Paula's Choice • Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant • Treatments

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cherrim on 5/31/2011 7:06:00 PM more reviews by cherrim

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

Another staple in my face routine. I can only use it about 2 times a week maximum, or else my sensitive skin can feel a little "burned." When I use it at night, my skin feel soooo soft in the morning. I use 2% BHA lotion on the nights that I don't use this 8% AHA gel.

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*TOP REVIEWER* gorbe on 4/29/2011 4:23:00 AM more reviews by gorbe

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Unlike the other reviewer, this works amazingly for me. I have used many skin products over the years, but none have made a significant noticeable difference in the texture of my skin before. This one has. My skin looks so smooth and blemish-free and my pores look smaller (something I pretty much gave up on ever happening). I really am getting to the point where I don't feel the need to wear foundation- or if so a very very light layer. Feeling THAT comfortable with my skin is a good feeling. Also, note: I believe my skin also looks so good right now (I sound braggy sorry I'm just happy!) b/c I've been using a Bellabe hair remover to remove all the hair from my face. My skin has never looked happier, and I believe it's due to these two products forces combined :).

Only downsides: it has a very strong chemically smell. Not pleasant. and the packaging is rather plain and ugly, in my opinion. But considering how much I love the product, I'll tolerate it!

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*TOP REVIEWER* missymarissa on 4/12/2011 8:21:00 PM more reviews by missymarissa

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I'm suprised this didn't work for me after all the raving reviews for Paula's Choice products. But, I am the first to review this particular product so maybe this is not one of thier hotter items. First of all the product description says it's not sticky and it was. I can't stand that..that's enough reason for me to not like it. I didn't like the shiny finish it leaves and my face burned upon application. Didn't notice any amazing results with this and made my nose red (which is where I'm trying to reduce pore size mainly). Currently I'm using MD Forte's glycolic acid line, which has proved to be far superior to this. I will say it's nice that P.C. has samples for purchase that are like .80 a piece, so I was able to try it first..I didn't have to buy the whole bottle and return it. That's a smart thing they did, other cosmetic companies should follow in doing this. There would be a lot less product waste and less hassle for buyers in the long run. So, I may try a few of thier other products but this one was a no.

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*TOP REVIEWER* jootje on 3/13/2011 12:22:00 PM more reviews by jootje

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This is one of my favourite skincare products.
About my skin: I have very clog-prone and slightly sensitive combination skin (normal cheeks, oily t-zone). My main concerns are/were uneven skintexture and clogged pores.
Experience using this product: the first time I used this at night I could just NOT stop touching my face the next day. It was soooo smooth! After a few days I did purge a little from this, but they were small whiteheads that were very easily removed and only in areas that I already had clogged pores. This stopped after a week or so.
I used to use this product daily, but that thinned out my skin too much. I noticed this because my skin took much longer to heal from scars (from impurities) than usual. It usually only takes days for me, but when I used this daily (combined with the 2% BHA) it took weeks. Since I stopped using this (and the BHA) daily my skin is back to it's usual healing speed. I now use this once a week. I don't need to use it more than that either. It's enough to keep my skin smooth all the time.
Long term results: the main thing I've noticed about my skin since using this is an improvement in my skins texture. It has gotten sooo smooth. I also feel my skin has gotten more toned.
Product: it is a clear gel. You only need a tiny drop and it's easy to spread out. On healthy skin it does not sting for me, but on damaged skin (like when I've picked at an impurity) it does sting. This does not last long though. Once it sinks in it makes my skin baby soft. I only use this at night but I guess it could be used under make-up.
I used to use a DIY ACV toner which is also basically AHAs, but that smells like feet. I didn't mind, but my boyfriend wouldn't even give me a goodnightskiss when I had it on, so that's what led me to try this product. I like it much better. It's easier to apply, has no smell and it works better too.
Overall, I really love this. I don't use much skincare products (I believe in less is more) but this is one of the few products I use. I will repurchase.

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*TOP REVIEWER* LizWords on 11/9/2010 8:23:00 PM more reviews by LizWords

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

Update: I've been using this several times a week for several months now. I'm not even half way done with a 4oz bottle. I bumped the score up to 5 lippies as I absolutely love this product. I like it so much I finally decided to invest in some more items from Paula's line. Definitely worth the price tag, as it lasts forever.


I just finished up a sample of this, have used it nightly for about a week. Although I haven't seen a ton of results in terms of scar fading or line lightening, I can see that it's exfoliating well. And so I decided to order a full size bottle because it is the best aha product for the fact that I've used to date. What I like about it is it's light weight, gel consistency and the fact that it also has significant quantities of antioxidants, but doesn't contain any comedogenic ingredients or heavy oils. It soaks right it and allows for me to add my own moisturizer on top of it. I'll be using a couple times a week once I receive my Alpha Hydrox Retinol ResQ and will update again as I progress.

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veraveravera on 10/5/2010 11:45:00 PM more reviews by veraveravera

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Other   Eyes: Blue    

This is great. My skin has cleared up and I got a more radiant and even skintone. I have used for about 2.5 months and I am continuing. It doesn't sting terrible thanks to all the anti irritants in this AHA. Love it!
My skin is quite dry and fair.

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*TOP REVIEWER* LaceyH on 9/14/2010 2:37:00 PM more reviews by LaceyH

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Red, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

i'll start off by saying that i use this in conjunction with Paula's Choice Resist Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel (to get rid of some freckles), so it is a bit difficult to pin all of the results on one or the other.

ALSO, i've only been using these both for about 2 weeks.

Having said that, i'm really impressed with the results so far. i had a baby about 11 weeks ago, and my skin has since been horrible from all of the hormones. i've always struggled with acne, and was ready to try something new. and now i can say that i am finally at a point where i have NO new breakouts, AND less freckles. even better, no oily skin!

i'll update this review after a while =)

UPDATE 11/5/11:
i took a break from this for a while, as i was tring out other stuff. but recently i've started using this again, every other day or so.
still lovin it!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Reservechic on 9/1/2010 8:11:00 AM more reviews by Reservechic

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I love it! It's the best glycolic acid product I have ever tried. It doesn't cause little red bumps to appear, It never makes my face turn bright red, and it actually has some moisturizing properties to it as well. .

This product keeps my skin looking more even toned and smooth. I don't ever plan to be without it!

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athar212000 on 8/21/2010 12:40:00 PM more reviews by athar212000

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Love this! My HG spot treatment, I apply a small amount to each pimple and within half an hour, just before applying my moisturiser hey presto the pimple has shrunk to half its previous size or less! It then works throughout the day/night to bring to a head any remaining pimples. I cannot use all over as oddly enough that causes more pimples to form as do Glycolic peels for me. The packaging is terrible, leaks everywhere, there is a plug of hardened gel around the screw-lid which looks odd but at least it keeps anymore from leaking out when the bottle is tilted.Best to transfer to a different container if you buy it. Price sucks too! Ridiculously expensive to buy in the UK. But despite the negatives, I for one will never be without this!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Fibergash6 on 8/9/2010 5:56:00 PM more reviews by Fibergash6

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium, Cool   Hair: Red, Wavy   Eyes: Green    

I really love this. I don't get much acne but suffer from extremely congested pores. It's gross. After using this for a week, I definitley see a difference. It'll probably take a little longer to help fade old scars but this product is amazing.

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skibunny on 7/21/2010 5:08:00 PM more reviews by skibunny

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I am using 8% Alpha Hydroxy Solution to clear my acne scars. Have been using it for over a month. The AHA makes my skin feel a little bit smoother and the marks are fading.

It doesn't work overnight miracles. It seems to take a few weeks to fade acne marks, but AHA does help.

It doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. Though I only use a small amount in the mornings. It dries up pretty quickly and I'm able to put make-up on ok over it.

It's a bit pricey, even with using a daily small amount of it.

Not sure if I would buy again because of price. The product is ok though and I wouldn't tell anyone not to buy it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Sjess on 7/7/2010 10:14:00 AM more reviews by Sjess

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Red, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

HG!!!!! I absolutely love this!!! Why, of why haven't I found this product sooner LOL! I use this on my face and decollete, and most (acne)scars and wrinkles have disappeared after only a week! Also, in combination with the BHA 1% I also got rid of all my pimples. I use it at night underneath my regular serum and moisturizer (EL Advanced Night Repair and Time Zone). Will keep using it, and definitely will rebuy :)!

EDIT: After using this and the 1%BHA lotion for a longer period I have completely changed my mind :(, it actually made my skin worse! I only had some pimples on my chin, now it is a warzone!!! I have stopped using it now, and I'm hoping that my skin will clear up SOON! This stuff is CRAP!

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yourphatness on 6/16/2010 10:04:00 AM more reviews by yourphatness

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

AWFUL. I used this for only about two weeks, until i received Acne.org's awesome AHA. Thank god for the latter!
PC's AHA turned my skin into an awful flaky mess that no make-up could cover.

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*TOP REVIEWER* SChiara on 6/13/2010 6:00:00 PM more reviews by SChiara

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

I have been using this AHA products for half a year now, and I'm very pleased with the results. I don't suffer from acne, but I do have some redness on my cheeks. This AHA product, combined with the 1% BHA lotion, has really helped with reducing that redness.
I highly recommend using either a BHA or an AHA product regularly. I never use topical scrubs anymore. My skin just glows and my liquid foundation goes on smoother.
~~
How I use the AHA solution:
I only apply this product every other night. One night I'll use the BHA 1% lotion and the other night I'll use this AHA solution. I apply it after cleansing my face with the skin recovery cleanser and then toning with the skin recovery toner (amazing btw). Then after I have applied the BHA or AHA product, I'll finish up with a moisturizer and a serum from PC.
I am not a big fan of using that many products in the morning, so that is why I only apply the AHA solution at night. I have also found that I don't need any more exfoliating than this. In the morning I'll just cleanse and tone my face and then apply a suncreen.
~~
If you're new to this sort of product, just start out by applying a tiny amount once every 3 day or something. And be sure to add extra moisturizer in the beginning, as it might dry out your skin. I have not experienced any difficulties with this product, but I have always been careful not to apply too thick a layer.
~~
PRO's:
- non-irritating (as are all PC products in my experience)
- good price
- creates glowing skin
- reduced redness in my cheeks (combined with the BHA - I can't really say which one in particular accomplished this)
- easy to apply texture - it's possible to apply only a tiny bit, and still cover your whole face
~~
CON's:
- none that I can think of

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Sandyx on 6/1/2010 8:10:00 AM more reviews by Sandyx

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

I've been using this product for quite a while now, but only purchasing the sample size due to very high shipping costs! But i like the samples as i can carry them around when travelling. 1 sample size probably lasts me a week.
I have acne prone/oily skin. I have marks from old breakouts, but I love this product as it leaves me skin smoother and help prevents dryness from any acne product (BP cream). I have noticed a reduction in marks and my skin tone is alot more even.
I use it every night, after BP cream. It can sting at times, but nothing much. I have noticed a difference when i've not used the gel, my skin starts to become more congested again, so I always try to keep stocked up!
I've tried the 2% liquid also, but i find this a bit too drying if used every day and make my skin a tad shiny under make up.
But overall i'd def recommend the 8% AHA!

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hoehoehoe on 5/31/2010 9:54:00 PM more reviews by hoehoehoe

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

This has help to REDUCE my red marks / spots from acne. I am using this with Clinique Even Better Clinical Spot Corrector and results are much more faster.
Totally smooths out the surface of my skin - because of the exfoliation.

tip : initial use of this product DID cause me to break out (for about 3 weeks) but after that, everything went away.

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TheRedDeluge on 5/3/2010 12:23:00 PM more reviews by TheRedDeluge

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

This is a review for Paula's Choice 8% Alpha Hydroxy Acid Gel. I love this stuff and think that it is amazing. I have combination skin and I only apply this twice a week at night after cleansing and then I moisturize. It stings just a bit when you first apply it. But when I wake up in the morning I love how my skin looks. The tone and texture of my skin is improved and it has a great glow to it. It is a great chemical exfoliator. It also helps to prevent clogged pores since it exfoliates the top layer of skin. Love it. The AHA does not penetrate really oily skin too well so it is not the best for that type. But after cleansing the oil is washed away so I think you can still use it. I also like that it is 8%. Some AHA are sold at 10% but I like that this is a little less.

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kkostera on 2/13/2010 11:41:00 PM more reviews by kkostera

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

First i had to look up what i needed AHA or BHA? Well i was looking for an AHA. It has not irritated my skin or caused breakouts.I apply it about every other night, before bed and in the a.m. i use my philosophy microdelivery wash.The most noticeable is the smoothness. Honestly blemishes that are starting to form ....fade a bit, doing so without overdrying. KEY-- use a small amount, less than you think. I use maybe a dime size for my face. The bottle will last you awhile, so its not that $$$... i'll repurchase eventually when i finish :).

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jessgia on 1/23/2010 2:12:00 PM more reviews by jessgia

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

My skin was extremely dry this winter and it was affecting my face by making me both flaky and acne-prone. The first night I used this I noticed a difference in the morning. My skin was remarkably less flaky but not irritated. It has been about a month and I use it before bed every night, and not a stitch of dry skin - and being the middle of winter that's really quite a feat!
The smell is slightly off-putting but it's an acid so that's to be expected. Being a chemist, I would be suspicious of any acid product that didn't smell this way, mainly because this would mean the concentration was low or it has a lot of fragrance/perfumes in it to cover it up.
I will most definitely buy this again and continue to use it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* jenniferjanson on 12/8/2009 10:55:00 AM more reviews by jenniferjanson

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This product is a very good alternative to a retinol cream for deeply exfoliating dry skin. However, I had to stop using it after several faithful years because my skin became semi-permanently inflamed - I had red reactionary patches that didn't go away for over a year after stopping the product. I think many women do what I did - assume irritation means it's working - which it is but if it's happening to you I would strongly suggest you cut back on the number of times you use this product during the week. Give your skin a rest every once is a while. We don't have to torch it like there's no tomorrow.

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