Paula's Choice • Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Lotion Exfoliant [REFORMULATED] • Treatments

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*TOP REVIEWER* izzybella on 2/9/2010 4:22:00 PM more reviews by izzybella

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

I don't think my skin is a fan of this lotion. My pores are less noticeable and skin tone is more even, but my combo skin feels so dry! Also, I've been breaking out in cystic acne around my chin area, which up until recently was relatively clear. I only use this 1x/day in the morning, but due to sensitivity issues I use it once every other day. It's not horrible but it's not the best product I've used either. The consistency is not very moisturizing, so I have to top it with my regular moisturizer (even then, my skin still feels so dry afterwards).

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alea20 on 2/8/2010 11:49:00 AM more reviews by alea20

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

Prior to using this product I had never used a BHA. I was afraid that the BHA would be to harsh for my dry, sensitive skin and that I wouldn't really see results. I've been using PC BHA 1% for a couple of months now and really like the results. A friend I hadn't seen any a while commented on how good my skin was looking; no blackheads, pimples, just great looking skin. I would give it 5 stars except i think the packaging could be improved. Buy this when PC is having a sale; it is worth the money you'll spend.

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blushers on 11/21/2009 11:20:00 PM more reviews by blushers

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Medium, Warm   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

This is the best skincare product on the market! I tried the 2% BHA and that did nothing for me, so I was suprised that a lower BHA concentration was much more effective. I noticed a difference in my complexion the very next day. My skin was clear of blackheads and the texture was smooth and silky. Over time it also helped lighten some dark brown spots I had on my face from hyperpigmentation. The only con is that the price has been raised and now it is only availabe in one size. So what used to cost me about $11.00, now costs me about $20.00. "sigh" Anyway, this is my HG product. I can't rave enough about it. Try it, you won't regret. Besides, if you don't like it, Paula's Choice has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return police within 60 days of purchase.

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Mollybad on 10/20/2009 12:58:00 AM more reviews by Mollybad

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

Price increase warning: Paula's Choice has significantly raised the prices of its product samples while SIGNIFICANTLY reducing their size. If you're thinking about taking these with you on a trip, then you'll pay a LOT for that luxury. It's terribly disappointing. I could see raising the prices on the same-size samples, but to then make the samples SO MUCH smaller (from 4.4 ml. to 1.77 ml., for example) is just agonizing. It's such a greedy move.

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3dogsnight73 on 7/20/2009 5:24:00 AM more reviews by 3dogsnight73

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

i have oily/combo skin with rosacea and i cannot live without this product. the skin thickening has greatly improved and my blackheads have disappeared. i have large pores but that's genetic. at least they are "empty". i use the lotion version in winter and the gel version in summer. they never burn or itch or irritate me. apparently not everyone with sensitive skin/rosacea can tolerate beta-hydroxy acid but i can without a problem. even my redness has calmed down since i started using paula's choice products.

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kelleythegreat on 6/1/2009 7:24:00 PM more reviews by kelleythegreat

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I've been using this lotion for about 2-3 weeks now, once in the morning and once at night after washing my face. Perhaps more time is needed, but I haven't noticed any significant improvement. I purchased it in hopes of having a gentle way to get rid of the blackheads near my lips/nose and even out my skin tone. The only difference I have noticed is that I break out around my mouth at least once every 2-3 days. Maybe it's under-the-skin pimples coming to the surface, or the "pore purging" effect I've seen mentioned on this site, but it's becoming annoying and, not to mention, painful. I'm planning on continuing to use this for at least a couple more weeks, however. On a different note, the formula is very gentle and non-irritating, and only a very tiny amount of product is needed. The packaging, on the other hand, is absolutely terrible - dispensing the product takes way more effort than it should.

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baharh on 5/30/2009 10:38:00 PM more reviews by baharh

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This is actually the only product out of this line that I was impressed with. It really works. My skin is acne prone, and i've noticed that whenever I see blemishes starting to form, when I put this on at night, by morning the blemish is either gone, or considerably less noticeable than left untreated. Love this stuff.

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*TOP REVIEWER* island_honey on 5/25/2009 2:18:00 PM more reviews by island_honey

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I used this BHA for almost 6 years. I think it helped keep my skin clear most of the time and control the oil in the T-zone area. However, if I used it everyday-I would experience clogged pores. When I stopped using it-I would break out. It was a cycle I couldn't break because I couldn't find something better. I will no longer purchase this product in the future.

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*TOP REVIEWER* kitty62 on 4/30/2009 3:52:00 AM more reviews by kitty62

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

Paula's BHA products have been a staple in my skincare routine for years. They're a must for controlling breakouts and keeping my pores degunked. I've tried most of the formulations and strengths, and this 1% lotion is my favorite. It's effective but doesn't sting, irritate or dry me out. I can even use it the night after eyebrow/facial waxing with no problems -- in fact I think it actually helps soothe inflammation. This formula is also the most wearable under makeup since it absorbs quickly and is pretty close to imperceptible. The gels and 2% liquid leave a sticky film which, in my opinion, makes them suitable only for nighttime use. Paula reformulates her products often -- sometimes successfully, sometimes not. So every time I run out of this I keep my fingers crossed that my new bottle will hold the same great stuff. This one still contains parabens, which means it hasn't been redone in awhile. Ingredients as of 4/09:

Water, Cetyl Alcohol (thickener/emollient), Butylene Glycol (water-binding agent), Salicylic Acid (beta hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Allantoin, Bisabolol (anti-irritants), Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol (silicone slip agents), PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer (film-forming agent), Sorbitan Stearate, PEG-40 Stearate, PPG-14 Butyl Ether (thickeners), Propylene Glycol (slip agent), Laureth-7 (emulsifier), Polyacrylamide (water-binding/film-forming agent), C13-14 Isoparaffin (thickener), Sodium Hydroxide (pH balancer), Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Diazolidinyl Urea (preservatives).

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olizax on 4/7/2009 9:20:00 PM more reviews by olizax

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

WORST PRODUCT I'VE EVER BROUGHT!!!! This is the only skincare product that breaks me out. I brought this product to clean my blackheads after i read all the reviews on her website and makeupalley. I have combination/oily skin, and my only concern is blackheads on my face. I dont really have sensitive skin.

I used this product twice. The next morning i woke up I have more than 50 small spots popping up in my face!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! red and itchy!!!!!! Gosh.

This is definitely not a product for everyone. I am throwing mine away immediately.

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*TOP REVIEWER* mapn on 3/27/2009 7:31:00 AM more reviews by mapn

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

I ordered a few sample sachets of the 1 % BHA Lotion from Paula's website. I actually think it made my skin worse! I tried using it for a week and I had constant breakouts. I'm not sure whether it's the actual salicylic acid or other ingredients in the product that don't suit me (for example, it's laden with silicones, and I'm starting to think they are yet another ingredient that my skin doesn't agree with… and believe me, the list is long already :D). I might try the gel or liquid, but the 1 % lotion is definitely not for me. However, I've had great results with Paula's AHA Gel! I've also been using the 2 % BHA Lotion on my body, but don't have much to say about it either, at least not yet.

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*TOP REVIEWER* sakecat22 on 3/26/2009 9:26:00 AM more reviews by sakecat22

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

This stuff does exactly what it is designed to do - lightly exfoliate and help give you beautiful skin. One week of use at night - and what a HUGE difference. My nose pores are practically gone. My skin looks less blotchy. Completely sold on this - and the rest of her skincare system. Don't even have to use very much - it spreads nicely.

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grosch on 3/17/2009 11:18:00 PM more reviews by grosch

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

This lotion is perfect for my ultra-sensitive, acne-prone skin. I've been using this product in conjunction with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide, and my skin is finally under control and looking better each day. The lotion is thin and sinks in quickly, and its anti-irritants leave my skin feeling soothed. Not only are my breakouts under control, but the texture of my skin has also improved. I was surprised that a 1% formulation could be such an effective exfoliant!

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HoneyBear2 on 2/26/2009 12:41:00 PM more reviews by HoneyBear2

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

After reading several reviews I decided to order it, to my surprise I received it within 2-3 days of placing order. I first used it on Monday 3 days ago and I gotta tell you Idk if it's my imagination or what but I truly believe I've found my HG! I applied to face and back of arms, my arms had blackheads and overnight they were nearly all gone, no kidding! My face (cheek area and around nose) Lg pores and blackheads, today my pores appear smaller, I'm not quite sure about blackheads as of yet but I like how my face is looking and feeling. There has been no purge thus far which I was most concerned with. I will definitely buy this again, at least so far as there are no side effects. Sorry my mistake, I have 2% BHA liquid.

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*TOP REVIEWER* stephhamilton on 2/20/2009 5:16:00 PM more reviews by stephhamilton

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

I have been alternating between this and the 8% AHA using them at night and my skin has never felt better. It feels smoother more even and glows again. I'm very happy with this product and would it buy again

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toffeebanoffee on 1/19/2009 10:46:00 AM more reviews by toffeebanoffee

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

I bought some samples of this product to try, as I'd heard incredibly good things about it. For a few days I used the gel all over my face and unfortunately, my skin deteriorated, Bumps came up all over my cheeks and jaw. Now, I wasn't sure if this was due to something else, as I had recently begun using a number of different products, and also, my acne was already becoming worse than it had ever been before, prior to me even trying the Paulas Choice.

So I stopped using it and about 7 months passed, during this time I drastically changed my diet, skincare regime and began taking antiobiotics for acne. I decided now that my skin was almost under control to test out the 1% BHA again. This time only on my jaw area, my chin had been clear for months so I knew if any new acne were to come up, it was not purging, it was simply an adverse reaction to the gel. Low and behold after 3 days of use I had a bunch of new pimples appear.

If you're going to try this out I definitely recommend testing it on a small area of skin first.

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eugena on 1/2/2009 12:12:00 PM more reviews by eugena

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I got this product from Ebay.
It is not that cheap because I need to pay for the international postage. There is not Paula's Choice seller in UK.

I can feel the product works on my skin condition.
Maybe I am typical woman, who would like to see the result faster and better. Therefore, I am upgrading to the 2%.
I wish to get rid of the breakout scars as soon as possible.

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topolissima on 12/30/2008 8:14:00 PM more reviews by topolissima

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

This is a very good product for exfoliating my skin and prepare it for moisturizer. The AHA gets rid of the dead cells and leaves skin nice, smooth and tight. Sometimes I wear the antioxidant serum after this product, or moisturizer.
THe concentration of AHA is low, so never had problems. I don't wear it under eyes, and I put it on at night, because AHA and sun exposure don't work well together.
A really nice exfoliating product, makes lines smoother, and price is reasonable.

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KristyEv on 12/29/2008 1:36:00 PM more reviews by KristyEv

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

I used this product each night before moisturiser and after a few weeks could really notice that my skin was smoother. It started to look more lined and aged though instead of less, so I cut down to only using it a few times a week. I have dry/combination skin which is quite sensitive and didn't have any problems with breakouts. UPDATE: This dried my skin out too much even using it a few times a week so I had to stop using it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* brownie_953 on 12/20/2008 4:45:00 AM more reviews by brownie_953

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Silver, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Paula's Choice 1% BHA Gel does wonders for my skin! This is so gentle, yet effective, that I've used it under my eyes to rid myself of milia(tiny white bumps caused by heavy eye products).

There are no irritants or fragrance in this product. The Beta Hydroxy Acid works to gently clean out pores. And the product has other gentle, skin-friendly ingredients in it like antioxidants and light moisturizers - so if you're an adult with combo skin don't worry about it being dryed out by this product!

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