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

ShineeBee on 4/30/2013 12:22:00 AM more reviews by ShineeBee

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

I like this stuff and it exfoliate my skin well. The consistency is sticky, but it absorb well after that. I will repurchase if I haven't find a alternative.

The only thing I don't like about this is the fact that the company have a very misleading label. It claims that this product helps to stimulate collagen production, however there are little research in this area to back up their claims.

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Happythenjaded on 4/28/2013 8:53:00 PM more reviews by Happythenjaded

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

Simply love it. Has helped my skin look better than it ever has!!

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lovely_azian on 4/24/2013 4:34:00 PM more reviews by lovely_azian

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This has almost eliminated my acne. I have fewer breakouts and the ones that I do have are less severe now. I have noticed that my acne scars are fading a lot faster with this than with mechanical exfoliation. My skin is radiant, smooth and even for the first time since hitting puberty!

The price is extremely fair, I got this on sale for ~15 CAD (Paula's Choice website). I think for the amount of product and how well it works it's a no brainer. You could spend a lot more for a lot less at the drugstore. Will definitely repurchase.

Cons: It is quite irritating and drying. If acne/clogged pores are not an issue you are probably better off with AHA. Also, you HAVE to wear sunscreen when using this. This product will make your skin more prone to sun damage while you're using it so be sure to be liberal with the SPF and remember to reapply!

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annalee77 on 4/21/2013 10:19:00 PM more reviews by annalee77

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I use Paula's 2% BHA gel in the daytime (plus sunscreen) and Advanced Skin Technology's Green Cream at night. (Kind of ironic because Paula trashes Green Cream on her website.)
At 53, I am still prone to acne breakouts. The BHA keeps my pores cleared out and the Green Cream keeps the wrinkles and lines away. My dermatologist thinks my skin is awesome.
I started with the 1% BHA lotion (the gentlest) and worked up to the 2% gel (the strongest).
Good stuff, but it's strong so it's a good idea to start with a weaker product, like the 1% lotion or gel.

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greycardigan on 4/20/2013 3:12:00 PM more reviews by greycardigan

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I really wanted to like this product since I have post-acne marks, however it just didn't work for me.

I only used it at night, and only applied a thin layer on my face. The first few days were nice actually, and I noticed my complexion overall was brighter. My marks were still there, but those aren't going to change over a few days.

However, after a week I noticed lots of dry skin on my jaw/chin area. Despite regularly using moisturizer, the dry skin would prevail and was especially embarrassing when it flaked through my make-up. It also began to make my skin oilier, so after 2 weeks I stopped using this product and my persistently flaky skin went away.

I paid $19.95 through Paula's Choice.com

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emily0212 on 4/9/2013 9:19:00 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.

My skin is slightly dry so I didn't think I would like this gel. It turns out, I do like it. It does ball up in certain places and that's why I only use it at night. I need to try the liquid next. I'm already seeing some clearer brighter skin, just not an improvement in my rosacea p&p yet. It's only been 3 days.

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Debdeb123 on 3/14/2013 7:36:00 PM more reviews by Debdeb123

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Green    

Where has this been all my life? I bought a few sample sachets of this, I bought 7 thinking a sachet a day would be right. WRONG. That's too much, it will never absorb. Everyone having trouble with the stickiness is using too much!!!!
Anyway, when using this I have had friends comment on how clear my skin looks, how nice my skin looks etc. and I have had spots since I was 12/13 (I'm 25 now). Just bought my first full tube. I look forward to having awesome skin from now on! Yay!

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*TOP REVIEWER* seaswan on 2/27/2013 7:15:00 PM more reviews by seaswan

Age: Unknown   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Other, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Tried the liquid which was to watery and didn't want to spray. I used the cream for three years but didn't feel like it was absorbing. Bought the gel and it is the best base for really sinking into my skin. I don't have any irritation at all from this. Love the pump applicator too. My breakouts are really non existent since I've been using this. Now I am using mostly for my enlarged pores in T-zone.
It starts out a little sticky on your face (like aloe) then dries down to leave my skin feeling soft. (I would love a moisturizer with this same consistency)
My SO also uses this for his cystic acne and his eruptions have really calmed down. He also prefers the gel.

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bonstamonsta on 10/24/2012 5:08:00 PM more reviews by bonstamonsta

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

I was looking for an exfoliator for my dull and rough complexion. I am already using PC AHA 8% which I really like to use at nights. I wanted a little more so I tried the BHA 2% Gel. I started slow- once every 2 days, then moving to once every night. At first, I noticed my skin felt smoother and pores did seem smaller. I really liked that aspect of this gel. However, after a few uses, I did breakout. Small, red pimples in places where I don't usually get breakouts. I thought it was "purging" so I used it a few more times but the breakouts did not get better. In fact, some new crops of whiteheads and pimples started to form next to existing blemishes. Weird! But, I have stopped. I think I am going to stick with Paula's AHA instead. I know some people just cannot tolerate BHA. I have tried BHA a few years ago and I think my skin just does not like the concentrated form of BHA. My current cleanser contains slight amounts of Salicylic Acid and it seems OK, I gave this a 2 rating and not a 1 because it did smooth my face, despite the breakouts. =( Also, Paulas Choice has a great return policy. But it's OK. At least I tried it and I think many of PC products are very tolerable and great. I know there are other mediums of PC BHA such as lotion and liquid, with formulas of both 1% and 2%. I dont think I want to try any more BHA. At least not now.

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Madwilso on 9/12/2012 1:06:00 PM more reviews by Madwilso

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I have used the BHA lotion for, like, 6 years or something.
I purchased the gel formula for boyfriend who has mild acne. That boy of mine has been pretty sporadically using it, so I have filched some here and there. When he DOES use it, he clears up beautifully. But I suppose if he doesn't care, then I won't, and I'll just use his products. I digress.
The gel is thick, it IS tacky and it balls up if you add moisturizer on top before letting it fully cure. I would not recommend it for day use, but that's not necessarily a negative, I would just recommed the liquid version for the daytime.
I personally use it as a spot treatment since I'm using Retin-A. I pump a small amount (the pump by the way is much nicer than the old flip lid bottle) onto the back on my hand and use a q-tip dipped in the gel to apply it to the desired areas. I then wait 30 minutes or so and apply my tretinoin cream on top. It is a gentle enough formula that I can get away with effectively spot treating without major redness and peeling. It works too!
I don't think the gel consistency is my absolute fave, but it's still so effective that I can overlook that.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Begina on 8/23/2012 5:18:00 AM more reviews by Begina

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I purchased several samples of PC products including this one, the lotion and liquid versions. I don't have a problem with the gel texture at all : ) I quite like it. I don't find it that tacky/sticky. This product works! I noticed a big difference after one application - smoother skin and *slightly* more even skin tone. I think regular application would improve skin tone further. I experienced no stingin/discomfort. I plan to use this daily and PC Weekly Resurfacing Treatment once or twice a week. I am purchasing full size bottles of both products today as they are 20% off right now.

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rosiers on 8/23/2012 12:46:00 AM more reviews by rosiers

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Black    

Positive: Been using it for 8 months now, I think it does work as an exfoliant and it's quite gentle. I thought at 2% it might sting, but it doesn't even after I deep cleanse my nose area. Doesn't cause breakout for me, and because of the texture, you only need max 2 pumps for the whole face, this will last a LONGGGG time.

Negative: Texture... don't like it at all. But Paula's Choice has other choices with the same BHA strength (Liquid & Cream).

Bottomline: Would recommand, and probably will buy again but will try other ones first (AHA and other texture).

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kitajenn on 8/2/2012 2:25:00 PM more reviews by kitajenn

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

This is an excellent product, but it's one of those things that takes time to work. It didn't make my skin fantastic overnight, but as part of a good routine I'm seeing smaller pores that are less clogged. It doesn't irritate my skin and I don't have any problems layering other products over it, either during the day or at night.

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*TOP REVIEWER* ArizonaAngel on 7/6/2012 11:25:00 PM more reviews by ArizonaAngel

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Medium, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

My skin did not love this. I bought this to help clear up a few clogged pores and for some reason it seemed to make my skin worse. I didn't mind the sticky texture as it sunk in after a few minutes. It also seemed to work so well at first and then I got a bunch of little bumps under my skin. So I discontinued it. PC has a great return policy so if you think it may work for you maybe give it a shot.

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LadyxBec on 5/17/2012 9:31:00 PM more reviews by LadyxBec

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I got a sample of this, along with all of the other PC BHA products to trial.
The Good:
This worked well - it made my skin feel a lot smoother, and got rid of blackheads. I also think I had less breakouts using it, and it didn't irritate or cause redness.
The Bad:
Sticky! I found this product really sticky, it took forever to dry, and it was really hard to moisturise over. Plus my hair kept sticking to it, which was very annoying. It's a little pricey, but not too bad.

Overall I would not rebuy, because I much prefered the lotion formula. If they discountinued that, I might try this one again.

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SmallTiki on 5/14/2012 6:23:00 PM more reviews by SmallTiki

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

I would probably like this if it just dried faster and was not quite as sticky. It works decently well on acne, blackheads, and is surprisingly gentle. It didn't cause a massive amount of redness or flaking like other 2% BHA formulations sometimes do for me. I usually don't mind gels, but... wow, it is just so wet and liquid and I swear takes about 30 minutes to fully dry. I can only wear it at night when I have extra time or wakefulness to sit around for this reason, and that's a shame. The scent is pretty neutral and if you're patient, it's not too horrible under makeup.

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momominky on 4/24/2012 7:00:00 PM more reviews by momominky

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

My skin loves BHA, but this formulation is not for me. It's too sticky and filmy forming slime when I wash my face the next morning.

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xcakexfacex on 4/16/2012 7:35:00 AM more reviews by xcakexfacex

Age: Unknown   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. Was rec'd this by the skin care board months ago for clogged pores and little bumps. Not acne, just clogged pores around my nose, mouth, and chin. I began using it and in about a week everything was all clear and smooth. For whatever reason, I stopped using it and my clogged pores returned. I started using it again, and my skin is nice and smooth :) It does everything that the bottle says it will do! Even reduces redness and evens out my skin tone! I am SO amazed by this. Will buy again over and over.

I started using it 2x a day, but I found that to be too drying. Now I do it at night before my moisturizer (for reference, cetaphil lotion). I do notice some dryness on the sides of my nose occasionally, so I just put a small extra dab of lotion on there :) I wake up and my skin is pretty, smooth, and looking fantastic! I've been able to completely cut out my concealer too! Cannot say enough good things about this-thanks skin care board!<3

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*TOP REVIEWER* Safin on 4/7/2012 9:04:00 AM more reviews by Safin

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

All my life I have clogged pores and those strange sebum plugs. I started to use a muslin cloth to remove my (cream) cleanser a year ago and that improved my skin a lot.
But I still wasn't satisfied about the smoothness of my skin and the clogged pores, so I wanted to try BHA. I bought samples from the 2% BHA in all the variations of Paula's Choice and I thought that the lotion would suit me the most, but it didn't. The lotion broke me out all the time, I checked the ingredientslabel and Cetearyl Alcohol was one of the first ingredients. Cetearyl Alcohol is a known pore clogger and I have used a product before with this ingredient and that broke me out also, so that must be the cause. I didn't liked the consistency of the liquid, so I ended up with the gel.
I use it ones or twice a week at night, it is not a miracle worker, but my skin looks better and I break out less and my pores seems clearer. I bought the pump bottle a month ago and I think it lasts forever.
Yes the gel is sticky, but less is more in this case, so don't use too much.
Update May 2012: After about 5 weeks, this BHA started to cause breakouts every time I used it. My face felt soft but with more and more pimples, such a shame. I think BHA is not for me, I stick to the muslin cloth, my face can tolerate that.

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lass917 on 2/20/2012 9:50:00 PM more reviews by lass917

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Used both this and the liquid (which I reviewed as well) a couple months ago for about two months total, all the while suffering what I thought was "purging". Please, people, if your "purge" is anything worse than mild or if it seems to continue to worsen rather than subside, STOP using whatever product. I didn't stop using this, and now I'm still recovering from a breakout so bad that I cannot even believe it happened to me - I used to have pretty perfect skin with regular use of a discontinued Neutrogena BHA product. Replaced it with these and cannot believe the hell I've been through the past couple months. Whiteheads, pustules and cysts galore, pus and blood after the shower, and now left with lots of red marks. Have discontinued PC completely almost two months ago and now am recovering and just hoping that my scars aren't too bad.

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