic Acid (2%): The hero ingredient that is a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin’s surface and inside pores to clear congestion and blackheads.
- Green Tea Extract: Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support to soothe and protect skin during treatment.
- Chamomile Extract: Soothes redness and irritation, which is safe even for most sensitive skin types.
- Butylene Glycol: Holds moisture and allows other ingredients to better penetrate the skin.
- Water: The foundation of the formula, which helps keep it light enough to wear layered in any skincare routine.
First Look: My Thoughts on the Packaging
The Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant is packaged in a no-fuss plastic bottle with a screw top. I like the clear bottle because you can see when you’re running low. The generous size (118 ml) feels good for daily use over a few months.
Although the packaging is not something that fancy or luxurious, it is practical and serving the purpose. The bottle is lightweight and designed to travel and you can directly pour how much you need on a cotton pad or fingers through the opening.
Overall the packaging is indicative of the brand’s mission: straight to the point skincare, no fluff.
Who Should Try this Exfoliator?
The Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a great option for:
- Beginners: If you’re total new to chemical exfoliation, this is gentle but effective.
- Acne-Prone Skin: Its salicylic acid content will offer a friendly hand to those suffering from breakouts and clogged pores.
- Best for Oily Skin Types: If you struggle with oily or combination skin, this exfoliant helps to control excess oil production.
- Anyone Looking For Smoother Skin: For those who wish to refine skin texture and radiance, this product will help achieve that goal.
How I Use It for Best Results
Applying Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant is simple, even for newbies:
- Begin with a clean face – whatever your favorite gentle cleanser happens to be.
- Drip a few drops of the exfoliant onto a cotton pad or onto your fingers.
- Lightly massage or pat product over face and neck, excluding the eye area.
- Allow it to fully absorb before you move on to serums and moisturizers.
- Begin with 2-3 times per week and work up to once or twice a day, if your skin can handle it, over two weeks.
- Just make sure you are applying sunscreen during the the day while using chemical exfoliants, because the use of these products can make your skin more sensitive.
Pair It With
For best results, use this exfoliant in conjunction with a mild or soothing cleanser and a moisturizer with ultra-protective broad-spectrum mineral actives and remember to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning.
User Reviews: What People Are Saying
You never know the gold mine you stumbled on for skincare. And here’s a sampling of common thoughts and feelings about Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant from some of the users.
- Numerous users praise it for a smoother skin texture and a healthier, glowing complexion with regular use.
- Many people have mentioned how they have fewer blackheads, and how it was better than all the routine they have tried before after a few weeks.
- Reviewers with sensitive skin love how mild the formula is, reporting that it doesn’t irritate the skin or dry it out like some other exfoliants.
- The lightweight, watery texture is easy for many to put on and spread on other skincare products, possibly adding it to your routine being a no-brainer.
- Generally speaking, the product is often complimented for being both simple, but effective, and many users have indicated that they were pleased with the results and would purchase again.
Editor’s Note: My Skin Type & Experience
I have combination skin and sometimes hormonal break outs and a few sensitive spots. I began using Paula’s Choice BHA exfoliant every other day and after two weeks, my pores felt cleaner. The formula was mild enough that it didn’t make me sting or flake, and after a month, my skin texture felt noticeably smoother.
How It Stacks Up Against Other Exfoliators
| Product | Active Ingredient | Concentration | Skin Type | Price Range | Suitable for Beginners? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant | Salicylic Acid | 2% | All, esp. oily/acne-prone | Mid-range | Yes |
| The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution | Salicylic Acid | 2% | Oily/acne-prone | Budget | Yes, but can be drying |
| CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid | Betaine Salicylate | 4% | Oily/acne-prone | Affordable | Yes, gentle |
| Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum | Glycolic & Lactic Acid | 12% | All, esp. dull skin | High-end | Not ideal for beginners |
Mini Exfoliator Face-Off
Paula’s Choice is focusing on exfoliation, but a lot of beginners are comparing it to gentle cleansers with mild exfoliation. Not a cleanser, leave-on product to enhance efficacy allowing salicylic acid to have a longer period of time in contact with skin. Cleansers rinse off in seconds, and exfoliants such as this one can be even better pore-clearers because they stay on the skin.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Clears blackheads breakouts pores with 2% BHA
- This one is ideal for sensitive skin and acne prone skin, perfect for beginners
- As a leave-on exfoliant, it integrates effortlessly into any skincare regimen.
- Cruelty free, ethical brands who don’t test on animals.
- No synthetic fragrances, decreasing the chance of irritation.
Cons
- More expensive than some including drugstore options.
- When first using it, some users might feel mild tingling or redness.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Adding to Your Routine?
As one of the most popular products in the Paula’s Choice range, the BHA Liquid Exfoliant is no doubt one of their biggest sellers, and I can understand why. It is a top contender for best chemical exfoliant for beginners due to its efficacy in acne-prone skin as a low irritancy. It’s so easy to apply and gets great results so I can recommend it to anyone who wants to level up their skincare game.
So, what are you waiting for? There is the entire chemical exfoliation world that you can explore yourself.
Have you sampled the Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant? Tell us in the comments! And be sure to share it on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram to let others know about this awesome product if you enjoyed this article!
FAQs
How Many Times A Week Should I Use Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant?
You can begin by applying it every other day and work up to one or twice daily, depending on your level of skin tolerance. If you develop dryness or irritation, cut back. Simply be sure to follow up with sunscreen during the day.
Can I use the BHA Liquid Exfoliant along with other active ingredients, such as retinol or vitamin C?
Yes, but with caution. You can layer it with vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night, but it’s better to introduce each active ingredient slowly, to help prevent over-exfoliation or irritation. Others prefer alternating days or using actives at different times of the day.
Is Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant good for sensitive or acne prone skin?
Yes, and if you have acne-prone, oily or congested skin, you should especially appreciate that it contains 2% salicylic acid. But if you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to patch test and start using it more sparingly before deciding whether your skin can tolerate it without a reaction.
