Paula’s Choice Exfoliant Reviews: What You Need to Know
Alright, so these Paula’s Choice Exfoliant reviews are going to focus mainly on the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. BUT, I should warn you now that I actually prefer the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant instead.
I will cover all the reasons why I prefer the Mandelic and Lactic Acid Exfoliant in this blog post, but first, we must discuss Paula’s best-seller—the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.
My Paula’s Choice Exfoliant Reviews
I don’t know when I first tried out the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. It must have been over 10 years ago when I first started out as a baby beauty editor. I’ve suffered from hormonal acne for as long as I can remember, and I figured that this award-winning exfoliant would help treat my pimples.
Read on to find out what, exactly, is the Paula’s Choice Exfoliant, how it works, the pros and cons of this formula, and why I prefer the mandelic and lactic acid pick instead.
What Is Paula’s Choice Exfoliant?
The Paula’s Choice Exfoliant is an award-winning formula that contains 2% salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid). It helps reduce the appearance of acne and prevent future breakouts. Salicylic acid has been widely studied for its acne-fighting benefits, and also works to gently slough off dead skin cells to reveal brighter skin. And if you’ve been wondering, “Does exfoliating help with acne?” The answer is yes!
Other ingredients you’ll find in this formula include green tea and methylpropanediol. Green tea is an antioxidant that works to soothe skin while offering anti-aging benefits, too. Methylpropanediol helps to hydrate your skin—I’m pretty sure this ingredient is what gives your skin a subtle sheen and glow after each swipe of the Paula’s Choice Exfoliant.
I think what makes this formula different from other salicylic acid toners on the market is that it also has some hydrating ingredients inside to help counteract the sometimes-drying salicylic acid. Additionally, rather than spot-treating your face with a salicylic acid gel or spot treatment, this formula can be used on your entire face and works great as a preventative step in your acne-fighting routine, too.
What Does Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant Do?
- Unclogs pores
- Diminishes enlarged pores
- Removes dead skin cells
- Smooths skin texture
- Brightens and even out skin tone
- Visibly reduces fine lines & wrinkles
- Non‑abrasive, leave‑on
Pros of Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Effective and fast-acting:
For many, this formula can be effective in treating and preventing acne. I find that my face doesn’t love how strong this formula is. But, it does work wonders on my back and chest acne, and I use it often to treat those areas.
Leave-on formula:
Because this formula is a chemical exfoliant rather than a physical one, it is less abrasive and more gentle. I also like that you can leave this on all day or night and you don’t need to worry about rinsing it off.
Fragrance-free and non-irritating:
The formula is free from fragrance and essential oils, which reduces the risk of sensitivity reactions—a major plus for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Layer-friendly and lightweight:
Its watery consistency absorbs quickly and layers well under other serums and moisturizers without pilling or heaviness. I also find that it doesn’t irritate my makeup if I apply it in the morning, either.
Cruelty-free and widely available:
Paula’s Choice is a cruelty-free brand, and this exfoliant is easy to find online and in stores.
Cons of Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Sometimes feels drying and irritating:
While many folks find that their skin tolerates this formula well, my dry and sensitive skin feels overwise. If I use this exfoliant too often, my skin will start to feel tight, flaky, red, and overall uncomfortable.
Not ideal for all skin types:
If you have super dry, eczema-prone, or rosacea-prone skin, I probably wouldn’t recommend this BHA-based formula, as it might be too harsh.
Slightly sticky finish:
If you use too much of this product, you might find that it feels kinda sticky. Less is more when it comes to this pick.
Can interact with other actives:
If you’re using retinoids, vitamin C, or other acids, you’ll need to be mindful of how and when you apply them to avoid over-exfoliating or irritating your skin barrier.
Does Paula’s Choice Exfoliant Work?
Yes, Paula’s Choice Exfoliant does work for many, but I have found that it’s too harsh for my skin. Especially if I use it every day. If I do choose to use the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2 BHA Liquid Exfoliant, I’ll usually use it a few times a week, or I will use it on my chest and back, rather than on my face.
There are thousands of folks who have found success with this exfoliant. I think most of those people probably have oily skin. And I am not one of those people. My dry, sensitive skin doesn’t love this formula.
However, there is another Paula’s Choice exfoliant that my skin tends to tolerate really well—the Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant. According to the brand’s website, the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is ideal for combo, oily, or normal skin types, while the Mandelic and Lactic Acid Exfoliant is for dry and sensitive skin. And honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
I love the Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant for a host of reasons. First off, it contains mandelic acid, which has been my holy grail ingredient for the last few years (this mandelic serum is everything). Second of all, this formula is way more gentle than the 2% BHA formula. I can use it daily without getting irritated, and it works well in treating and preventing acne from developing on my face, back, and chest.
Both mandelic and lactic acid work more slowly and gently than other acids on the market, so you can use them regularly without having to worry about irritation. I much prefer this formula and recommend it to those with dry, sensitive, or normal skin types. I like to use a cotton pad or just apply it into my hands and pat it into my skin.
Where To Buy Paula’s Choice 2 BHA Liquid Exfoliant?
You can purchase the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant on:
- Paula’s Choice ($37)
- Amazon ($37)
You can purchase the Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant on:
- Paula’s Choice ($37)
- Amazon ($37)
I hope you enjoyed these Paula’s Choice Exfoliant reviews. Interested to know about the other Paula’s Choice products I can’t live without? Check out my ideal Paula’s Choice Skincare Routine for more!
