Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant-Facial Exfoliant for Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines and Suitable for Blackhead-Prone Skin

My skin type:- Very Dry, easily dehydrated- Oily nose- Prone to stubborn acne and closed comedones- Redness on chin and cheeks (not rosacea)I already use a nightly Tretinoin cream (.04% concentration) to help with my acne and premature signs of aging but decided with my derm that incorporating a BHA would be a good idea to help with my seriously stubborn closed comedones and some irritating textural issues. It was between this and the Cerave SA lotion and I ultimately decided on this due to the higher concentration of salicylic acid.It's moisturizing, and feels sticky for the first 5-10 minutes after application but seems to sinks in to something of a satin finish on me and I can no longer feel it on my skin. You just have to be a little patient. My skin feels well hydrated and plump after it settles and looks really smooth and my pores aren't as obvious. It sits just fine under makeup for me but I'm not a new user to chemical exfoliants so I don't have lots of dead skin pilling up or sloughing off when I use it, my skin is, for the most part, already very smooth outside the acne and CCs. Occasionally I'll apply it further down my neck/decolletage than usual and WOW do I old skin just ball up and peel right away - it's so gross but also satisfying. So those that don't exfoliate often or are new to BHA/AHAs will likely have issues with foundation until their skin adjusts (but it will adjust). My advice in those cases is to either use this at night for the first few weeks or just accept going barefaced for a little while if you can.I'd strongly suggest not applying this product over anything that you feel does not dry down fully, the times I've attempted to use it after serums or heavier products it takes forever to sink in and sometimes never fully does. I save all my serums and essences for after this has absorbed and it's far easier to work with it as a result. My steps go like this most days: ACWell Licorice toner --- PC 2% BHA --- 10% Niacinamide serum --- TO Matryxil serum --- Secret Key Black Snail cream or Syn-ake cream w/ 3 drops Stratia Fortify oil --- Sunscreen.It works fairly quickly IMO, on my neck where I typically don't apply my Tret at night I noticed the peeling and balling of dead skin on day one and on my face where I have a patch of really awful CCs I noticed them getting smaller and smoother by around day 3-4. I'm going on about 8 days now and they're barely visible unless I'm right up in the mirror and feel as if they're almost gone when I touch my fingers to that area. I do have some slight peeling of the skin around my mouth and nose but it's not terrible (likely because I already exfoliate the heck out of my skin with the tret).Some tips and things keep in mind:1)DO NOT RINSE IT OFF. I don't understand some of the top reviews advising people to do that, it says on the bottle not to rinse and nearly all chemical exfoliators are meant to be left on until the next cleansing specifically so they can do their job. If you rinse it off you're either going to prevent it from properly exfoliating or end up irritating the hell out of your skin. If you have oily skin and feel this might be heavy on you than you can probably just use this on bare skin and then sunscreen if you use in the AM or a lightweight lotion/cream and be done with it, but you need to leave it on your skin.2)You have got to use sunscreen while you're using this product! Any BHA or AHA exfoliant causes increased sun sensitivity and you have to address that in your routine. You should already use sunscreen daily but it becomes a must when you incorporate a chemical exfoliator or you risk sun damage.3)Less is more! Don't slop this on your face or soak a cotton pad in it, a little goes a long way and you'll be kicking yourself if you apply way too much and have to wait 20+ minutes for it to sink in. Use a shake or two and add more if needed but go easy.4)Expect some irritation initially. Chemical exfoliants can be harsh and rough even on sturdy skin and you have to give yourself time to adjust. Over-exfoliation is a possibility but sometimes just introducing a BHA or AHA into your routine can cause some sensitivity. Don't panic and just be gentle to your skin. Use ceramides (like Cerave Skin Renewing cream) or fatty oils to soothe your face if needed and try to stay away from any harsh products or acids like Vitamin C right after applying this to avoid really burning your face.

I’ve been using Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant consistently, and it truly lives up to the hype. This product has made a noticeable difference in the texture and clarity of my skin. Within a week, I saw a reduction in blackheads and clogged pores, especially around my nose and chin.The liquid formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy or sticky residue. I use it at night after cleansing, and it layers well with my moisturizer. Over time, it’s also helped minimize the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores, giving my skin a smoother, more refined look.I have combination, somewhat sensitive skin, and I experienced no irritation or dryness—just results. A little goes a long way, so the bottle lasts a while, making it a great value.If you struggle with dull skin, congestion, or blackheads, this is absolutely worth trying. It’s now a permanent step in my skincare routine.

OK. So. As a 53 yr old woman looking for a great facial product that would be gentle on my sensitive skin, this was a pleasant surprise. I use this product every night after washing off my makeup from a full time job in a dusty, dry warehouse. After 4 days of use, I can say that my reddish cheeks, nose & chin, the red discoloration is greatly reduced. Still need a small amount of concealer under makeup, but WAY less than before. I've had ZERO irritation, ZERO bad smell and ZERO discomfort. This product is super easy to use. They recommend using fingertips or a cotton round. I use the cotton round, wash my hands after using & am happy with the results. Don't listen to the negative reviews. If you REALLY want to try it, then do it. I am NOT disappointed & will continue to use. Have even tried it on my decolletage, with comfort & ease. This is one of the BEST facial products EVER. Do yourself a favor and try it!

I brought this 2 weeks ago along with the Paula Choice face wash. I have a lot of sebum built up on my cheeks and the center of my forehead. I must say this stuff is helping all the built up to rise. I still have along ways to go but I will buy this again but I wish the bottle was bigger.

I rarely write reviews, but Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant truly deserves the hype. From the very first use, I noticed a real difference in my skin’s texture, it felt smoother, looked more refined, and my pores appeared smaller almost immediately. Within days, the overall clarity and brightness of my skin had visibly improved.It absorbs quickly, doesn’t feel greasy or heavy, and layers well with the rest of my skincare routine. I also appreciate how gentle it is — no burning or irritation, even with regular use. It’s become a staple in my routine and one of the few products I genuinely look forward to using.If you’re dealing with uneven texture, clogged pores, or dullness, this is absolutely worth trying. Total game-changer.

Wow, just wow! I waited two weeks to post and my skin has totally transformed in those two weeks. My dark spots are nearly gone, pores definitely less visible, and my skin just feels so clean and clear. I notice a huge difference when applying make up now. I use it with a toner and i use it only at night just because i’m not great at applying SPF during the day. This will definitely be a part of my skin care routine now.