Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC) • 8% BHA Serum • Skincare - Face

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GiGiQue on 2/17/2013 2:22:00 PM more reviews by GiGiQue

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I use this product once or twice every week. It is very strong (which my very oily, acne/prone skin needs). I MISS the MUAC5% -- which completely turned my skin around, so I gave the 8% a try when the 5% was discontinued. This (8%) can not be used everynight, it does burn at times (and I'm used to high BHA/acid levels), and will actually frost if you use it over an "open" zit or open skin. (I'd never seen that before, but it happened to me.) Although it has propyl glycol (usually breaks me out) this does NOT clog or break me out. The menthol can be a little irritating on "sensitive skin days." The 5% didn't have those issues for me. I only use this at night, as I found my makeup slipped too much over this product. (I use is as a leave-on, but obviously wash it off if it becomes irritating) This has both pro's and con's for me.

I recommend this as weekly "maintenance" for clearing severe acne/blackheads. I also mix this with the 3% to create my beloved 5%, which I can use as an overnight treatment several nights a week--and completely melts my blackheads and reduces oil. I prefer the 5%, and wish MUAC would bring that back. Since discovering GoW Beta Exfo Tonic, and GoW AHA/BHA Exfo Tonic, I use them as my "daily exfoliant and am extremely happy with them. I will keep MUAC 8% on hand fior a weekly treatment as needed. It is a good product for acid-experienced skin with blackheads and acne. But, the 5% had the best results for me!

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scribe9 on 5/16/2012 11:17:00 AM more reviews by scribe9

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan   Hair: Brown, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this product with great hope, great hope! The 5% BHA Serum worked wonders on my skin. This product just burns. I've only use this product as a spot treatment and for my nose area for the past year. Recently my spots have become under the skin bumps for which this product does nothing for.

My routine was, I would take a q-tip and dab the offending formation on my face and it would help to reduce and clear it up, but lately (now that I'm at the end of the bottle) it burns my skin. I was dabbing a zit like usual and a little of it got around the zit area and left a horrible burn scar! This product gave me a burn scar!

Now it works great for my nose, if I use it every day and don't mind the peeling, but I do mind that when I put on sunblock the peeling parts ball up with the sunblock and make my nose look gross. So I will not be repurchasing. Be aware of this product and how much it can burn your face.

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Alisuka on 9/10/2011 10:34:00 AM more reviews by Alisuka

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

EDIT: Now that my skin is more combo than oily, and more sensitive, I find this to be too harsh (drying) for regular use. I do still think it is an effective product, but can only use it occasionally myself.
This is definitely one of my HG skin care products. I have very clog-prone, combo-oily skin. My skin has never responded well to retinol products, so that leaves me with BHAs to try and keep my pores clear. On top of that, I also have KP, which cannot be extracted like a regular blackhead. I have used up to 5% BHA in the past, but after using a product that practically clogged every pore on my forehead, felt like I needed something more aggressive. I use this several times a week, in conjunction with a weekly peel (also MUAC, the 15% BHA) and can count on this to help any blackheads come to the surface for easy extraction and to prevent (for the most part) new clogs from forming. I now leave it on for about 15-20 min, but at first definitely follow the instructions on the packaging! It is slightly drying, but not overly so if you have even somewhat oily skin. At first you likely will experience some more blackheads, bumps etc., but this stuff is clearing out your pores, and skin exfoliates in cycles, so be patient--it took me about a month to finally clear out a number of existing clogs, and not see a number of "new" inflammations or blackheads.

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mehrunissa on 7/25/2011 2:26:00 AM more reviews by mehrunissa

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I finished my 1oz bottle of 3% BHA from MUAC about 3 weeks ago and decided to move up to the 8% because the 3% didn't deep clean enough. So far, the 8% is fantastic. I've been using it on my entire face every other day, and spot treating my nose and blemish prone areas every day, no need to wash it off (because my skin is used to harsher peels), and this is working out for me beautifully. Haven't had a breakout since I started using it. Which is such a relief, because I have been trying to control my random acne breakout for over two years now with no success. All that's left to do is to take care of the hyperpigmentation from old pimples, and I won't have to wear foundation on a daily basis anymore! I can't wait for that day.

I haven't had any flaking from using it every other day except for right below the corners of my mouth, but those spots are dry anyway. Seriously, my skin savior.

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makeup9111 on 10/8/2010 12:31:00 AM more reviews by makeup9111

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

UPDATE: OMG, they aren't lying when they tell you to give the product about a month to see real results. This was working great, but I still was having little breakouts, THEN I hit that month mark of consistent use, and holy-freaking-A I woke up with crystal clear skin. I'm hooked! I started on the BHA Serum and Mandelic Acid peel for my wedding in November, and now, I'll barely have to wear a tinted moisturizer!

Holy Freaking Grail! I love this, I was scared to leave it on my face all night like some other users, so for the first time I left it on my neck all night long on some very stubborn breakouts (not sexy) and I followed the rinse off after x-number of minutes directions for my face. It seriously deep cleaned and reduced what had broken out on my face and neck, yet with continued use it didn't create an acne monster like I thought, with the purging of crap.
Now I leave this on breakouts and my nose overnight about 3-4x a week, my mom commented on how smooth and clear my skin has become, and I'm thrilled.
There is a little flaking with how aggressively I was using it, but I exfoliated with my Clarisonic and had new, clear glowing skin underneath.
Buy this!

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louisa235 on 9/12/2010 1:54:00 PM more reviews by louisa235

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

Perfect product to control acne. I have not had problems with break outs after I started using it for about 2 years now. The whole MUAC product line is the best. Even if I venture out to try other more expensive products I always come back to MUAC. The results are better than any other most expensive lines out there and I tried them all. You can safely use any of these products, best way is to try samples 1st. You won't regret it.

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

ashebrook on 6/21/2010 8:07:00 PM more reviews by ashebrook

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

This is the only thing that works on blackheads for me. For years I thought BHAs were a joke because the typical 2% formulations do not do one thing for me. Once I realized that I could use this 8% formulation all night long, I could have cried with happiness. I finally found something that truly makes a difference in blackheads!!
Edit: 10/20/10 I am now using this day and night. By using a low ph soap and and high percentage salycylic acid almost around the clock, I have made a HUGE difference in my skin. I have very oily skin. Not the kind with pimples, but with large, blocked pores across my nose and chin. At my age (40), I thought that even if a miracle happened and I was able to get rid of the blackheads, I would still be stuck with stretched out pores. But I was wrong! The pores are now very small and my skin is smooth.

15 out of 15 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Shayron on 10/14/2009 5:42:00 PM more reviews by Shayron

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Green    

For me this is an occasional use product that is better than any zit cream! You're supposed to apply, wait a certain amount of time and then rinse it off. Instead, I dab it on any bumps I have and leave it there. I've used it under makeup and overnight. Usually whatever was brewing under my skin is gone the next day. Fair warning: if you use it too often in the same place it'll leave you with a dry patch so remember to moisturize if that's the case.

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

scionbunny on 10/12/2009 4:20:00 PM more reviews by scionbunny

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

After battling stubborn blackheads on my nose for years I think this may be my holy grail product.

Stridex 2%, Paula's BHA, RetinA, AHAs, aspririn masks did nothing for these awful stubborn blackheads, but this product used every third night has gotten rid of 70% and keeps the new ones from forming. I've been using it for almost a month. I use a qtip to apply a light layer on my nose and on the parts of my cheeks that have problems. Stings like heck, but it quickly subsides. I usually wash off after 10 minutes but have accidently left on overnight with no problems. If I try to use more often than every third night, I do get flakes.

I do have pretty tough skin and also use RetinA and AquaGlycolic 10% gel on nights that I don't use the MUAC BHA. Finally, I've got skin that I can go out without any makeup on.

Very basic packaging, and I just unscrew the cap to dip my qtip in.

8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

puffnugget on 11/15/2008 10:42:00 PM more reviews by puffnugget

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

The day after I used this, I had one of the worst breakouts this year. I can't say that this product is 100% responsible, but it sure seems suspicious. Rather be safe than sorry, I will not use this again.

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tpsreports on 2/10/2008 1:46:00 AM more reviews by tpsreports

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I have been using the 8% BHA Serum (every other day or so) for about 3 weeks, along with a 40% glycolic peel, and I believe the BHA Serum has done just as much as the peel for my face. I'm sure the combination of this and the peel are working together, but I don't think I would have had as good results with the peel alone. I have somewhat oily skin in the t-zone, and very large pores on my nose. The BHA Serum makes my face feel very calm (after the first few minutes - there's an initial stinging) and very smooth. I deal with cystic acne, and the calm feeling is a godsend. Plus I can't remember the last time my skin was this smooth. I'm still breaking out a little, but that's somewhat normal in the first 3 weeks as all the oils are coming to the surface. One stubborn multi-month-long blemish has finally started to give up it's fight. My pores are noticeably smaller. I'm very pleased with this and I find for myself that BHA products are much more effective than AHAs. It might just be a matter of everyone's experience being different. I HIGHLY recommend trying this if you've used a 2% BHA (like Paula's Choice, or Neutrogena's Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment) in the past and have had a positive experience.

9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

string on 1/21/2008 10:43:00 PM more reviews by string

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

I have been using AHA products (between 12 and 14%) daily for the last 7 months, which has improved my acne scarring and pitting and totally stopped my cystic acne. My blackheads, however, had not improved at all, so I decided to start using BHA with my AHA products. I began with aspirin toner and masks, which I love and will continue to use, but they are not strong enough to eliminate bigger blackheads. Then I introduced Paula's Choice 2% into my skincare regime, which for the first week dramatically exfoliated my skin and dried out the dried out the drier, non acne prone parts of my face too much. I started using it only on my T zone and was happy with results--exfoliation without too much drying. After about 2 weeks I started to use the 2% BHA all over my face again, and found that my face tolerated it well, with only mild exfoliation. After a month of the 2%, I was getting impatient and wanted more dramatic results in terms of the blackheads. I started using the 8% BHA cautiously, only on the oiliest, most blackhead prone parts of my face --the crease between my nostrils and cheeks. I did get some peeling, but nothing at all scary--totally managable. After a week I decided to try keeping it on longer. I found that I could keep it on without ever washing it off (they recommend keeping it on only about 5 minutes), and I was fine--no scary pain, burns, zombie-like peeling. Really just minor stinging for a minute and then a little redness and peeling when scrubbing in the morning with cleanser. Its been about 2 or 3 weeks now using 8% BHA every other day (only on blackhead prone areas), and, over the rest of my face: 2% BHA plus 12% AHA, I think I've found my new skin care regime. My blackheads are not all gone yet by any means, but there are a few very stubborn ones that are totally gone--just little voids in my skin now, and I have never gotten results like that with anything before. I will wait for another month and see if the blackheads keep improving or if I should try an occasional 15% BHA peel as well.Update:I have stopped using this product. I was starting to suspect that maybe it was causing me to break out, which is really strange. I don't believe this is purging because my skin had been clear for about 6 months except for blackheads. The other acid based products I use never had this effect. I've stopped and started with it three times, each time I start I get a new spot, each time I stop--clear skin. I'm still wary of blaming this product, because I'm not 100%sure its the problem, but better safe than sorry. I have started on RetinA with 12-14% AHA and 2% BHA to see if that will improve my blackheads instead.

6 out of 8 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

pasdebouree on 2/7/2007 2:44:00 PM more reviews by pasdebouree

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

This is a product that may not suit everybody but has been a blessing for me. My skin was rough in texture with large pores, oily T-zone, breakouts, broken capillaries, sun damage, yada yada yada. I have used Paula's Choice 2% BHA for 2-3 yrs, and it helped immensely to achieve more refined, less congested pores in the T-zone, but I still needed something stronger. I tried the 5% BHA from MUAC and definitely saw an improvement - tighter, lighter pores, an overall 'cleaner' appearance to the skin. After using the 55% Lactic Acid Peel in addition to the 5% for 3-4 months with much success, I was convinced I should step up and try the 8% BHA. I've only used it twice, but early results are impressive. Application stings a bit, but having withstood the pain of bad skin for most of my life, I can handle 8 minutes of minor tingling. My pores look cleaner, are more shallow and are much easier to minimize with makeup. I've experienced a little peeling, but who wants to hang on to layers of old, dull skin anyway. My skin is much smoother and clearer! This is great for use in conjunction with MUAC lactic or glycolic peels, and can also be used every other day to keep pores tight and bright; sample sizes are very reasonably priced. Will most definitely purchase again and again - 'bye 'bye blackheads. Strongly recommend for those who suffer with persistent clogged pores and have not had success with mainstream products. My next goal is to move on to the TCA peels...

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Boosha on 8/29/2006 10:32:00 AM more reviews by Boosha

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

Usually, I won't purchase a product that hasn't gotten good reviews on this board.

Fortunately, for me, I went against that theory and purchased a sample of the 8% BHA solution from MUAC.

As the other reviewers have mentioned, it stings, causes some peeling, but isn't that true of all BHAs that are this strong.

I have been using Green Cream Level 6 (see other review) with good results with the exeception of little bumps all over my cheeks. After doing research on the GC Board, I decided to try a BHA to open my pores.

I bought a sample (one of the best things about MUAC) and tried it, with pretty amazing results. Yes..I had some redness and peeling, but within 4 days the bumps were gone and my skin was smooth.

I do have pretty strong skin, so I think it's a personal choice; I did, by the way, purchase a full size. Will update in a few weeks and let you know what happens.

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alriester on 7/14/2005 10:13:00 AM more reviews by alriester

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I love MUAC products, but this did absolutely nothing for me.

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DianeB on 11/13/2004 3:58:00 PM more reviews by DianeB

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

This is an interesting product, in many ways. I have some mixed feelings about it, but decided that I probably wouldn't repurchase it once my 1 oz bottle is gone.

My skin is normal with a slightly oily T-zone, and I've been lucky in that I've never had a bad reaction to any product. Very hardy skin and not sensitive to anything, in other words. I've been using Paula's Choice BHA lotion for over 5 years (first the 1%, then the 2%). I really like PC, but thought I'd up the amp a bit on the BHA with this product.

The first ingredient in this is isopropyl alcohol. Whether it's that, or the higher concentration of BHA, my skin really isn't having a jolly time with this. I started a month ago (10/18/04), three times a week for about 8 minutes each time used. This stuff burns when you first put it on, but eventually it stops hurting.

After 2 weeks, the skin around my lower nostrils started to peel, and got very red. So I dropped down to twice a week, but this last time I put it on (today) it really, really hurt to use it.

As for exfoliating, I can't really tell if it's done anything for me. When I first started using the PC 1% lotion, I noticed a difference in my skin tone within a few weeks. With this 8% BHA, my skin is red, sore, peeling--there's a definite glow to my face, but it's the glow of Mount St. Helen about to erupt. If that's the look you're going for, by all means this is your product!

One thing I did notice, and I would caution you to be very, very, VERY careful if you decide to spend the money to give this a try. I have a small white bump (milia) at the corner of my left eye, the remnant of a too-rich face cream I was using. I started using the 8% BHA on it, dabbing it gently and carefully with a q-tip. And I've noticed that the bump has decreased in size and whiteness. It's about half the size it was, and definitely not as white. So I think I'll use this as a spot treatment, but give up on it as an all-over face mask/peel. Again, if you decide to do this, be VERY CAREFUL in applying the serum. I never got any in my eye, but the fumes did irritate me a bit.

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