Paula's Choice • RESIST BHA 9 • Treatments

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*TOP REVIEWER* LizWords on 5/10/2013 9:07:00 PM more reviews by LizWords

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

This is one of the best spot treatments on the market. Perfect for stopping a zit at the first sign, and amazing at unclogging blocked pores. I find this the most effective BHA product I have ever tried, and I've tried a lot.


I do not use it all over my face, just on trouble spots, so the full bottle lasts a very long time. In fact, the sample lasted me a very long time too, i would definitely suggest buying a sample or two and giving it a try if you have issues with acne and/or clogged pores.

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lexabee on 5/3/2013 12:39:00 AM more reviews by lexabee

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight   Eyes: Brown    

I believe the texture of this product is what caused me to breakout, if that makes ANY sense; because none of the ingredients listed should have caused any problems. It is a hit or miss, I wanted to try it after a beauty guru on youtube was raving about how it cleared up his bumps literally overnight. For me it was a miss and yes it does feel like you are putting oil or hair serum on your face.

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Happythenjaded on 4/28/2013 8:52:00 PM more reviews by Happythenjaded

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

I did initially like this until I tried the PC 2% and 5% AHA and BHA's. This one seems like it worked less than the other 2 and its double the price for more than half of the product.... it did help but not as much as the others.

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Amanda881 on 4/26/2013 4:34:00 PM more reviews by Amanda881

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I use it as a spot treatment primarily on my nose and dotted onto individual blemishes, so the price is quite reasonable. Before purchasing the full-size tube I tried the sample size from PC and that lasted me a couple of months. Based on that, I anticipate the full size tube with probably last me 6-8 months. The product has a nice slip. A dot barely bigger than the size of a pinhead is enough to cover my nose. It absorbs completely in a few minutes, but does have a slightly tacky finish so I would wear it at night as a treatment rather than under makeup. I apply it after my cleanser, toner, exfoliant, and retinoid. I haven't had any irritation or redness even though my skin is on the sensitive side and reacts to overly harsh products. My nose used to break out in inflamed pimples, plugged pores and overall seemed very rough. This product smooths the skin, fades redness and keeps my hormonal breakouts under control. I recommend giving it a try in the sample size if you have adult acne and need something not quite as harsh as BP!

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emily0212 on 4/9/2013 9:15:00 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.

Good lord, this stuff is expensive. I've used it for three nights now, I don't see much of a difference. I've been putting it on my rosacea pastules and papules to try to get rid of them. Will keep using up the tiny sample and then update my review.

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ClaireF24 on 4/7/2013 6:34:00 AM more reviews by ClaireF24

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Green    

This is a highly unique product, but it takes time to work, so don't expect results overnight. I had to use it three to four nights a week for a month to see the results I was looking for.

I use one pump all over mixed with my regular exfoliant three or four nights per week. In the morning I cleanse, tone, and exfoliate with my regular exfoliant. I think the key is being consistent with this product.

Use up rate for me was about 6 weeks. I repurchased because I think it is a great add-on treatment especially if you have stubborn blackheads or whiteheads.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Cat1104 on 4/5/2013 4:19:00 PM more reviews by Cat1104

Age: Unknown   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

5/1/13 UPDATE: Downgrading this to 1. It seemed to work well for me the first couple months (used sparingly), but I've had more pimples pop up lately in areas where I've used BHA 9, so I think it's the culprit. It didn't seem to be doing anything, so I used it several nights in a row and it really dried out my skin and caused more breakouts. I think the SA becomes ineffective after repeated exposure to air, so this might be better in the full-sized container afterall (if it's airtight), but I'm definitely not spending the money on it. ORIGINAL review: I tried PC's 2% BHA liquid a few times in the past with a negative reaction each time, so I'm not sure why I decided to give this one a try. I bought it with spot-treating in mind, and I'm actually quite surprised by the results. My skin is sensitive, oily/dehydrated, prone to clogged pores and occasional inflamed pimples that are sometimes cystic (hormonal as they usually happen around my period). After reading through the reviews, I think samples are the way to go. I bought 3 of them for under $13 shipped while there was a % off. A deluxe sample comes in a small .03 ounce vile, like a typical perfume sample. I put a clean fingertip over the vile opening and turn upside down to get some product on my finger, then I dip a clean eyeliner brush into what's on my fingertip and dab it onto any spots on my face. A little goes a long way; I've been using the same vile for almost 2 months with a bit left. I tend to use only as needed, and I've found it really does take down the swelling and sometimes the pimple is almost gone by morning. Of course, some pimples are worse than others and require more than one treatment, but overall this works well for me. I'm pleasantly surprised.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Deandra on 3/29/2013 12:52:00 PM more reviews by Deandra

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I have been using Paula's BHA products for several years. She offers several that are all good and reasonably priced. BHA 9 is a new addition to her BHA options - other formulations include a gel for oily skin and lotions for dry skin. If this potent serum doesn't suit you, I'd encourage you to check out the other BHA products which are available in sealed foil sample sizes if you're reluctant to commit to a whole bottle without trying first. In general, I like BHA products for their ability to exfoliate skin gently and encourage cellular turnover. I tend to apply my skin treatment products at night. When I use BHA 9 at night, I wake up with a smoother, more even skin tone with no irritation and a nice glow. Naturally, I am also eating healthy, which helps. I am also alternating my use of this product with Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant in the blue tube. I feel the BHA 9 is a more amped-up potion - I see results faster than with similar products. However, it does have a glossy "serum" texture, and if you don't like that I'd urge you to try the BHA gel. Those with inflammatory skin conditions often find that they tolerate BHA products well because they contain salycylic acid, the same ingredient in aspirin, which is soothing when applied topically to the skin.

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*TOP REVIEWER* inmyopinion on 3/17/2013 5:39:00 PM more reviews by inmyopinion

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive, Warm   Hair: Silver, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

Fantastic for sebaceous hyperplasia, those pesky age- and sun-related exuberant, well " warty" skin-colored outgrowths that seem to crop out overnight. I would give it a 6/5 for that- apply the BHA9 over just the hyperplasia with a lip brush, and it disappears in 2-3 days. If I skip a day or two, it comes right back. So far, so good, but......The container dispenses unpredictable amounts, sometimes too little, sometimes WAAAYYY to much, squirts all over the place, so I give the packaging a 2. In terms of black heads, it's pretty decent, especially if you use a lip brush just to dot in on top of the blackhead, otherwise you may find it too drying for the rest of the skin. PS I use a retractable lip brush just for ease of application..

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liseyloo on 3/15/2013 6:05:00 AM more reviews by liseyloo

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

Heartbroken! I'm usually a huge PC fan, but this stuff is rubbish! First of all, the texture is a light oil, which is just.. odd. Secondly, the (tiny) vial leaks, so be very careful and always store it upright. Thirdly, I saw no results whatsoever! None! I smeared this greasy stuff on every night for a week and NOTHING. For fast-acting zit-zapping, I'll stick to my beloved Acne.org 10% AHA lotion. Very disappointed in this "miracle" product.

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KaisiK on 2/28/2013 12:54:00 AM more reviews by KaisiK

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

This product is AMAZING! Just love it! I had lot of small pimples and pums and stuff around my shin area and they are almost gone! I just ordered a sample size of it and I have used it for a week now and I still have half of it left because you don't need lot of it, just a pea size. Just ordered a full size, just in case I finish the sample and need emergency treatment in future :)
A bit expensive for such a small size but I am more than happy to pay that money to get rid of these pimples.

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*TOP REVIEWER* outdoorsgal on 2/26/2013 1:47:00 AM more reviews by outdoorsgal

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I ordered a couple of samples of this stuff and I liked it enough to order the full size.
I was expecting a good size bottle of this stuff and to my surprise, I ended up getting this small vial. I suppose the rationale is that I just need a tiny bit of this BHA 9 for breakouts.

This stuff does help with breakouts that are emerging. I put it on a breakout and by the next day, it had subsided.

The texture is slippery and may feel 'slimy'.
When I use it, I feel a strong tingling sensation for about 5 minutes and then it goes away.
I wouldn't recommend it if your skin is very sensitive. Mine is but I've been using Retin-A for the past number of years and it seems to have developed a tolerance to chemical exfoliants.

I hope Paula's Choice gives a larger amount of product for the price point.
Other than that, I'd consider buying it again.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Hawko on 2/19/2013 10:33:00 PM more reviews by Hawko

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I figured to try BHA for a change since I always have good result with glycolic/AHA 10-12%.
This stuff is gluey to begin with, not a comfortable feeling on the skin, usually with AHA, I see smoother clearer skin in just 2 applications (before bedtime).
This stuff does not offer any, I mean ANY improvement at all.
Total waste of time & money.

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whitekitty on 2/19/2013 8:55:00 PM more reviews by whitekitty

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Purchased two products and used them in succession and got no results that are claimed. No millia reduction, no pore reduction. Left a review on Paula's website and it didn't get published. Interestingly, my positive reviews are published. Definitely heavy censoring is taking place. Not only the product didn't work, the company has no integrity. Lame. Had I known that other people got no results, I wouldn't had ordered. But given the glowing reviews I also wanted miracles. I just didn't realize that not so glowing reviews are simply not published.

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GStelz on 2/17/2013 9:10:00 AM more reviews by GStelz

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

Wow - I'm surprised by the negative reviews. Luckily, I have found what I hope to be an HG product.

I got the BHA 9 to try and clear out stubborn congestion. My chin has very tiny bumps on it. They're slightly reddish and I'm not sure what to call them but they're definitely clogged pores; nothing seems to have worked on them so far. I also have some blackhead issues on my nose and I will get the occasional whitehead on my chin or above my mouth/below my nose (aside: is this weird or what?! I think it might be because of all the lip balms I slather on my lips??).

So. The sample of the BHA 9 came in the mail on Friday. It comes in a little glass vial like a perfume sample would. Friday night I used it all over my entire face, and put a little extra dab on top of new blemish that was about two days old and still growing (I wouldn't go so far as to call it cystic but it was pretty deep and very angry). Normally, this thing would have continued to grow for another few days and maybe have come to a head. The BHA 9 stopped it dead in its tracks. Saturday AM, the thing no longer hurt and the inflammation was going down. I used the product again, but as a spot treatment only on the zit, during my Saturday AM routine. By Saturday PM it was again noticeably smaller and less irritated. I used the BHA 9 all over my entire face during my Saturday PM routine. It is now Sunday morning and this thing is nearly gone. I am so shocked. I normally give a product at least two weeks before I review it but I couldn't help it. I am that impressed.

I plan to come back and update the review as to its efficacy regarding clearing out my T-zone congestion after a few weeks.

This product is slimy and does feel a bit filmy on the skin, which is what other reviewers said who gave it negative marks. A product's texture is vitally important however I find I can easily deal with the texture of this because I use it at night. It does soak in eventually and since I go to bed immediately after I do my PM skin care routine I am not awake to worry about it (not that it bothers me so much anyway). I would not use this all over my whole face during the AM and you're not even supposed to. As a spot treatment in the AM, though, it's fine. My makeup went over it just fine. No pilling or anything annoying. Someone mentioned they returned this so they could just buy the BHA 2%. I like the BHA 9 MUCH BETTER than the BHA 2%. I didn't feel the 2% did that much. The 9 is far more effective.

I got my BHA 9 sample for free from Paula's Choice. I contacted them on their website via their email form. I gave them all my skin care gripes and listed all the products I was using and what I was trying to accomplish (clear congestion, slow down line/wrinkle formation). A nice lady replied and asked for my address. Two days later I had samples. If you're confused about her products or what you should use definitely reach out to them. I was planning to buy completely different products from her website but will now buy the ones recommended to me b/c they're AWESOME! Good luck, everyone!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Angeldoll on 2/16/2013 10:41:00 PM more reviews by Angeldoll

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I have combo, acne prone. Blackheads, enlarged pores and slight acne scarring and red marks. This product just didn't give me any results, I also could not stand the texture. It felt very oily and I felt like my skin was being smothered and clogged even further. I much prefer the bha liquid 2% to this, as that is light, sinks in nicely and clarifies my skin. I won't be purchasing this again.

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buffgirl23 on 2/13/2013 5:13:00 PM more reviews by buffgirl23

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Purchased this product and returned it after using it twice; I couldn't stand the oily, greasy feel of it on my skin. The instructions are to use it at night before bed but it was like waking up to a grease pit on my face.

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*TOP REVIEWER* flairgirl8 on 1/12/2013 6:44:00 PM more reviews by flairgirl8

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

I have combination skin with large pores and blackheads and really no acne problems. I really believed this product was going finally be the thing that would de-clog my large pores with a whopping 9% of salicylic acid and all. Alas, it does not do anything for my skin but cause HUGE pimples.

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Pinky911 on 1/9/2013 6:48:00 PM more reviews by Pinky911

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

Okay, so a disclaimer. I refused to buy a whole bottle of this stuff, so I've been ordering 2-3 little sample tubes every few weeks and using as sparingly as possible. Yep, I'm cheap and I'm not completely sold on this product just yet. I've been applying at night only for about 2 to 2.5 weeks, focusing on my problem areas (forehead, nose, temples, chin, and upper cheekbones where I get the majority of my black heads and clogged pores and little bumps). This product does not seem to help at all with active blemishes or cysts. At least not on me. Its hard to say if the little bumps I get on my forehead and temples are less or just staying the same? Its sort of driving me crazy, because in some lighting I think I see a definite improvement and then in others I think, "no change". Zip, zero. Hmmm...I'm going to invest more time and minimal money into continuing use of this product. I will say it doesn't seem to cause breakouts and it feels sort of oily/sticky when you first apply it, but after that it sinks in and feels nice. I have started applying after I put on my Jojoba oil on my face, allowing it to dry and then applying the BH9. I'm hoping this helps with the penetration into my pores. I love my Jojoba oil and highly recommend it for your face and body.

05/20/13 Update: stopped using this product after a few weeks, did not notice any difference.

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ShailahJade on 1/8/2013 2:33:00 AM more reviews by ShailahJade

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Update (2/10/13): CS emailed me and let me know that they gave me a refund for this product even though I noticed it was outside of the 60 day window. The rep also said I could email her about my skin care routine. This made me VERY happy! I have never dealt with their CS dept before, but I am impressed so far.

Edit (2/2/13): I'll admit my original review was scathing as another member pointed out to me, so I edited it to try to make it more objective. Per her suggestion, I have contacted CS to give them feedback on the product. I will update again when I get a response from CS.

I normally only use PC products (except for sunscreens, as her's either make me break out or my face is crazy shiny or pasty white).
Here is why I bought it:
1. I get cystic outbreaks sometimes, and hoped BHA9 would clear up the painful and HUGE bumps quicker.
2. I get red marks from those bumps, even if I never touch them.
3. I wanted to get rid of the blackheads on my nose and upper cheeks that I've had since I was a teen....so a good 16 years or so!
4. I have a wrinkle developing on my forehead and was hoping BHA9 would smooth it out.
5. I cannot use any AHA products anymore (breakouts!), or anything with retinol or niacinamide (worse breakouts!), and I suspect the only serum I can use (RESIST serum) was clogging my pores. I saw there was an ultra light water based serum that just came out, but it has niacinamide in it. Darn! I was hoping this product would fade brown spots since the new skin brightener has niacinamide too. I'm terrified of hydroquinone after reading some of the reviews of peoples' skin turning brown from it.

Unfortunately, it didn't work for me in all areas. My cystic bumps did not heal any faster, my red marks lasted much longer than they normally do (strange?), the blackheads are still there and it didn't unclog whiteheads, the wrinkle is still there, and my skin isn't any brighter than before. I gave this product about a month using it every night, and my skin only seems to be getting worse. Perhaps it's the stickiness?

The pump is awful to deal with. I would barely put any pressure on it and would be able to get tiny little drops and then a second later a bunch of it would squirt out and land partly on my finger and partly on my sink causing me to waste product. I see that PC is getting a lot of feedback on that so maybe they will change it.

Sorry for the long rant, I'm just so disappointed after this seemed to be a miracle product for my picky and grouchy skin, and spent $37 dollars on it. My search continues....

8 out of 9 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No