Paula's Choice • Weightless Body Treatment with 2% BHA • Lotions/ Creams

Where To Buy?

enigmaID on 1/18/2013 9:55:00 PM more reviews by enigmaID

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

I'm reviewing this as a face moisuriser- not for body. For the face, I give it 5 stars, as I wanted an affordable BHA option with antioxidants and no added colours or fragrance which was lightweight for my combination skin for use at night. In that regard, it shines.

It is packaged opaquely, in a long flat tube with a screw on lid, which the product "stands" on, making it easy to squeeze out what you need. While I generally prefer snap on lids, the screw on lid is not a deal breaker, as it seems to be more airtight.

The moisturiser itself is quite thin, slightly scented from the melon extract, (although this scent disappears quickly and is included as a skin benefiting ingredient than a fragrance) and can be spread easily, and absorbed quickly. I cannot review how this product layers under makeup as I exclusively use this as a night moisturiser, as this product would make your skin more sun sensitive (due to the exfoliation).

The benefits of this was not immediate- I saw a slow improvement with a reduction in the frequency and severity of my breakouts, and a general overall improvement in the texture, and brightness of my skin. This was over the course of 3 months. I also used Paula's Choice BHA 9 serum, and Acne.org's treatment.

However, as a body moisturiser, it's not emollient enough, and did not work for ingrown hairs. To be honest, the best remedy for ingrown hairs I have found is to go for laser hair removal- expensive, but worthwhile in the long run.

The amount (7oz) makes the price (a bit over $20, cheaper if you wait for a sale) very affordable for the face, but not so cheap for the body.


TL;DR: It's good, more for the face than the body, specifically for acne and blackhead concerns, as a lightweight moisturiser and is affordable to boot in comparison to other "treatment" skincare with similiar claims.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* joy2uandme on 1/3/2013 12:27:00 PM more reviews by joy2uandme

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

This does help my KP but it makes my body skin so dry and itchy. I have to layer another lotion over the top.


Mine came in a tube with a screw off lid which is not the best when your hands are greased up.

I know reviewers do not want a reformulation of this but in my opinion this could definitely be improved to be more emollient and a little less harsh. It was great in it's heyday but could use some refinement for my maturing skin's tastes.

Will think twice about a repurchase.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

melodysg on 11/1/2012 6:41:00 PM more reviews by melodysg

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

Among all Paula's bha products only this product I will buy again altho all her bha products are effective but this one has the best texture. I use this one on my face but not all-over, only as a spot treatment. Or sometimes on my nose to get-rid of blackheads. Very effective product which can get rid of my acnes if continue to use 2-3 days only at night. It is also a very strong product and making my skin peels, in a good way. The tube last me forever.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

MommyMar3 on 3/25/2012 9:05:00 PM more reviews by MommyMar3

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

I used to love Paula's 2% BHA lotion for the face. I used it for years. It was great under make up and kept my skin clear and moisturized. Then they changed the formula so it was thick and pasty. For the past couple of years I have tried different exfoliants of Paula's but never liked one as much as that one. Well, recently I went back to read the reviews of that one just to see if they changed it back. They didn't and some were still complaining. In response to one of the complaints they suggested using this instead on the face. I immediately ordered it!! It seems just like my old BHA 2% face lotion! YAY! And in such a big tube-will last WAY longer than her RESIST AHA lotion which I had been using. I don't know why I didn't think of trying this on my face earlier-but now I am keeping my fingers crossed that they don't mess with this formula too!!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* lemonz4us on 3/7/2012 11:52:00 AM more reviews by lemonz4us

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

So I read a bunch of reviews on this as I heard it was good for KP. I've tried a bunch of stuff to try treating it. Salux cloths, scrubs, amlactin(burned), lachydrin(didn't do anything) lotions with fruit acids, lotions with urea, light lotions etc. A bunch of stuff. I heard this was good because BHA goes into the pore and gets whatever is in there out! So you would imagine I'd be interested to treat my KP. It's red and looks spotty and unsightly. I've been using this day and night for a few weeks and honestly haven't seen any difference in my arms. The only thing i know now my wallet is a little skinnier . Paula Begoun sure likes to bag on other companies for making subpar products that are overpriced, yet she charges 20+ bucks for this lotion and only gives you 7oz . In addition to that she uses petrolatum for her lotions' ingredients! Petrolatum isn't bad particularly but mY skin , body skin that is, tends to clog with petrolatum high up in the ingredients list. You might not have to same issue though, Oh well. I've noticed my arms feel a bit softer. -mind you before i had been using the salux cloth everyday and cerave lotion, so my skin is really soft to begin with- . To be fair I'll finish the bottle to see if I have any results (fingers crossed) I may even buy another tube of this stuff if it's on sale as i read BHAs may take time to work. But for right now I put that i won't repurchase this. I can get the same result of soft skin by a salux cloth and cerave lotion for much, much less.

Update: finished the bottle, not much changed. Meh. Currenty I'm trying her aha gel 8% for my kp

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Luv2Shimmer on 2/16/2012 10:02:00 PM more reviews by Luv2Shimmer

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

works great

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

catekit on 12/20/2011 3:12:00 PM more reviews by catekit

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

I was looking for a 2% BHA treatment/moisturizer for my face, to help with acne and enlarged pores. I found the gel and lotion for the face to be too expensive for the amount you get, so I thought I'd give this a try, seen as it contains twice the amount for roughly the same price.
I've been using this for quite some time now and have found it to work moderately as a treatment: it didn't do a dramatic difference to my skin, but (probably due to the anti-inflammatory properties of salicylic acid) it does work extremely well at healing inflamed spots that have been extracted/squeezed.
However, this is an excellent lightweight daily moisturizer if you have oily and acne-prone skin. It makes the skin supersoft and makes drier or flaky areas smooth. I use this under liquid foundation and have found it to be the best moisturizer I have used so far. You need a tiny quantity, too, so the 210 ml tube has lasted me almost a year!
This is also great if you suffer from ingrown hairs, as the aspirin soothes inflammation and the peeling effect of BHA prevents new ingrowns to form.

I will definitely repurchase this.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

atlas84 on 12/17/2011 7:35:00 PM more reviews by atlas84

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

I bought this a while ago to help with body acne and mild KP on my upper arms. Having now used the entire tube, I don't think it made much of a difference. I saw a greater difference with the PC 10% AHA lotion, at least with the KP. I liked the texture of this lotion and it absorbed nicely. For me, seems a decent shampoo or body cleanser with at least 2% BHA works better to help combat those two conditions for me. Also, from my experience, BHA penetrates better when it is in a less occlusive base.

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Hawko on 10/11/2011 5:47:00 PM more reviews by Hawko

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

I used to use the 2% gel but find rather unpleasant to use, used too much, it forms a film & just peel off & its rather difficult to dispense from the bottle because of the viscosity.
I used BHA mainly for the little milia around my lips, I guess the culprit is from the grease of the food although I blot often as I eat; and also the ingrown hair underneath my chin as I tweezed it whenever it peaks out.
I can use one application & the next morning those skin that envelopes the ingrown hair will disappeared & I just tweeze away. Its usually good for 4 or 5 days.
This tube will lasts me for ages; the light lotion is pleasant to use & the smell, what smell?

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

mystryder on 10/6/2011 12:42:00 AM more reviews by mystryder

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

Read "weightless" as "this does not hydrate." I bought this b/c i get ingrown hairs on the back of my thighs if i shave instead of use of depilatory. but since i have dry skin all over my body, i thought it'd be great everywhere as well. nope. no noticeable exfoliation whatsoever. the skin on my body is definitely better off w/ manual exfo.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

coralie on 8/24/2011 5:00:00 AM more reviews by coralie

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

I originally got this product to use on my chest for acne, as well as on my legs and bikini area for ingrown hairs. I now use this on my face as well. I like the texture better than the Paula's Choice BHA gel or liquid I had previously tried on my face, and it is less expensive. It is also great at softening the calluses on my feet. The formula is light and very silky. It is slightly moisturizing, but has a matte finish and absorbs nicely into the skin. I use it in the daytime, under my foundation. It works well under makeup and provides a nice smooth surface. It has no fragrance, colours, or other irritating ingredients. It contains soothing plant extracts like green tea and melon which give it a natural, light, fresh scent. It has a different pH than the BHA products intended for facial use, which gives it stronger exfoliating effect. It hasn't irritated my face at all, and I have found that it works better than the other formulas. It has really helped with both my ingrown hairs and acne. I no longer have any acne on my chest, and I've noticed a big improvement in the blackheads and whiteheads on my face. It also makes my skin feel smoother and helps even out my skintone. The only thing I don't like about this product is that the side of my index finger tends to peel when I use this. I'm sure that could be avoided if I washed my hands after applying.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

NickelEmily on 6/24/2011 6:29:00 PM more reviews by NickelEmily

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

This product rocks! It is one of the best (although light) moisturizers I have ever tried. It has a very light melon fragrance. It is very soothing and does a great job--BHA really helps to deflake/exfoliate the ski while lightly moisturizing. It you are looking for a heavy moisturizer, however, this is not the one for you.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

three_black_cats on 5/28/2011 4:37:00 PM more reviews by three_black_cats

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Red, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Would I buy this product again? OH, YES. And I have, several times. I often order two tubes at once. I love that it comes with a small foil airtight seal. I think that this packaging is great for preventing the product from degrading until you are ready to use it.


Yes, there is no added fragrance (thank goodness) so what you smell when applying might not be roses or vanilla or whatever else you like to slather on for scent, but that isn't a reason to not use this product. After all, you can always add your favorite fragrance on top of this. Whatever scent this product has disappears quickly, allowing you to wear your favorite perfume or scented lotion. Trust me, the slight smell does not linger at all, and you can easily layer other scents on top of it without any problem.


But the real beauty of this product is how it performs and what it does for my skin. Rough, bumpy upper arms? This will improve them without irritating or clogging your skin with unnecessary ingredients. Have a tendency towards ingrown hairs on your bikini line or inner thighs? This will help with that, too. Flaky skin around your knees, elbows, or ankles? This product will improve those areas as well. I would venture to say that you could even use this on your face and still be happy. (Just remember to use SPF as well.) It is lightweight, but still tackles my scaly spots with great success. Oh, and I've never had it pill up or create a white mask that doesn't sink it. It absorbs very, very well.


As with any product, this does NOT work miracles, but I've learned not to expect miracles from any product. This one, however, works wonders. I would hate to be without it. It never stings when applied, and yet I still see results. I will keep buying this, and keep using it, for as long as Paula offers it.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

tmgant on 5/10/2011 2:18:00 PM more reviews by tmgant

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I had several samples of this from PC orders and used the lotion on my arms. After just a couple of treatments, my arms felt silky soft.

The downside for me (and probably the upside for others) is the lack of fragrance, which lets the ingredients' natural scents dominate. It smells just awful to me (kind of gluey). I appreciate that paula 'walks the walk', as she correctly points out that fragrance is an unnecessary irritant that she does not use in her products. But I hate the smell and just won't buy it.

However, it works very well as advertised and I'll give it 4 stars as an effective skin treatment.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* SChiara on 4/17/2011 2:08:00 PM more reviews by SChiara

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

Great BHA product! I use in on both my body and my face.
------
PROS:
- Good price point. For only 3 euros more than the 'face' BHA treatments, you get way more product. The regular BHA and AHA products contain 118 ml (4 fl.) and now cost 21,50 euros. This body BHA product contains 210 ml (7 fl.) and costs 25,50 euros.
- Because it contains no irritants, colourants or fragrances, I find that it works perfectly on the face as well. I have very sensitive skin, and experience no irritation.
- No funky smell! The AHA body product smells a little off in my opinion, but this one is perfectly fine!
- Good consistency; easy to spread out and dries quickly on the body/face. I do use a moisturizer on top, for both my body and my face.
- It works to reduce keratosis pilaris on the arms. It makes a noticeable difference for me, but doesn't get rid of it completely. I have to continuily use it, otherwise it will come back.
------
CONS:
- Can only be ordered online.
- Chemical exfoliants take some getting used to. They might irritate or dry out your skin in the beginning. Just start by applying this stuff every other 3 days or so. Slowly build it up. Also, you need to use a sunscreen, as your skin will be more prone to getting sunburned from this.
- You have to wash your hands after using a chemical exfoliant. I forgot once and starting rubbing my eye. Of course, my eye burned, so I rubbed some more. I had bad vision on that eye for about 5 days - had to use an eyegel from the doctor.
---------
How I use this BHA product:
On my face, I only use chemical exfoliants at night usually. I cleanse and tone my skin, and then use this. I let it soak in a minute and then continue with a cream and serum. I use either a BHA or AHA product every night.
On my body, I use it after I get out of the shower (since I shower in the morning, I don't use it on my face at that time). Because I have dry skin, it works best to start applying it right after I get out of the shower. That way my skin stays the smoothest. I use a regular body lotion on top, but not everybody will need to.
Sometimes, if I really want to be baby smooth, I scrub my body with those little scrubbing gloves in the shower, and THEN use this BHA product on my body. I don't do this on a regular basis, but more when I have been neglecting my exfoliating for a while or have a special occasion. I experience no irritation with this method. I would never do this on my face BTW.
Don't use chemical exfoliants AND topical exfoliants at the time time! Wait at least a day, I would say. But I never use topical exfoliants anymore now. Except for in the summer time, when I use fake tanner. My fake tan will dissapear in no time if I keep using chemical exfoliants regularly.
--------
Both BHA and AHA work wonders for my skin: they reduces redness and make my skin very smooth and radiant. This particular BHA lotion is a very good option if you are looking for this type of product. If you're already using the 'face' BHA products, you might wanna try this some time - I think it has great value! But I do warn you to wear a sunscreen when using this type of product (and to not get it in your eyes).

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

malini2b on 1/26/2011 5:27:00 PM more reviews by malini2b

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

The new formulation is fabulous -- lightweight, absorbs well, smooths/exfoliates effectively, and in much-improved packaging.


The Weightless Body Treatment works well on my upper-arm keratosis pilaris (the key is applying it consistently, which I'm not so good at) and also on my dry, callus-prone feet.


If you have KP, acne, or other skin inflammation on your body, and/or are looking to even out skin tone, I recommend trying this relatively reasonably priced lotion.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

sarahxoxo3 on 1/8/2011 2:01:00 AM more reviews by sarahxoxo3

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

I know that this is a body treatment, but I only use it on my face because that's where my problem skin is. I have acne with scars to go along with it. When I apply this on my face at night, I wake up to brighter looking skin. My acne scars have lightened, but it doesn't do anything for the active acne. Still I'm pleased with this product although I'm not sure of its "lasting" powers. For example, if I do not put make up on that day I can tell some redness comes back to my face. This product is non drying and I have dry skin around this time of year and it has not once dried me out! An added bonus it the smell-melons!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

growltiger on 12/7/2010 10:33:00 PM more reviews by growltiger

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

This review is for the new formula (2010 release?).

I have fairly stubborn keratosis pilaris on my legs and upper arms (moderate not severe), and this is the only lotion that has had any noticeable effect in reducing it. I have been applying it daily after showering for about a month and am extremely happy with the results. It has not completely eliminated my KP, but the difference is substantial - my skin is much smoother with much fewer little bumps. I also have sensitivie skin and this hasn't irritated it.

The lotion is easy to apply, it absorbs quickly without leaving a residue or bad smell, and the new softer plastic tube packaging is *MUCH* better than the previous hard plastic bottle.

The only reason I haven't given this product 5 lippies is the price for what is a relatively small bottle (for a *body* lotion). Basically, if you have KP on your legs then you have to use quite a lot of product to treat it, and so each bottle would last 2 months at the most for me. And PC products cost significantly more in Australia.... *Sigh*

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

enzyme1 on 8/18/2010 8:35:00 AM more reviews by enzyme1

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

A great product which actually exfoliates gently, I use it mainly on my face even though it is designed for the body so it is stronger than the facial defoliants due to its lower PH. I really like the pearlescent texture that should take 15 minutes to absorbs, even though it is a lotion it is very light even lighter than the gel and liquid BHA forumulations for me. expensive for a body lotion but if you just use it on problem areas it is very useful

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* tulipsplash on 7/18/2010 1:00:00 PM more reviews by tulipsplash

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

Two ecstatic thumbs up! This review is for the recently released version of this product. I bought this to treat some clogged pores/bumps near my elbows as well as some pimples on the backside of my upper arms. Only been using daily (sometimes twice daily) for about nine days and already seeing results. The elbow area is all but cleared up, and there is noticeable improvement on the arms. I also use it to exfoliate my belly button. I apply after showering and/or before bed.

This product is color & fragrance free. It is a white lotion that has a very light, mild odor to it. I guess you could say it smells a hint like melon.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No