Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Oily Skin
Exfoliate deep within the pore and fight stubborn blemishes and blackheads with this clear liquid with 2% salicylic acid (BHA). Also contains soothing anti-irritants.
PLEASE NOTE: Those allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylate) should not use products containing salicylic acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid, or BHA).
Availability: In stock
£21.50
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Order a sample
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Battles bacne!
Review by Martin
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I use this with a spray-thingy sold for € 2,5 for my back and the acne I have on my shoulders and my chest. I first tried the skin revealing body lotion -- but smearing lotion on your back is not as easy as it's said. Spraying BHA onto the back however is a lot easier and less prone to injuries in the neck or wrists. A bottle will not last very long, the back is a lot bigger than a face, but it's well worth it to get read of those nasty bumps. (Posted on 17/04/2012)Product Rating -
best product ever!
Review by Mathilda
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Fantastic product i doubt i could manage without ever again! cleanes and smoothes my skin and i really notice the difference. i recommend this or the AHA gel to all my friends. (Posted on 28/03/2012)Product Rating -
Stay away!
Review by Courtney
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I bought this having had it recommended to me via your customer service team, and it has ruined my skin! I had my acne under control, and just wanted to get rid of blackheads and acne scars. I was told this product would be perfect, so bought the full size and paid just under £5 for postage for ONE product, ontop of the £21! So, I was expecting good things, well, I am extremely disappointed! Instead of getting rid of the blackheads on my nose, it has given me blackheads and open pores on my cheeks (I've never had a problem with my cheeks - they were clear before I started using this exfoliant!) and I've developed under-skin spots on my jawline - again somewhere I've never had spots before! I have no idea how to get my skin back to its former condition! AVOID! Customer Care : Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear of your experience with this product. While the response you have indicated is not typical, we do understand that each customer is uniquely different in how they will respond to products or ingredients. This along with everyday environmental factors can sometimes play a part in how someone will ultimately respond to a product or combination of products. For that reason, we have located your account information and applied a credit for the product. (Posted on 03/03/2012)Product Rating -
is it possible?
Review by Linda
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I've suffered with acne for the last 10 years. My condition got significantly better in the last three months thanks to an amazing product Channel 4 was advertising. I stopped using foundation cause my skin looked so good ^^Product Rating
But still I though I need to exfoliate and reduce my pore size. That's when I came accross Paula's choice. I ordered it straight away, it arrived in no time and I started to use it. That same day I got a few tiny little white heads. I thought, oh well, unfortunate.. But with two more days of using the product, I had more and more white heads and a few became painful spots. This liquid exfoliant is quite oily.. I wonder if it clogged all my pores :(
I can't see anything else that could've caused this sudden return of my acne condition this fast. I decided to stop using it as of tomorrow and see if my face calms down. Or at least get back to being as good as it was before I used this product...
Shame!! My wedding is coming up in 3 and a half weeks and my skin got aweful from a product that I hoped would have done me good. This happened to anyone? Customer Care :Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear of your experience with this product. While the response you have indicated is not typical we do understand that each customer is uniquely different in how they will respond to products or ingredients. This along with everyday environmental factors can sometimes play a part in how someone will ultimately respond to a product or combination of products.. Please contact customer care via email or over the phone so that we can offer you a credit for this product. (Posted on 09/02/2012) -
Thank you!
Review by Marina
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I just wanted to say thank you for your great products! I know you've heard it before,but my skin has changed at 360 degrees. I am using Bha 2%, glycolic acid 10%, and resist anti -aging hydrator for almost 2 months and after 3 years of testing all kind of products I can say I am happy now. I usually don't write reviews but I hope it can be useful for women that have skin problems. I was one of them ( I am 27 and I had problems since I was 24),but not any more! Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year! You and your team give hopes for a lot of people!! (Posted on 25/12/2011)Product Rating -
GOD SENT!!!
Review by lola
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I am a black young lady with sensitive and oily skin. This year my skin has been really turbulent and even reacted to 'for senstive skin' products I bought from the high street. I tried Paula's 1% BHA (gel) and thought it was okay. But it was one of thos products which would work one day and not another. However, the liquid version is just AMAZING! After just one application, my skin looked really glowy and the scars that i had were severly reduced. What's more it evened out my skin complexion and reduced the size of the annoying spots i had on my chin. I am soooo happy as prior to this i was feeling really depressed. However, I have also been drinking herbal and green tea which has good purifying affects on skin. So anyone wishing to have the over night miracle that I had, may want to try that as well! (Posted on 04/10/2011)Product Rating -
Exactly what you want your skin to look like!
Review by Marjan
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Im a 22 year old woman, previous skin condition: deep painful acne without surfacing, very oily skin all over, blackheads on nose and chin, overall large pores.Product Rating
It took about 6 weeks until I noticed results and people started complementing me on my even skintone.
I use it twice a day and it leaves you sticky feeling for max an hour but afterwards my skin feels softer than ever, haven't had the need to use toner, moisturizer or scrub twice a week. Leaves a great base for foundation.
My pores have reduced remarkably, especially on my nose and apples.
The blackheads on my nose are still there but somehow they don't stand out.
As long as I stay away from chocolate, drink lots of water and use Paula's Choice, I feel super clean and beautiful! (Posted on 02/09/2011) -
My skin has never looked better
Review by Shannon
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After reading all the reviews about Paula's exfoliating products I chose 2% liquid and have not been sorry. I've had problem blackheads (and whiteheads) in my T-zone & cheeks which have drastically reduced in the month since I started using this product. I'm using it both morning and night in conjunction with Skin Balancing Cleanser, Toner, Daily Mattifying Lotion & Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate Serum and on occasion, the Carbon Mask. I started using all of the products at the same time so I could get the best results possible and started seeing improvement the second day! I apply the BH liquid with my fingertips because I find it more effective but it's less messy with a cotton pad. I will upgrade my rating to 5 stars if and when it completely rids my blackheads. (Posted on 03/08/2011)Product Rating -
Even for sensitive skin! Saved my skin.
Review by Julia
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I tried the gel some time ago, didn't like it, didn't really give it a chance either though. Another product that tells you to get rid of all the bad skin forever? Yeah right.Product Rating
After months of extremely irritated skin (it's very sensitive, and I have tried a lot of different skin products the past year and a half) that wasn't able to heal itself any more and therefore wouldn't stop breaking out, I decided to give it another try and ordered the liquid samples instead. At night after cleansing, I let my skin dry completely, put the exfoliator on. You really have to learn to deal with the stickiness, but if you let it dry for some minutes before putting your moisturizer on, it won't be too bad.
After a few days my skin obviously started to regenerate and clear up (only used it at night to avoid flaky skin). Thus, I ordered the bottle and after using it for about two weeks, I start getting compliments on my skin again.
I'm usually not so much for hyping a product (or anything in fact) but you should give this a chance. The only minus would be the high shipping costs, but other than that I'm really, really happy with the BHA liquid. No, in fact, I LOVE IT! (Posted on 16/07/2011) -
Disappointed
Review by Isolde
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I was very excited to try this as so many reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Well... it didn't do anything for me. It was like rubbing water into my skin. No flaking or irritation (which is why I gave 2 stars instead of 1), but no effect whatsoever on my pimples and blackheads either. Waste of time and money. (Posted on 11/07/2011)Product Rating -
Saved my nose from looking like a strawberry!
Review by Jo
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Great first line but it is true, I have suffered with acne/blackheads all my life due to a hormonal imbalance, and I was lucky enough to be told about Paulas choice by a friend (who has the most beautiful skin in the world!).Product Rating
The product is great, I'm on my second batch of this now and my skin glows, and it has definitely got rid of most of my blackheads on the nose/chin area. There are still a few but I hope these will continue to go down now I'm on my second bottle.
You only need a small amount, I use it twice daily now and the 1 bottle lasted me nearly 6months! Brilliant value for money. It does make your skin flakey for the first couple of weeks, dont be put off though. Its worth it when your new skin underneath glows. I no longer have to wear moisturisers with a hint of tan in it because of this.
(Posted on 21/06/2011) -
amazing
Review by Fio
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The first ever product I bought from Paula's choice was the 8% AHA gel, that was good but my stubborn blackheads didn't completely disappear. I decided to try what paula recommended which was this products. So far (a few weeks in) I've noticed a bigger difference in the texture of my skin and it's much softer and more luminous. My skin is normally oily and very sensitive so this has helped to normalize my skin without causing irritation. I'm also using the skin balancing toner and serum. (Posted on 19/05/2011)Product Rating -
Excellent Exfoliant
Review by Ste
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I have oily / combination skin and this has worked wonders on my blackheads and has removed all the tiny bumps on my skin. I did not realise how smooth my skin could be until I used this. I have only been using it for a month and can't wait to see even further improvement. (Posted on 03/05/2011)Product Rating -
cudnt be without this!!!!
Review by Rachel
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This product really works ! it helps me achieve clear glowing skin , bump free !!!!! after having bad skin for over 20 years ! i just wish i had found this product years ago , and also spending hundreds of pounds on products that dont do anything , i cannot praise paulas choice products enough , everything i use is amazing and really works to make the skin look wonderfull (Posted on 06/04/2011)Product Rating -
Renews your skin
Review by meks
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I love this product, it really makes the change.Product Rating
Every time I apply it, I get a breakout of little white pimples, which are easy to squeeze and don't leave any spots on the skin. This product appears a bit oily, so it is very easy to apply on the skin. Your skin looks glowy, refreshed and nice in the morning. All the tiredness disappeares – all that is left is renewed and glowy skin. My skin is also a bit dry and flaky in the morning, so you have to use adequate ammount of moisturizer.
I use this product 2-3 times a week, which I find is sufficient, since my skin is not very problematic. Day after the use I can easily remove the pimples and blackheads on my skin.
I would prefer if this product was packed in a bottle with a pump but otherwise i can only say good things about this product. I recommend it to anybody who has problems with pimples, blackhead and can not get rid off spots left by squeezing the pimples.
(Posted on 06/12/2010) -
Great but not perfect.
Review by Alex
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I've been using this exfoliant for a few years now and I think it's great, although there's definitely room for improvement. First and foremost, it works! And one can't say that for most other BHA products out there. I have combination skin prone to spots and this helps to both prevent but also treat already existing spots with next to no irritation. That's great news because in the past I though that in order to manage my breakouts I had to 'burn' or 'dry them out' and that having red, peeling, irritated skin was a side effect I just had to get use to. Gladly that's not the case. The only drawback with this product is that it takes ages to dry/absorb into the skin; sometimes up to 25 minutes (especially when I apply it with my finger as opposed to a cotton pad). Which is very impractical to say the least, as it makes one's skin care routine very time consuming. I hope that this can be fixed in the future. (Posted on 24/06/2010)Product Rating -
Fantastic, unique product
Review by Tom
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For the first time in years I am confident that my skin will be comfortable and clear with this product. It seems to bring everything in to balance so it behaves like 'normal' skin.Product Rating
Using the BHA liquid, instead of AHA's and Benzoyl Peroxide, has given me the clearest skin I've ever had with the least irritation. Even bi-weekly peels with Salicylic acid were not as effective as this. If I stop using the product for a few days, small outbreaks begin to appear so, as others have said, I am in no doubt this product is keeping my skin under control.
It is powerful, so start slowly and give your skin chance to adjust. I also find it useful to adjust my routine to the time of year as my skin is more oily in summer. After using this product, I have switched all my other skin care products to Paula's Choice. Try it, you will not be disappointed :) (Posted on 28/05/2010) -
one of the best skincare products on the market
Review by gill
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This product is one of the best I have ever used on my skin - I have seen such a difference in my skin since using it. I tend to suffer from those annoying spots that are just lumpy and take ages to go away but this product is ideal for getting rid of them completely and reasonably quickly. Will defintely be repurchasing! (Posted on 26/04/2010)Product Rating -
saved by the BHA
Review by suzanne
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I didn't realise the difference between AHA' and BHA's until I watched Paula's videos.Product Rating
I'm not sure many UK salons know the difference as BHA peels/products don't seem to be available. I had bought the only option available - expensive AHA's peels - when trying to improve my skin. I gave up when after £300 of AHA (6 week course recommended, as ever!) made my breakout worse.
I think I found out about Paula's Choice products when scouring the Acne websites and forums. My 39 year old skin now is the clearest it has ever been since I was last on full on antibiotics/the pill. For the first time in years I am happy to go out without makeup so good is the effect. It really is a unique product for anyone if you are plagued by acne and blocked pores – nothing like it on the UK high street. I started with the 1% lotion but I think I only used on bottle of that before moving on to the 2% liquid - I like the feel of the liquid better. I definitely get breakout if I don't use it regularly so I am in no doubt it is the BHA that is making the difference for my skin.
Prior to the 2% BHA liquid I had tried prescribed topicals, antibiotics and the pill for years on end (as well as every OTC topical option available). No one wants to be on antibiotics for years and I wasn't happy being on the pill for my skin.
The BHA did exactly what Paula said it would. (Posted on 25/03/2010) -
Effective and light
Review by James
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This exfoliator smoothes skin effectively whilst feeling light on the skin. However, if your skin is sensitive you might want to start with a gel as this is powerful stuff. (Posted on 18/11/2009)Product Rating -
Exfoliant and Moisturizer Enhancer in one !
Review by Eric
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This is my favourite product within the whole Paula's Choice range : it exfoliates perfectly my oily and very sensitive skin without any stinging sensation (except when I use it after shaving but the sting is very light and dissipates quickly), it reduces redness on the most reactive parts of my face and, last but not least, it dries slowly wich allows the moisturizer that follows to slip over the skin (which reduces irritation) and act better.Product Rating
Thank you very very much Paula :-))) (Posted on 15/08/2009) -
Best BHA product
Review by Hec
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This bha product is the best one I have tried. It really erases blackheads in almost 100%, softs skin and gets rid of light dark spots. It makes the difference in a skincare treatment. Thanks a lot Paula!. (Posted on 19/05/2009)Product Rating -
2% BHA liquid
Review by Shelley
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This is one of my favourite products by far. I recently got laser eye surgery to correct my vision and could not let water near my face. I used the 2% BHA liquid with a cotton pad and in the past week it has kept my skin free of dirt and oil. I am now back cleansing my face with water and my One Step Cleanser normal/oily skin and just love being able to use it again. This BHA liquid has saved me from getting spots and I will continue to use it forever. Please do not discontinue this or I will be very upset! (Posted on 17/05/2009)Product Rating
Dispense about a dime-sized amount onto your fingertips and smooth sparingly onto clean skin, avoiding direct contact with eyes. Depending on your skin type and if needed, follow with a product which contains benzoyl peroxide (available at the pharmacy or the chemist without a doctor's prescription - start with the lowest concentration). During the day, follow with the appropriate Paula's Choice sunscreen or your foundation with sunscreen. At night, apply the appropriate Paula's Choice moisturizer or specialty product after this product or you can use the BHA product alone.
BHA Advice:
To reduce skin flaking or possible irritation, some first-time users should use the BHA once a day or once every other day (preferably at night) for the first few weeks. After prolonged use (4-6 weeks), you can apply the BHA more frequently, and eventually it can be used twice a day. For some people it may only be necessary to use the BHA once a day or once every other day. The frequency of use for this BHA product completely depends on how your skin reacts so you may have to experiment until you find what works best for you. If redness, dryness, or irritation occurs, adjust frequency of application.
There are many options for how to use this type of product. You may have to experiment to figure out your best routine. The one you should use depends on what you are trying to achieve and what works best for your skin.
BHA is an essential step for battling blemishes or clogged pores. See the Skin Care Routines section for a recommended selection of products for your skin type. If your skin gets worse or rashes appear, discontinue use and refer to my Battle Plan for Blemishes page for other product options.
If dryness or slight irritation appears, do not give up, first decrease use to every other day or just once a day and you can still experience beautiful results.
Some people want to know if they can use a scrub while using BHA. Occasional use of a gentle scrub or a soft washcloth can be great for some skin types. Just be careful to gauge how your skin reacts before adding this once or twice a week step into your routine.
This product can also be used on the elbows, feet, or knees. It is a multi-purpose exfoliant that works almost anywhere!
If you have Rosacea:
We have received a lot of feedback from people with rosacea who are having a great deal of success with Paula's Choice BHA products. The reason for this may be due to BHA's relation to aspirin. Aspirin and BHA are both salicylates. Salicylates have anti-inflammatory properties. At the same time that BHA exfoliates the skin (removing the flaky skin problem associated with rosacea) it also calms down the redness!
BHA Advice:
To reduce skin flaking or possible irritation, some first-time users should use the BHA once a day or once every other day (preferably at night) for the first few weeks. After prolonged use (4-6 weeks), you can apply the BHA more frequently, and eventually it can be used twice a day. For some people it may only be necessary to use the BHA once a day or once every other day. The frequency of use for this BHA product completely depends on how your skin reacts so you may have to experiment until you find what works best for you. If redness, dryness, or irritation occurs, adjust frequency of application.
There are many options for how to use this type of product. You may have to experiment to figure out your best routine. The one you should use depends on what you are trying to achieve and what works best for your skin.
BHA is an essential step for battling blemishes or clogged pores. See the Skin Care Routines section for a recommended selection of products for your skin type. If your skin gets worse or rashes appear, discontinue use and refer to my Battle Plan for Blemishes page for other product options.
If dryness or slight irritation appears, do not give up, first decrease use to every other day or just once a day and you can still experience beautiful results.
Some people want to know if they can use a scrub while using BHA. Occasional use of a gentle scrub or a soft washcloth can be great for some skin types. Just be careful to gauge how your skin reacts before adding this once or twice a week step into your routine.
This product can also be used on the elbows, feet, or knees. It is a multi-purpose exfoliant that works almost anywhere!
If you have Rosacea:
We have received a lot of feedback from people with rosacea who are having a great deal of success with Paula's Choice BHA products. The reason for this may be due to BHA's relation to aspirin. Aspirin and BHA are both salicylates. Salicylates have anti-inflammatory properties. At the same time that BHA exfoliates the skin (removing the flaky skin problem associated with rosacea) it also calms down the redness!
Skin Type
Oily Skin
Aqua, Methylpropanediol, Salicylic Acid 2%, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Extract, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA
Sources to support the claims made for Exfoliating 2% BHA Liquid:
International Immunopharmacology, August 2009, pages 1,126–1,130; Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2007, pages 124-135; Journal of Cosmetic Science, November-December 2004, pages 519-531; Archives of Internal Medicine, July 2002, pages 1531–1532; Annals of Dermatology and Venereology, January 2002, pages 137–142; Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, volume 175, issue 1, pages 76–82; Preservatives for Cosmetics, 2006, by David Steinberg, Allured Publishing, pages 39-40; Pain, January 1996, pages 71–82; and Seminars in Dermatology, December 1990, pages 305–308.
Your AHA (glycolic acid) products have a higher percentage than your BHA (salicylic acid) products. Does this mean AHA is a stronger exfoliant?
AHA products are most effective at a 5% to 10% concentration and BHA at 1% to 2% concentration. Think about it like making bread, the amount of yeast you need is tiny in comparison to the amount of flour you use but equally important to get the results you want. The percentage of effectiveness varies depending on the ingredient. Rest assured that the BHA products are not any less effective due to lower concentrations of the exfoliant.
The 2% BHA Liquid feels sticky and kind of greasy on my face! Why is that?
If the BHA is feeling sticky, you are probably using too much product. The average amount necessary for facial application of the 2% BHA is less than the size of a dime. The product is best applied in a thin layer, and has great spreading properties. The "greasy" feel can be attributed to the high levels of glycol in this product (glycol helps the BHA penetrate the surface layers of skin and also works as a water-binding agent). If you live in a humid, moist climate, this effect will be more pronounced and, if too much product is used, can create a "greasy" feel on the skin. Many customers have remarked how silky-soft their skin is as a result of using the 2% BHA Liquid, and that is the result of the humectants working with the BHA to exfoliate and hydrate the skin.
