Paula's Choice • Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Gel Exfoliant • Treatments

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katienurse on 4/9/2009 8:59:00 AM more reviews by katienurse

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

They reformulated this and used xanthan gum instead of cellulose. It almost feels like a slghtly thick toner now and doesn't leave a film on the skin. I use this at night and love it. It is even better than the 1% lotion. It keeps my skin smooth and is very gentle yet effective!

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*TOP REVIEWER* na8i on 10/12/2008 6:04:00 AM more reviews by na8i

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I swapped for this after trying the 2 % BHA lotion which became a little too much for my oily skin in the summer (applied daily the lotion consistency counteracted the BHA, but not much, though). The 1 % BHA gel is a much better consistency for my skin, I can apply it daily without getting more blackheads. My flakies are gone too, and my foundation stays on much longer. However, the BHA itself is not strong enough to get rid of the blackheads entirely. They are way fewer than before, but they are still there. A nice plus though is that they are easy to get rid of manually, I just squeeze a little and they pop out. I just don't like doing that very often... Recommend this to oily and sensitive skin before stepping it up to the 2 %. Will try the 2 % BHA gel and liquid next!

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dogsinfl on 7/6/2008 6:06:00 AM more reviews by dogsinfl

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

The BHA lotion was too heavy for my oily skin and the 2% liquid was lighter but slimy, but the gel was just right! It's cool and greaseless and disappears into my skin (once it dries; it is a bit tacky prior to that). Right now I alternate the 2% liquid (to be replaced by the gel when I run out) and the Extra Strength Blemish Fighting Solution (5%, skin a little tight right now) at night with the toner and 1% BHA gel in the morning. I initially tried the day and night anitoxidant products too but I just can't get into either one. I did have initial break outs with this routine (agitated by stress and hormones), but my skin is much smoother and slowly clearing. I abandoned these products years ago and have returned yet again after many failed skin routines (proactiv, philosophy, murad, dr. brandt PNM). Prices have definitely gone up, but this line is still a great value. Speaking of cost, I almost always add pumps for whatever bottles I'm ordering; it's a small cost but it's beginning to annoy me that they're not built-in after all these years. But I still appreciate that with PC you know exactly what you're getting, with no hype or ridiculous promises. Industry products have come a long way since Paula started, but they haven't stopped exaggerating (everyone) or flat out lying (lumedia, strivectin, etc.).

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*TOP REVIEWER* babykitten9 on 7/5/2008 8:19:00 AM more reviews by babykitten9

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Other    

This review would be similar to the one which I already left for 2% BHA liquid. Only the gel version is a little more gentle and I would use it in colder months when I don't need that much exfoliation but need more moisture. It leaves a slightly sticky finish, therefore I only use it the evening. The sheen it leaves behind doesn't bother me too much. It works and that what matters.
Will buy it again!

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caradiangela on 3/28/2008 1:14:00 PM more reviews by caradiangela

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I'm in love with this treatment. I was experiencing extra-ordinary flaking, mostly on my chin. Every time I tried to solve this with moisturizer, I would break out. On the Paula's Choice website I read that dry (and flaking) skin could benefit from gentle exfoliation. After some more research, I decided to order her 1% BHA gel, still being a little weary about it. I am not acne-prone and/or very oily, so I was afraid this would possibly irritate my skin too much.
But it totally hasn't, so far! (Been using it for 3 weeks now.) In fact, on me this works like a charm. The flakiness is gone, my skintone is more even and just the overall appearance is close to flawless at the moment! I put this on in the morning, just like a regular daily moisturizer. I'm using it very sparingly, otherwise the residue will form that shiny, tacky film on your face, which will come off during the day!
I can use this every day without any redness, dryness, flaking or other irritation to occur. I love it and will continue using as long as my skin needs to!

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AnnieRocco on 3/22/2008 12:51:00 PM more reviews by AnnieRocco

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

tried the sample baggie of this. used about 2 weeks plus. dosent help much. and i hate the shininess n stickiness. its super shiny and super sticky! i feel my skin dosent reacts well with gel... everytime i applied any gel onto my skin, flakes appears...(not my skin that is flaking, its the gel coming off in flakes!). dosent like the flaky look and the sticky feeling. wont repurchase.

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itsmekylie on 1/9/2008 12:13:00 AM more reviews by itsmekylie

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

I wanted sooo badly for this to work and be a dream product. I used it for around 1 1/2 months and ended up very disappointed. At first my very clogged pores seemed a tiny bit less so, but as weeks passed, I ended up with more clogged pores than ever, and in places I never had them before!!! :( This actually made my skin worse. Plus it made me break out in tiny pimples on my cheeks. I am trying the 2% liquid to see if it's more effective...

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*TOP REVIEWER* verolyn on 10/13/2007 10:08:00 PM more reviews by verolyn

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

Usually use 2%, but my that became too strong after several months, and I had irritation and broken capillaries around my nose. I was convinced 1% wouldn't work for my stubborn blackheads, but this is working wonderfully. It is very sticky, and leaves my face shiny enough to signal ships through a foggy night, but I only wear it at night. I prefer the gel for ease of spreading on the skin. I used to think PC was too expensive to get BHA from, but it's $15.95 for 4 ounces, versus the $6-7 I'd pay for a 1/2 ounce of Neutrogena Rapid Clear gel. PC works out to a better deal, especially when she offers free shipping. Great product, especially now that's it's getting colder and I need gentler products.

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NarnianLady on 8/26/2007 5:37:00 PM more reviews by NarnianLady

Age: Unknown   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I have been using this product since spring, and it has brought my skin a definite improvement in the terms of both texture and smoothness. The clogged pores near my chin and other cheek are getting less and less noticeable, and my nose has cleared up as well.
Have been using this also on my chest at those little bumps, and have noticed some results.
However, I do prefer the PC 1 % lotion and think I'll purchase that in the future. I had a sample of that, and liked the results better... The gel is supposed to be able to penetrate the pores more effectively, but I felt on my skin it was the lotion that performed better...
The gel can leave a plastic-type residue when used on generous amounts, and there is always a little residue left on the bottle's opening that's very unappealing.
Will definitely try the lotion when this bottle is finished.

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jupiterxogardenia on 8/24/2007 9:45:00 AM more reviews by jupiterxogardenia

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I am on my fourth bottle of this. Besides from cleanser and moisturizer, I think this is THE most significant item in my skincare routine. I started out with the 2% BHA and it was too strong for my skin and I got a bad reaction. I also used the liquid version but found it annoying to have to apply it with a cotton pad and that seemed to irritate my skin as well. The 1% gel is perfect for me. After I wash my face I apply a thin layer of this before applying anything else and it seems to dissapate quickly. 24 hours after application, my skin looks so smooth, clear, and glowing.

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*TOP REVIEWER* treyscrap on 5/4/2007 12:13:00 AM more reviews by treyscrap

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I'm on my third night of using this 1% BHA Gel twice a day. I had a face full of stress and hormone related zits when I tried this so I didn't expect much. Literally, there wasn't one place on my face that was clear. Six uses later of this magical lotion and I only have two zits left and they are almost totally healed. I also had a bumpy hive like rash that is now gone. This gel is really really good so far!!! PROS: no irritation, no dryness, no flaking, cleared up both zits and hives in six uses. CONS: none yet! This goes on like a thin serum and you only need a tiny bit. I like to let it sink in totally before my next step of sunscreen and that usually takes about 10-15 minutes. I haven't found that it balls up or stays sticky...maybe those reviewers are using too much? It's easy to do because it doesn't look like it would spread as well as it does. I'll update in another week or so :) ***UPDATE*** I've been using this for over two weeks now and I went through a period of about 4 days where my face was suuuuuper oily. It was clear, but oily. Very strange for me :) I've been using my Avon Pore Fection mask more often and now the oiliness is under control. Maybe it's something my skin had to get used to, or maybe it was the mask but now that period is over and I'm still loving this BHA. I did stop using it for two days and my face started to act up again...I went running back!!!

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RunnyBabbit on 3/21/2007 3:46:00 PM more reviews by RunnyBabbit

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Red, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Sticky, sticky, sticky! I could not believe the thick, sticky film this gel left on my face. I waited for 30 minutes for it to absorb into my skin, but no luck. Finally I just washed it off. I much prefer the 1% lotion (love the lotion!), rather than this gel.

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jq1234 on 2/17/2007 7:10:00 PM more reviews by jq1234

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Great BHA product. Light, soothing, a little is all you need under other product. I use it in the morning (alternate with 2% BHA gel), it works great for my oily and blemish prone skin.

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gingerc on 12/14/2006 11:04:00 AM more reviews by gingerc

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

I have very oily skin. I knew that I wanted to add a BHA to my skincare routine. I didn't want to go too strong so I started with the 1% gel. It has really helped clear my skin. I had a tiny bit of purging the first week I used this. But now I think everything is under control. My skin seems to be clearer. I use this at night. I recommend this. I think the 1% is great for my skin in winter. In the summer I prefer the 2% BHA gel.

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LLeechok on 11/12/2006 11:29:00 PM more reviews by LLeechok

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I have super sensitive skin that always seems to burn whenever I apply AHA or BHA products. When I say burn, I mean that my skin literally burns off, leaving broken and open skin. I am happy to say that Paula's Choice's BHA gel did not burn my skin and helped with my blemishes. I do not put this all over my face. I use it as a spot treatment and on my chin and nose area. This definitely helped to minimize spots and did not cause them to turn red and aggravated. The only thing I do not like about this product is that it tends to ball up, so I don't use it in the day time, but this is the only acne treatment that works well for me.

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*TOP REVIEWER* SunriseSunset on 9/8/2006 5:47:00 AM more reviews by SunriseSunset

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Paula's products and my skin just don't seem to mix. They work fine for about 2 weeks, then I get all red, blotchy, and I break out. Happens with EVERY SINGLE PRODUCT I've used in her line.

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pinky33 on 7/6/2006 7:41:00 PM more reviews by pinky33

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

First a little about me: I have very mild rosacea, ultra sensitive skin and minor breakouts (associated with the rosacea) I'm very fair. Mildly oily t-zone, normal elsewhere (can be dry in winter)

I really liked this 1% BHA gel. Texture is good for my skin. The 1% is perfect. I think the 2% would be too harsh for me. (but I did request a sample and will use it in the future to compare.)
I feel like it's gentle enough for my sensitive skin but it keeps my pores clean and does NOT irritate my already red skin. I can use salicylic acid with no problem but my skin howls in protest if I use benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid.
This is my first time using Paula's choice and I'm very pleased. Will be ordering more from her line.

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nsomniak6 on 6/30/2006 12:52:00 PM more reviews by nsomniak6

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

LOVE LOVE LOVE this! I have had very few problems with my skin if I use this consistenly. I don't have any problems with flaking or anything else. It soaks in to my skin doesn't dry it out even in the winter. I can't say enough good things about this product!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Emma13 on 6/2/2006 4:47:00 AM more reviews by Emma13

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

I haven't been using this for long enough really (2-3 weeks) but I like it. I have combination skin and found the lotion formula a bit much for my oily t-zone especially in summer time. This gel is very economical to use - a tiny drop goes a long way. I don't use moisturiser on top of it at night, now that it's hot and humid, and I have no need to. The flakiness I used to suffer from has all gone (I've switched to PC balancing cleanser and toner, too). My chin has fewer clogged pores, but nothing so far has managed to budge the pesky blackheads on my nose: if this stuff clears them it will truly be a Holy Grail! (I might just try the 2% gel next though). No irritation at all from this, using once daily at night only.

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SonyaGA on 5/29/2006 2:47:00 PM more reviews by SonyaGA

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

As I've stated before, I've used several of Paula's BHA products. This 1% Gel is great for summer when my skin tends to get oiler. It is light and doesn't really add moisture to the skin the way the 1% lotion does. This goes on easily and you don't have to use very much so the 4 oz bottle goes a really long way. It leaves my skin looking and feeling wonderful and really helps keep me from getting breakouts. I like the 1% lotion for winter use and this 1% gel for summer. I also tried the 2% liquid but found that it is too much for my skin. It cause dryness and flaking. The 1% versions seem to be just right. Since I've started using Paula's products 10 months ago, my skin has gone from being very oily with frequent breakouts to being normal to slightly oily with only occasional breakouts. I highly recommend trying her line. Samples are easily obtainable and her return policy is the best I've ever seen. Simply the best!

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