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

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jentalkin2u on 9/5/2006 8:31:00 PM more reviews by jentalkin2u

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

I used this stuff for over a year. It really cleaned out my pores and usually prevented break-outs. The problems I have with it is the packaging - ugly bottle, plus you can't see through it, like the previous person said. I wish she would sell larger bottles of this, too. Since it's order-only, you need to stock up so you're not ordering all the time. It left my skin sticky for about an hour after applying. Also, I probably should've stepped down to the 1% because it dried out my skin a little too much, especially at the creases of my nose. This product, however, does what it's promised and I do recommend it. Just know that you might need only 1% for more sensitive skin.

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NickelEmily on 9/2/2006 1:21:00 AM more reviews by NickelEmily

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

This stuff is the HG of exfoliators if you have sensitive skin or acnes prone skin (or both). It goes on like water, so you don't feel that build up feeling of lotions and gels. It works great. No smell. No colorants. Great, great, great product!

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*TOP REVIEWER* ChaosAndCandy on 8/30/2006 12:50:00 AM more reviews by ChaosAndCandy

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

I've only used this for a couple days, so I haven't really seen a reduction in clogged pores/blackheads, but if and when I do, I'll update. I think this stuff is really good for combo/oily skin. I use it under my sunscreen and makeup, and I found that it gave me just enough moisture without making me look oily. My makeup also looked smoother. I agree that it takes awhile for it to dry completely, and it feels tacky for awhile. I'm also not thrilled with the bottle--too much spills out. It's very awkward to apply, because I don't want to use a cotton ball (it will soak up all the product!). But I like this so far. I'm impressed with Paula's line. EDIT: Today I noticed what appeared to be blackheads "emerging" from my pores. So I just finished extracting them, and it was really easy to do. I'm also seeing a reduction of clogged pores and blackheads by about two thirds. I can't imagine what my skin will be like in a few weeks. EDIT #2: This stuff is working well. I finally tried sweeping it on with a cotton ball instead of using toner, and I really liked the results (although I still don't like the idea of the cotton soaking up the product). I follow this stuff up with Alpha Hydrox 12% AHA Souffle.

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renee2424 on 8/24/2006 7:34:00 PM more reviews by renee2424

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Hazel    

In theory, this should work really well, and it probably does for other people. I have very unpredictable, tempermental skin, and I thought this would end the constant battle with the acne that I have had since I was a teenager. I liked the idea that it had few ingredients and I could pronounce everything on the ingredients list. It also had the proper pH which supposedly determines whether the bha is effective or not.
This did not work for me at all. Initially, I thought my skin was just adjusting to it and it was cleaning all that junk out of my pores. Well two weeks later, and numerous humongous zits later, I realized it wasn't working. I tried cutting back to every other day, and then once a week, but without fail, everytime I used this I broke out. I'm not talking little zits either. I'm talking big, painful ones. I really think salicylic acid is just not my friend. I've found aha's to work much better for me and my zit issues.

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Nell8 on 8/24/2006 10:24:00 AM more reviews by Nell8

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

Reading Paula's book this year has completely changed the way I look at my skin now and as such I have changed most of my skin products. I use this liquid and alternate it every other night with Cliniques Mild Clarifying Lotion and have had enormous success. My skin is looking so much better, fresher and younger, my open pores have diminished and the texture overall looks much more refined.
Totally pleased and will be definately repurchasing when this bottle runs out, although I think it is my new regime as a whole that is working rather than one product on its own. My two star products finds of this year though are this one and Cliniques Superdefense for oily skin.
UPDATE: I stopped using the clinique clarifying lotion months ago once my skin was really happy with Paula's BHA% liquid and use that everynight instead. However I have recently tried her Weightless 2% Body Treatment on my face (says you can on her site) with a roaring success. It's totally non greasy/sticky (better than the BHA lotion she does for your face which I find too sticky) and think I will reserve the liquid for the summer months as it's just a tad dehydrating for winter and use the Body treatment for the winter. I do also use the 8% AHA gel a couple of times a week too. My skin is loving this regime!!

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lysastone on 8/21/2006 10:39:00 PM more reviews by lysastone

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Wavy   Eyes: Hazel    

This keeps the pores on my nose clean, I use nightly only, after face wash (daily facials). I use occasionally in combination with the benzoyl peroxide from the same line, it keeps my skin tight and shiny. I find the best way to apply is to get a spray nozzle (also thru PC) and spray right on your fingers and apply mostly to nose and chin area. It's not too wasteful; about 2 or 3 spritzes will do. The product is inexpensive. It's a little sticky at first, then my skin gets soft.

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*TOP REVIEWER* SunriseSunset on 8/21/2006 12:52:00 PM more reviews by SunriseSunset

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

For the first few weeks of using this, my skin looked great. The blemishes cleared up nicely and it prevented new ones from forming. Then out of nowhere, I began to break out badly and my skin was irritated and blotchy. The greasiness of the product started to bother me, as did the side effects. My sensitive skin and SA don't mix. I also hated, I repeated hated, the packaging. The solution ended up leaking just about everywhere, staining my drawers and other products. My conclusions on this: not for those with sensitive skin. Ask for samples! Don't just dive in and purchase a full-size because of raves-to each her own.

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*TOP REVIEWER* trshafer on 8/20/2006 12:21:00 PM more reviews by trshafer

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I really love this stuff. I have used it for many months and on different parts of my body. It has cleaned out and reduced the pores on my nose until they are (almost) invisible. I also use it on the back of my upper arms to exfoliate the dead skin around hair follicles, making them incredibly smooth. It only takes a small amount every three days or so now to keep my skin in great shape.

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Jaqueta on 8/4/2006 7:40:00 AM more reviews by Jaqueta

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

This is an HG product for me. I've tried all kinds of products in my quest to get rid of blackheads and nothing has ever worked-until this. It's very soothing on my face (I attribute this to the product's small number of ingredients....the less ingredients, the less chance something will break me out) and goes on slightly sticky but dries to a smooth finish, and no frgrance that I can detect. I like that it comes in a plastic bottle with a "shaker-type" top so that you can dispense just the right amount without pouring it all out at once. It amazes me that it can be so gentle, yet so effective in clearing my skin. I have always had this idea that something meant to fight blemishes and blackheads should tingle, or burn. This doesn't burn at all, yet after just two weeks of use I've noticed my skin purging a tiny bit and my blackheads beginning to sort of slough off of my pores. They are easy to extract now and I can't believe how good my skin is looking. Not to mention that the price is very reasonable- but I would buy it if it were twice the price!

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*TOP REVIEWER* michkal on 8/2/2006 7:52:00 PM more reviews by michkal

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This must be the best BHA product I have tried. I prefer this to the lotion form, as that one felt slimy on my skin. I purchased the spray top, and I spray the product onto a pad and apply. It doesn't feel like anything once it is on, and makes my skin feel smooth. I like that it is irritant free, and that I can trust her products to be effective exfoliants. So far this in combination with her blemish treatment has not dried out my skin, but my skin is clearing up well.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Pheebie on 8/1/2006 1:27:00 PM more reviews by Pheebie

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

This product is absolutely amazing and a staple for me – I CANNOT be without it. I began using it 6 months ago, and for those past 6 months I have had incredibly blemish-free skin. Me! I can’t tell you how incredible that is. What’s especially remarkable is that the super-suffocating, ultra-humid New Orleans summer is in full swing, and still no breakouts – not one!
I love that it has a substantial amount of BHA but no alcohol (which is hard to find – I’ve tried.) The price is great, too. Since I can’t bear to be without this liquid miracle, I usually stock up and buy two or three bottles when she has a special on her shipping.
If you’re prone to blemishes, you MUST try this product.

All that being said, the only drawback is that, due to the lack of alcohol, it takes a while to dry, so in the meantime, your skin feels a little tacky. But I only use this at night, and I find my skin will feel “normal” and completely dry about 45 minutes to an hour after applying. Not a bad tradeoff for the amazing results it delivers.
Try it!

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kitnkat3104 on 7/29/2006 5:45:00 PM more reviews by kitnkat3104

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

I got this to help with the stubborn blackheads I have in my T zone, (mostly on my nose and chin). It is really helping to clear them up, they are not gone yet but I am hopefull that will happen soon. I have very sensitive skin and this hasn't irritated it at all, I use it twice a day, in the morning I just use it on my T zone and avoid my cheeks and at night I use it all over my face and neck. This is a definite repurchase.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Shmabby on 7/26/2006 12:11:00 AM more reviews by Shmabby

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I have serious undying blackheads. Blackheads that will cling to my face until my very last breath. I also have very oily skin that can be extremely flakey and dry at the same time. Enter Paula's Choice 2% BHA lotion. While it doesn't do any miricles for me it is gentle enough that I can use it when my face feels irritated/dry as a moisturizier. It's like guilt-free moisture for oily skin, you know you shouldn't use a moisturizer, and so instead you use this and avoid the guilt. I always like to have this on-hand for my poor face.

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JasonPToms on 7/14/2006 5:33:00 PM more reviews by JasonPToms

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I used this lotion and it has had no effect...I will stick with my daily cleansing routine...

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JavaBeaner on 7/13/2006 3:44:00 PM more reviews by JavaBeaner

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

This burned the life out of my skin. No matter how little I use this (once a day, or even once a week) it's given me the type of red-blotchy-burn that I got when I washed with 10% BP way back in the day (think sunburned)


I was expecting a toner - - this is more like a 'liquidish' lotion. It left my skin feeling tacky to the touch. Not to mentioned severely burning! And I do not consider myself one with overly sensitive skin either.


I just started using Sea Breeze Actives (remember that stuff?) with 1% SA in it, and THAT is my cup of tea when it comes to toner+topicalBHA in one!! :-)

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maia74 on 7/12/2006 11:31:00 PM more reviews by maia74

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I was excited to try this...I often get acne on my back in the summer, and from the glowing reviews for this product I decided to try in in the liquid formula, as it was specified that is the strongest. I've been using it for a few weeks now with BP lotion when I can, and it really hasn't done a thing. It's really difficult to reach those hard spots with even a jumbo-sized cotton ball (I should've gotten the gel formula). I did buy the spray head for it, but the little rubber piece on the inside is IMPOSSIBLE to remove. I even used tweezers and it wouldn't budge! I'm pretty disappointed, but I keep using it in hopes that one day it might start working...wish me luck!

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lunamoth on 7/12/2006 8:37:00 PM more reviews by lunamoth

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Other    

I have been using Paula's Choice 2% BHA lotion for years because it works! It is a gentle yet effective exfoliant. I have found that consistent use of this product prevents rough bumpy skin. I use it twice a day on problem areas and never have experienced dryness or irritation. This is one product that I stock up on because it gives me smooth and clear skin.

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*TOP REVIEWER* anniele on 7/7/2006 12:54:00 PM more reviews by anniele

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Tan   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I must say that while this did a pretty good job of keeping my skin clear (which is a huge accomplishment, as I'm pretty acne-prone), I have to admit that I much prefer Olay's Total Effects Anti-Aging Anti-Blemish moisturizer with 1.5% BHA. Paula's Choice may have kept my skin clear, but the Olay moisturizer changed the entire feel and texture of my skin overnight (see my review on that for more info). Also, the Olay did a much better job of cutting down on the blackheads on and around my nose, where Paula's Choice made no difference at all, and it also dried out my skin somewhat. I'm returning it to the company, but before I give up on Paula's Choice, I think I'll try the 1% lotion or gel to see if that works better.

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Nadusha on 7/5/2006 4:25:00 PM more reviews by Nadusha

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

Just wanted to add that this gentle yet powerful formula has the highest amount of antioxidant green tea comparing to other Paula's peels. Therefor it calms my skin greatly. It might be used under regular mosturizer but I prefer to use it by itself since it's summer. Great value for the price too. My skin defenetly looks better now even though I stoped doing facial cleansing masks weekly. Amazing product for these with normal to oily skin.

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pr3m0 on 6/29/2006 8:08:00 PM more reviews by pr3m0

Age: Unknown   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

i got a sample of the 2% lotion, used for a week straight.
my dry/oily skin texture changed in a good way. it got much smoother, and the flaky dryness completely went away. my skin was still oily, but you can't really do anything about that in the middle of a frikkin hot summer.
YET, i ended up getting TWO cystic pimples. the last time i got a pimple that was cystic was well over a year ago. i know other people have reported this problem..too bad i just ordered the BHA lotion before the two pimples surfaced. will TRY it for another two weeks, and will report back. im considering trying the liquid version, since thats what many of the people who broke out from the lotion formula converted to.

edit: decided not to use this product again. the cysts were the biggest pain to deal with, and the marks they've left behind are a bigger pain.

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