So I haven't actually bought this product, but I have been using sample of it for about 3 weeks now, twice a day. I really like how quick it sinks into the skin, it doesn't make you oily, you don't have to use that much of it- a little goes a LONG way. The smell that SO many people make SUCH a big deal about is way, way, way over dramatized. It doesn't smell that bad, I don't mind it at all, and I am sensitive to funky smells. It sort of smells like vitamins or pills (odd description, but it is the best I could come up with). It is pricey, but worth it. The bottle design is ok for a while, but I'm wondering what happens when you get down to the last bit of it, it would be hard to get out, I think. I suggest you go to Nordstrom's or Sephora before you buy it and ask for a sample. I really do like it, it keeps my oil in check, my skin feels good, and I have less breakout thanks to the 2% sascylic (can't spell that) acid in it.

I've used this for about 6 weeks now in place of Retin-A and it seems to be working wonders! No breakouts, no dry flakey patches - nothing but clear skin. It is a little stinky but it fades fast. Will continue to use and definitely repurchase! Worth a try for skin that breaks out easily.

i've tried more effective products like clarins or moisture surge by clinique. i used for 1 month and no difference. i am in my mid 30s and need more effective products.

I started using the Makeup Optional Kit for Congested Skin, and my skin is looking soooooooooo much better!

After using Purity Made Simple (greatly recommend this cleanser) and When Hope is not Enough, I use Hope in a Bottle. I love it! My skin feels soft and not a pimple in sight, by the way! The only gripe I have is that it is not moisturizing enough for my skin. But then again, if it were more moisturizing, perhaps the consistency would be too slippy. So I'll stick with the way it is! Also, I add SPF moisturizer over this, so I guess I don't need more moisture. lol

I didn't notice any weird scent. And if there were one, it faded quickly.

This is making my foundation go on so well.. and giving me my dewy youthful look again (that Retin-a) has taken away and replaced with dry patches. My skin feels so good after I use this. I've used it now for about a week, no breakouts yet.. but I will update. I have combo skin that it sensitive and acne prone. It is kinda expensive for what you get, but I will GLADLY pay for anything that makes me look this good.

I like the smell actually, it brings back some memories. This product helps clear some acne, but makes my face red where the acne is when I apply it.

Hope in a Bottle is the first salicylic acid treatment that also appropriately moisturized my acne-prone skin. It also helped keep me clear of consistent breakouts. I really like this product and NEVER NOTICED a bad smell as stated in some of the reviews. I am normally sensitive to smell so I am surprised that has been a criticism. Murad smells but this does not. Used in conjunction with Purity Made Simple, the Oxygen Peel, and When Hope is not Enough Serum, it is a great routine. Being fickle I switched around my routine and my skin is no longer at its best. I will likely switch back to Philosophy because that was when my skin was at its best.

This seemed to work fine as a moisturizer on my combo skin (not greasy, absorbed quickly), however the smell was so bad that I will NEVER use it again. I can't describe the scent other than to say it was horrible. I'm used to some Philosophy products having a somewhat unpleasant, medicinal smell, but this was WAY beyond unpleasant. To be fair, the smell did not linger beyond the time it took to absorb into my skin, but I just could not stand to try it again.

I don't use this as a moisturizer, I use it as a treatment for my enlarged pores and mild breakouts. The 2% SA seems to help my skin a great deal -- much better than glycolic acid does. My pores appear less "conjested" and the tiny little bumps all over my forehead are going away. I use it in the morning under my mineral makeup and it seems to help keep my makeup fresh longer than without it. I am very happy with this product -- however I'm a bit curious as to how well Paula's Choice SA products work in comparison.

I felt alot of hope when I read the small print on the front of this bottle - I saw my skin described to a "T". Alas, hope was not enough!! This lotion may help very young skin but doesn't do anything for 40+ skin.