My skin type:
- Very Dry, easily dehydrated
- Oily nose
- Prone to stubborn acne and closed comedones
- Redness on chin and cheeks (not rosacea)
I already use a nightly Tretinoin cream (.04% concentration) to help with my acne and premature signs of aging but decided with my derm that incorporating a BHA would be a good idea to help with my seriously stubborn closed comedones and some irritating textural issues. It was between this and the Cerave SA lotion and I ultimately decided on this due to the higher concentration of salicylic acid.
It's moisturizing, and feels sticky for the first 5-10 minutes after application but seems to sinks in to something of a satin finish on me and I can no longer feel it on my skin. You just have to be a little patient. My skin feels well hydrated and plump after it settles and looks really smooth and my pores aren't as obvious. It sits just fine under makeup for me but I'm not a new user to chemical exfoliants so I don't have lots of dead skin pilling up or sloughing off when I use it, my skin is, for the most part, already very smooth outside the acne and CCs. Occasionally I'll apply it further down my neck/decolletage than usual and WOW do I old skin just ball up and peel right away - it's so gross but also satisfying. So those that don't exfoliate often or are new to BHA/AHAs will likely have issues with foundation until their skin adjusts (but it will adjust). My advice in those cases is to either use this at night for the first few weeks or just accept going barefaced for a little while if you can.
I'd strongly suggest not applying this product over anything that you feel does not dry down fully, the times I've attempted to use it after serums or heavier products it takes forever to sink in and sometimes never fully does. I save all my serums and essences for after this has absorbed and it's far easier to work with it as a result. My steps go like this most days: ACWell Licorice toner --- PC 2% BHA --- 10% Niacinamide serum --- TO Matryxil serum --- Secret Key Black Snail cream or Syn-ake cream w/ 3 drops Stratia Fortify oil --- Sunscreen.
It works fairly quickly IMO, on my neck where I typically don't apply my Tret at night I noticed the peeling and balling of dead skin on day one and on my face where I have a patch of really awful CCs I noticed them getting smaller and smoother by around day 3-4. I'm going on about 8 days now and they're barely visible unless I'm right up in the mirror and feel as if they're almost gone when I touch my fingers to that area. I do have some slight peeling of the skin around my mouth and nose but it's not terrible (likely because I already exfoliate the heck out of my skin with the tret).
Some tips and things keep in mind:
1)
DO NOT RINSE IT OFF. I don't understand some of the top reviews advising people to do that, it says on the bottle not to rinse and nearly all chemical exfoliators are meant to be left on until the next cleansing specifically so they can do their job. If you rinse it off you're either going to prevent it from properly exfoliating or end up irritating the hell out of your skin. If you have oily skin and feel this might be heavy on you than you can probably just use this on bare skin and then sunscreen if you use in the AM or a lightweight lotion/cream and be done with it, but you need to leave it on your skin.
2)
You have got to use sunscreen while you're using this product! Any BHA or AHA exfoliant causes increased sun sensitivity and you have to address that in your routine. You should already use sunscreen daily but it becomes a must when you incorporate a chemical exfoliator or you risk sun damage.
3)
Less is more! Don't slop this on your face or soak a cotton pad in it, a little goes a long way and you'll be kicking yourself if you apply way too much and have to wait 20+ minutes for it to sink in. Use a shake or two and add more if needed but go easy.
4)
Expect some irritation initially. Chemical exfoliants can be harsh and rough even on sturdy skin and you have to give yourself time to adjust. Over-exfoliation is a possibility but sometimes just introducing a BHA or AHA into your routine can cause some sensitivity. Don't panic and just be gentle to your skin. Use ceramides (like Cerave Skin Renewing cream) or fatty oils to soothe your face if needed and try to stay away from any harsh products or acids like Vitamin C right after applying this to avoid really burning your face.
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1.01 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
$19.99 ($19.99/Fl Oz)
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Paulas Choice--SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant--Facial Exfoliant for Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines, 4 oz Bottle
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About PaulaSkin care visionary Paula Begoun founded our company with one goal—help women uncover the truth about skin care. Over 35 years ago, she set out to discover which products would actually transform skin’s appearance and health and which were just fluff. True to that legacy, Paula’s Choice Skincare formulates effective products rooted in scientific research and backed by real results. |
Beauty Begins with TruthSince 1995 we’ve been questioning ingredients, following the facts and standing up for the consumer, because you deserve products that work exactly as they claim to. We do the research and formulate smart, efficacious products that transform skin of all ages and types for the better. |
Smart Beauty PhilosophyYou deserve smart skin care choices—minus all the hype. Our philosophy? Smart Beauty. Because the products you use should work and be good for your skin, no exceptions. Our formulas are effective, safe and backed by cited research we share with you along the way. Smart. Safe. Effective. Fragrance-free. Cruelty-free. Non-Irritating. Made in the USA. |
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Customer Questions & Answers
Customer reviews
I have every skin issue you can think of. Rosacea, acne (hormonal, cycstic, Whiteheads, blackheads), dehydration, excessive oiliness, redness, all of it. I’ve spent probably thousands on a multitude of different products, trying to find one that would at least make a dent. I’ve had many procedures, many trips to the dermatologist. Nothing I’ve ever used, nothing I’ve ever done, has made such a profound difference in the appearance of my skin. Having rosacea, my face often felt hot, bumpy, and burned. While my conplexion is naturally fair and pink, this has seriously covered all my bases in a gentle and effective way. I’ve been trying to turn my skin around for YEARS!! this was the product that did it. If I could give it 100 stars i would. It has seriously changed my life!!! Also sorry for the nasty pictures haha
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2019
Size: 4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
I have every skin issue you can think of. Rosacea, acne (hormonal, cycstic, Whiteheads, blackheads), dehydration, excessive oiliness, redness, all of it. I’ve spent probably thousands on a multitude of different products, trying to find one that would at least make a dent. I’ve had many procedures, many trips to the dermatologist. Nothing I’ve ever used, nothing I’ve ever done, has made such a profound difference in the appearance of my skin. Having rosacea, my face often felt hot, bumpy, and burned. While my conplexion is naturally fair and pink, this has seriously covered all my bases in a gentle and effective way. I’ve been trying to turn my skin around for YEARS!! this was the product that did it. If I could give it 100 stars i would. It has seriously changed my life!!! Also sorry for the nasty pictures haha
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Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2020
Size: 4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
My face was in a terrible state before this product. I looked like an alligator but not like those kinds Jimmy choo wants but more like the kinds you find in the Florida Everglades. Those wild ones that snap at humans out of jealousy for their glowing, smooth skin. I've been using the product exactly two weeks and applying twice daily as instructed. Let me tell you it has changed the game for me! I've been single for ten years now. But after two short weeks I've now been on 3 dates, had a marriage proposal, somebody's husband is my DM and a guy even offered me a puppy. Of course the puppy guy is now my commited boyfriend (but I digress) . All I'm saying is... I don't make milkshakes so it has to be this exfoliate bringing all the boys to my yard.
Ps. I have very sensitive skin and haven't experienced any burning or discomfort with the product thus far. Bye.
Ps. I have very sensitive skin and haven't experienced any burning or discomfort with the product thus far. Bye.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2019
Size: 1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Was skeptical because if didn’t have a seal on. Used it once at bed time and started noticing results after 2 weeks of use. Still using it every night and forehead is clear.
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Top reviews from other countries
Shreya Rathod
Worth buying all star to BHA
Reviewed in India on August 1, 2020Size: 4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Shreya Rathod
Reviewed in India on August 1, 2020
Age : 22
Product : at first my skin was glowy, dewy, n plumped. I m amazed n I m surely gonna repurchase this product from paula choice.
AM Routine : double cleanse (innisfree, kheils)
Toner: plum
Exfloliater : Paula's choice (leave-in)
Moisturizer after 30 min : Clinique moisture surge
Suncreen : La sheild
Cons : it purged my skin after using which is good signs towards a brighter n newer skin cells.
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Shareece
Absolutely atrocious
Reviewed in Canada on August 25, 2019Size: 1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Aprile Fitgerald
Unsatisfied with the cost
Reviewed in Canada on February 15, 2020Size: 1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase