Paula's Choice • Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant • Treatments

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Happythenjaded on 5/11/2013 5:04:00 PM more reviews by Happythenjaded

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

This stuff is amazing...totally transformed my skin!!!

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*TOP REVIEWER* UrrUrr on 5/11/2013 4:17:00 AM more reviews by UrrUrr

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

My review is for BHA liquid.

I received a full size bottle of this as a GWP when I bought some Resist toner and the weekly resurfacing treatment (great stuff too). This is basically salicylic acid that helps to unclog and diminish pores, reduce redness and build collagen. I really really love this stuff despite the fact that I broke out with a few pimples on my cheeks (purged) after using it for a few days. And I seldom break out from anything, so I was quite surprised.


The great thing is that after that last breakout, I don't think I've gotten a single pimple for the last 5 months. To be fair, my skin is quite clear except that I kept getting 1 or 2 cystic pimples on my chin every month- hormonal chin acne that took weeks to clear and the scars even longer to fade. Since I've been using this BHA liquid, the cystic pimples have finally stopped. My skin is so clean and I have saved money because I no longer have to use peel-off masks. I used to have to peel off all my blackheads with a mask every 1-2 weeks. Now, I don't waste my money on those anymore because there is simply nothing to peel off. The masks come off virtually clean. The amount of blackheads on my nose have reduced greatly and since I've bought a Clarisonic, I just don't have anymore blackheads. The bonus here is that I didn't break out from using the Clarisonic because my face was already deep cleaned by this BHA liquid :D


The only minor drawback to this is that I find it greasy and it leaves a greasy film on my face even when I wake up in the morning. It is only for night use. I don't want to be without this - there's a backup in my drawer already. One bottle will last approximately 6 months so it is actually a very low cost to pay for having better skin. PC often has great discounts so I usually wait for a 35% off before purchasing. Love, love, love this.

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emily0212 on 4/9/2013 9:17:00 AM more reviews by emily0212

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

So I went on a Paula's Choice sample buying spree and I'm slowly making my way through the haul. These are just first impressions, will update my reviews (and my lippies) as time goes on.

This stuff is really thick and creamy. It would have been perfect in January/February but in April with the weather getting warmer and more humid? Not so much. My skin sweats through it and it just gets gross. Would only recommend using this at night.

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rachybloom on 3/24/2013 8:40:00 PM more reviews by rachybloom

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I hardly write reviews on here, but I felt compelled to share my experience with this amazing product. For reference, I use Retin-A every third night, have VERY clog prone skin that sometimes get cystic acne. After having flawless skin from the ages of 18 through 21, I went through some hormonal changes and my skin was a disaster. Clogged pores, cystic acne, large pores, etc. I became very depressed. Combined with regular use of Retin-A and a good birth control match for me (currently using Tilia Fe), this product keeps me clog free. I use it morning and night immediately after washing my face. I use it underneath my Retin-A as well at the recommendation of my derm to "help the Retin-A penetrate my skin better". I had to ease myself into this, as it is super intense but really does improve the efficacy of Retin-A. It doesn't increase the amount of flakes I get from Retin-A either. It's gentle but still effective.

If I don't use this product, I get clogged pores. Simple as that. I ran out and had to go out without it for 5 days while I waited for it to be delivered. I now have clogged pores all over my jaw, cheeks, and forehead. With only two days of usage I can already see a visible improvement in my skin. I love this product and won't ever be without it in my skin care routine!

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

jcruz7 on 3/24/2013 1:57:00 PM more reviews by jcruz7

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Medium   Hair: Brown, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I generally have pretty clear skin but was having problems with a few stubborn blackheads on my nose and cheeks. After reading rave reviews, I purchased this product expecting at least an improvement. Absolutely not. Not only did it do nothing for my blackheads but also broke me out in HUGE cystic acne on my cheeks that even now, 2 months later, still look BRIGHT RED. In addition to that, the rest of my skin where i never break out is covered in tiny under the skin bumps. Now I get to go to a big event with horrible skin that cannot be covered up with makeup all because I had a few little blackheads. I wish I would have never purchased this. Be warned: while others may rave about Paula's choice, it was definitely no miracle for me.

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*TOP REVIEWER* onitacy on 3/13/2013 1:45:00 PM more reviews by onitacy

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

I prefer the previous formula which had less moisturizers. I imagine that is what's setting off some folks' breakouts. I have rosacea and hormonally challenged skin. One contributor to rosacea is a form of skin mite and salicylic acid kills it. For me, who cant use retin a to help the rosacea (it can for some folks), I tried this instead with much better results. Yes, it does make you peel, but I use Avene serum and Rich Optimale Cream with good success to minimize that side effect. I also use it every other night to minimize the amount of peeling. It has helped minimize the bumps and redness.(I use Prosacea only on nose and chin in the morning.) Overall, I recommend this product for dry uneven skin that is easily irritated. Just use in moderation for varying results.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

ArevLusine on 3/3/2013 10:41:00 AM more reviews by ArevLusine

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal   Hair: Black   Eyes: Blue    

Absolute garbage. I bought this because of the hype, but it was one of the biggest waste of $20 I've ever spent.

I used it nightly for a little less than a month. It clogged my pores and gave me more pimples than I already had (I don't have many), didn't help take away my blackheads but peeled my skin enough so that I couldn't use a scrub. As a lotion, it didn't even get rid of my dry patches for more than a few hours.

Paula Begoun, if you can read this, I have to say that I regret not having taken your advice: I should not have bought into the lies fed to me by the cosmetics industry. Thank you for your help.

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*TOP REVIEWER* outdoorsgal on 2/26/2013 1:41:00 AM more reviews by outdoorsgal

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Paula's Choice skin care products have come a long way since I first ordered from them a number of years ago.
I decided to try the 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant to try and get rid of the blackheads on my heads and tighten my pores somewhat.

I can't use this lotion twice a day; it's too much for my skin.I use it in the morning and only on my forehead and nose.

My blackheads have not completely disappeared (they may never go away fully) but my pores do look a bit smaller and my forehead looks smoother.
This is no miracle product by any means but worth a try if you're plagued by blackheads.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Angeldoll on 2/19/2013 9:17:00 AM more reviews by Angeldoll

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I have combo, sensitive, acne-prone, acne scarring/hyperpigmentation, blackheads. I am reviewing the 2% BHA LIQUID. This product is helping somewhat, I find using it twice a day is too much and causes irritation. For me the best way is to use it every other day at night only. I alternate with ole henriksen enlighten me serum (which is great by the way) and helps fade acne scars. Now that I have added this to my routine I will update in a few weeks to see if my skins texture has further improved........
Update: I have gotten a couple of white heads since using this product (nothing too major) but still an annoyance. will continue to use for a few more weeks and update again.....
II might have to go back to my dermalogica overnight clearing gel which also has 2% Salicylic acid in it if this doesnt work out for me.

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AintNobodyGotTimeForThat on 2/10/2013 10:49:00 AM more reviews by AintNobodyGotTimeForThat

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Blue    

I had very high hopes after hearing so much about the PC line. I've followed Paula for years and trust (most of) her opinions. I purchased the liquid version of this. Let's just say my very light to moderate acne along my hairline turned into SEVERE cystic acne all over my chin. I am now left with many scars (at least six very noticeable ones) and my blackheads stayed the same. Glad it works for many, but just wanted some to know it may not be their miracle product.

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tatcuya114 on 1/9/2013 2:49:00 AM more reviews by tatcuya114

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Edit: after using it for quite a few months, I realized that the 2% strength is too much for my skin, which was why I broke up like never before on my chin. I recently switched to her 1% BHA gel, and it seems to be working well without irritating my skin. Paula still makes the most amazing exfoliating products on the market. You just have to figure out which one works the best for your skin.

I just started using BHA/AHA exfoliating products around three weeks ago after watching Paula's talks on skincare. I think I agree with her philosophy of always using a mild exfoliant everyday and my skin has testified to that. This is an effective product. It is easy to work with and it delivers results (combat blackheads and smoothed my skin enormously). I'd describe the consistency as a oily liquid. It might not make much sense but I'd say although it's in a liquid form, you can feel the oily property of the product when applying it (still not making much sense I know...). I guess it's because BHA is a fat-soluble compound so it has to be dissolved in some form of oil. But don't let me mislead you, although it's got an oily feeling to it, it absorbs very fast into your skin. Having said that, I have to say that it is a bit strong to use all over my face, because after using it day and night for about a week, my skin started to feel very dry and started flaking. But I'm still giving it full marks, because I understand that it's not the product that is not good enough. I just need to figure out how to work with it properly (i.e. only using it on my nose where my skin is the oiliest and reduce the time of using it). I think figuring out your skin is a big part of effective skincare. I'm going to keep experimenting with other formulas of her BHA products (gel, lotion, lower concentration of 1%, etc) and hopefully find the most effective and non-irritating way to exfoliate my skin. But overall, well done Paula's Choice for coming up with this effective and not overpriced product!

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

princessplumjade on 12/23/2012 9:04:00 PM more reviews by princessplumjade

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

NOTE: My review refers to the BHA Liquid, not the Lotion. I have been using this product regularly for about 15 years.


FYI: I am a Latina woman with very fair olive skin, sensitive, combination type (dry forehead, oily nose & chin, normal cheeks) and in early maturity (minor facial lines, redness). Foundation Shade Refs: LM Creme Silk in Cream Ivory, Bobbi Brown in Warm Ivory, Revlon Colorstay in Buff


Skin care is key. A dollar spent on effective skin care is worth $20 spent on cosmetics or cosmetic procedures. The healthier and better cared-for one's complexion, the fewer cosmetics are needed to look one's best.


I've been a devotee of Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid since the late 1990's and it has my highest recommendation. IT WORKS. Simple as that.


I have never used another BHA product as gentle and as effective as this one. It's the wonderful kind of miracle product you can apply to a blemish one evening and wake the next moring with a clear face (or with the blemish dramatically minimized.)


I had ultra-oily complexion in my 20's and 30's. Nightly application of this exfoliant after Skin Balancing Cleanser and Toner kept my skin blemish-free, smooth, and clear. If I'd discovered and used the product earlier in life, I'd probably have no acne scarring at all.


These days, I still apply nightly after cleanser and toner and follow with antioxidant serum and moisturizer (dry areas only). It keeps my skin smooth, clear, and battles the very infrequent breakout.



It also safely exfoliates milia ("milk spots"). I cringe when I read about people using needles to remove these blemishes when regular exfoliation will do this safely.


It is excellent for prevention of ingrown hair (from tweezing or epilating or waxing.)


The texture of this liquid is like a thin serum that can be smoothed on with fingers or applied with cotton pad. It is clear and lightweight, but it does not "sink into" the skin immediately. Some may dislike the feeling of "residue" on the skin, but it is fragrance-free and non-irritating. It's also available in gel and lotion formulations which may have better "texture appeal."


I've gritted my teeth as the cost of this product has risen over the years, but I'll continue to purchase and use it. I don't know of a comparable product in any other product line.

11 out of 12 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

ocicat on 10/11/2012 8:49:00 PM more reviews by ocicat

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

This is a staple. I've been using the 2% BHA body lotion for many years- on face and body. This (face product) is less emollient than the body lotion, which is better for summer (I have combination skin), but isn't moisturising enough to use alone, in winter.
It is a medium consistency, creamy lotion. Absorbs well, matt finish. Can sting for those who are not used to BHA/AHA, but less so than AHA. I use this all over my face and neck, as my nightly facial moisturiser, avoiding eye area. In addition, I use Paula's Moisture Boost Mask (can be used as a moisturiser) on areas which are still dry (eg cheeks), on top. Also use Resist SuperAntioxidant Concentrate around the eyes.
The pump bottle is a huge improvement on the bottle with lid previously. I had to store the old-packaging bottle upside-down to ensure I can squeeze product out each time.

Great product! The 2% BHA body lotion is a staple for my body (and face in winter). This is a staple for my face for warmer weather. I already have great skin, so I'm not sure if it's because if this product, or I'm just genetically blessed ;)

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

azaleadeez on 10/11/2012 1:08:00 PM more reviews by azaleadeez

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This gave me even more breakouts, left my face looking shiny, didn't help minimize pores or blackheads either. Waste of money.

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CobraRose on 9/25/2012 7:45:00 PM more reviews by CobraRose

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I have very oily skin, and this is the only thing (including the PC 1% BHA) that's improved my clogged pores at all. I apply it with my fingers--twice a day on the T-zone, once a day on my cheeks. It does have a weird slimy texture, but that's the ingredient that helps it penetrate into pores. My skin definitely looks better after regular use of this product, but I still have some stubborn clogged pores on my nose. I've ordered the 9% BHA and will see how that works.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Rosiecg on 9/19/2012 9:32:00 AM more reviews by Rosiecg

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

WOW!

This product is amazing.

I have suffered from cystic acne for the past year (out of nowhere) and this has completely stopped it.

Since using this product for the past 6 weeks I have only had ONE pimple. ONE! I cannot believe it. I am still gettting a few white heads and blackheads here and there, but not a real pimple as such.

I've never been the one to recommend products as everyones skin is so different, but I have been telling all my friends about this product.

I highly recommend using this daily as part of your skin care routine.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

sullw on 9/7/2012 12:11:00 AM more reviews by sullw

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I have used Paula's AHA formulas off and on for a while and saw no difference in my skin. I have dry skin and I am 41 years old so I thought I needed to use AHA's for treatments and chemical exfoliation. I have never had problem skin as far as breakouts go so I have never had to deal with breakouts until recently.

I have a couple sun spots and in summer some melasma on my upper lip, so I had been using AHA's along with Retin A. I stupidly tried using an at home chemical peel and had a very bad reaction. For weeks I had clusters of breakouts on my upper lip, I tried so many things but they would not go away. Worse than having melasma which looks like a moustache is having melasma that looks like a moustache and a dozen pimple on top of it!

I finally decided to order a couple sample sizes of Paula's 2% BHA, I ordered both the lotion and the gel. My skin has never looked better! I was shocked and thought at my age I was well past anything for acne but this stuff worked really well on not only clearing up the breakouts but for an overall luminous complexion. I ended up ordering the full size lotion and couple sample size skin lightening with BHA, which I will review after using those for my sunspots. If you have been using AHA's and have not seen a difference give BHA's a chance.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Marsen on 8/22/2012 9:03:00 PM more reviews by Marsen

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This solution is what keeps my t-zone silky smooth, free of blackheads , breakouts or clogged pores. It's a clear liquid that goes on rather moist and slippery, so you do need to let it be absorbed by the skin. I recommend using it at night so the solution has time to sink in and you don't put more products on top of it. It exfoliates inside the pores removing blackheads and minimizing the appearance of pores. It never broke me out, but it stung a little at first while my skin was getting acclimatized (combo/sensitive). I've been using it for over 10 years and it's still a stable in my skincare routine.

7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

ilyana on 8/4/2012 8:30:00 PM more reviews by ilyana

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I don't know how I could have lived without this stuff honestly. I have, for many years, tried to find a product that would get rid of the clogged pores/annoying bumps I have on my forehead and the skin around my nose - I thought AHAs would do the trick and spent so much money on those: REN, Alpha Hydrox etc but while they made my skin smoother, they never really did the trick. BHAs don't really like my skin very much so I was skeptical when I bought this liquid exfoliant but I saw great results within a week - GOODBYE BUMPS!!


From what I've read, people are removing lippies for the texture of the product. I honestly think it's fine, it definitely has a thicker consistency than water and leaves a slight film on the face but I always use it at night so I'm not bothered by it.


If you want to use a PC BHA in the day, I would suggest going for her CLEAR acne relief toner (regular strength). I have that as well and that one leaves no trace on the skin, it's like water! But I do think the toner doesn't have the same effect on me as the liquid exfoliant, it's too mild for me - nice to have on days when my skin needs a break though.


I've also tried the Lotion Exfoliant - didn't like it. It's probably best for dry skin types.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* lizzea on 7/16/2012 12:02:00 AM more reviews by lizzea

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I had been avoiding using this for a long time because I had tried the gel version about 5 years ago and hated how tacky it made my skin feel... I felt like I was wearing a mask that I couldn't remove and it didn't seem to help my skin much. Fast forward to now and I reluctantly tried the liquid version because my skin has been terrible lately and my AHA (also from paula's choice) has started to irritate my skin quite suddenly after using it for 6 months with no problems. So I'm treating aging skin and cystic acne and this is helping a lot, although it still leaves a thin film though not at all as sticky feeling as the gel. A little goes a long way and this is best applied at night before bed. Highly recommended.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No