Index / Paula's Choice / Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula's Choice

Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Masks & Peels

About this product

A 2% salicylic acid liquid exfoliant designed to unclog pores, reduce blackheads, and help manage acne-prone and oily skin.

Type

Masks & PeelsLiquid

Key actives

Formula notes

Fragrance-freeNo drying alcohol

Full ingredients

Guru Score

78%

Approved

27 experts · Strong agreement
27Gurus
23Approved
3Mixed
1Skip
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What the gurus are saying

This salicylic acid exfoliant earns consistent praise for diving deep into pores to clear congestion, blackheads, and acne buildup, making it a standout choice for oily and blemish-prone skin. Gurus recommend using it one to three times a week depending on skin tolerance, and suggest patting it on problem areas rather than swiping to avoid sensitivity around delicate zones like the nose and mouth. One reviewer prefers gentler alternatives used more frequently, but the broad consensus is that it effectively clears skin and improves texture, though it does not address wrinkles or fine lines.
Synthesized from 27 expert reviews · most recent take July 2026
Every take, in full

What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Approved takes Critical takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored
Approved
"During summer I stop exfoliating with glycolic acid, lactic acid, and AHAs in general and focus solely on BHAs. I'm still using the BHA I use year round, the Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, but I increase the frequency to three times a week and stop using any other exfoliant altogether, since I'm blessed with pimples and congestion."
All 12 takes from Doctor Anne
Holy Grail Skincare 2025 – What I’d Buy Again Without Hesitation | Doctor Anne
"For my favorite exfoliant/active, the exfoliant I use is the Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. It is great for my congestion. I still get congestion even though I'm on Tretinoin, and to combat that I use a salicylic acid product three times a week. This is the one that I have been coming back to ever since I first discovered it. I'm really just bummed out that I didn't try it earlier on in my acne journey. It would probably have saved me quite a lot of irritation, because what I find with salicylic acids is that the sweet spot between keeping congestion at bay and irritating my skin is hard to find, and with this one that works perfectly fine. I also like the texture. I know there are others out there that work as well, both in terms of irritation potential and in terms of congestion combating, but for me the texture in Paula's Choice is just more elegant, and I personally am willing to pay more for that. That's a personal decision, you don't have to. Others work just as well, but for me Paula's Choice is the one that I would go back to."
Spring Skincare Routine 2026: What I Changed for Acne, Sensitivity & Aging Skin | Doctor Anne
"I still use the Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant three times a week, mainly around my T-zone, and then whatever is left brought out, because I am prone to breakouts around here."
I Used Up ALL of These in 2025 - Skincare, Hair & Makeup Empties | Doctor Anne
"I really enjoy the Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. I love the texture, it never irritates my skin, and it keeps it free from congestion when used about three times a week. I'm currently using a drugstore version that's quite good as well but doesn't have the same lovely texture, so I'll go back to this one."
Acne, Allergies and Aging: my Spring Skincare Routine Adjustments | Doctor Anne
"Three times a week I use Paulas Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, even before using my Vitamin C, to keep my pores unclogged and prevent breakouts."
My 2025 winter morning and night time skincare routine | Doctor Anne
"Two nights a week I don't use The Ordinary, but instead the Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant to combat congestion. It is the only form of exfoliation I do over winter, but I can't skip it completely unless I want to risk breakouts."
My most loved skincare 2024 - Holy grail routine | Doctor Anne
"The Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is repeated from the years before and a non-negotiable for me. It keeps my pores from getting congested and is easy to tolerate alongside my Tretinoin, absolute perfection."
So many skincare empties - Everything I used up in 2024 | Doctor Anne
"The Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is an old favorite. Despite it being four times as expensive as the Balea alternative, I will stick to Paula's Choice."
Treating Hyperpigmentation & Acne in Fall: Doctor Anne's Full Morning Skincare Routine
"As today is exfoliation day I go in with Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and I concentrate that on the T-zone where I still get congestion, and then bring it out on the cheeks, because for women over 40 the hormonal beard area is an area of congestion as well. This is what I do year round."
My Travel skincare routine for one week in Mallorca | Doctor Anne
"For treatment I brought my Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, because whenever I'm on holiday, with lots of sunscreen, chlorine water from the pool, and not eating as well as I usually do, I tend to break out, so I brought this one."
My morning skincare routine for spring 2024 | Doctor Anne
"I'm going in with the Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant. I do that around three times a week to keep my congestion at bay, focus around the key zone, but also on my cheeks, because I get acne and breakouts, clogged pores in this hormonal beard area."
My most loved skincare 2023 - Holy grail routine | Doctor Anne
"I only use it on a regular basis to keep my pores congestion free."
Summer Skincare: 9 Changes Your Skin Actually Needs | Doctor Anne
"During summer I stop exfoliating with glycolic acid, lactic acid, and AHAs in general and focus solely on BHAs. I'm still using the BHA I use year round, the Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, but I increase the frequency to three times a week and stop using any other exfoliant altogether, since I'm blessed with pimples and congestion."
Approved
"This is probably the most iconic leave-on salicylic acid product out there, and honestly the reputation is earned. I reach for this most often for stubborn blackheads, congestion, oily to combination skin types. I would not really use this on really dry skin. The 2% salicylic acid here is the maximum concentration allowed for over-the-counter use, and the leave-on format means it has time to penetrate the pore and do its job, unlike a cleanser you're rinsing off after 30 seconds. It also contains green tea extract for antioxidant support and methyl propanediol as a penetration enhancer to help the salicylic acid absorb more effectively. If you've been struggling with persistent texture and blackheads that aren't budging, I would start with this product."
All 5 takes from Dr. Aleksandra Brown
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"Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant deeply penetrates to unclog pores, reduce blackheads, minimize pore appearance. It regulates oil production and helps prevent new breakouts. The key ingredients here are the salicylic acid or BHA at 2% which is the active ingredient that penetrates into the pores, can clear the blemish causing buildup and helps shed dead skin cells. Also contains green tea which is a potent antioxidant that soothes irritated skin while also improving some of the visible signs of aging and methylropinadial which hydrates while visibly enhancing the skin's glow and the formula's penetration."
How to Repair Sun Damaged Skin | Dermatologist Tips for Dark Spots, Wrinkles & Uneven Tone
"Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant penetrates a little bit deeper to unclog pores, reduce blackheads, minimize some of the pore appearance. You can't physically shrink your pores, but you can minimize their appearance by using salicylic acids. If you use this on a regular basis, it will help minimize oil production. It will help with some of the shine you get throughout the day, and it will help with breakouts. So, this one is ideal for oily skin, mature skin, but I wouldn't say that it's great for a sensitive or dry skin. The key ingredient is the salicylic acid or BHA 2% which penetrates into the pores to clear up the blemish causing buildup and shed dead skin cells. Also has a little bit of green tea, which is an antioxidant that will kind of minimize some of the irritation that you may experience with the salicylic acid. We also have the methylropanadol, which hydrates while visibly enhancing the skin's glow and the formula's penetration."
Top Black Friday Skincare Sales 2025, According to a Dermatologist
"Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. This is BHA which is the lipid soluble exfoliating acid. So this is going to deeply penetrate to unclog your pores, help reduce some of the blackheads, minimize some of the pore appearance. It definitely helps regulate oil production. It will help prevent new breakouts. So, if you're somebody with oily skin, this is definitely one of those you must have. And if you have breakouts, the key ingredients are salicylic acid, BHA at 2%, the green tea, and methyl propaben."
What Is Oily Skin Really? | Dermatologist Debunks Myths + Best Routine for Shine & Breakouts
"The Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a salicylic acid which deeply penetrates to unclog the pores. It can help reduce blackheads and minimize the appearance of the pores. It works really well on regulating oil production and helping prevent new breakouts. The key ingredient is the 2% salicylic acid or the BHA and also has a little bit of green tea in it."
Salicylic Acid vs Benzoyl Peroxide: Which One Do You Actually Need?
"This is probably the most iconic leave-on salicylic acid product out there, and honestly the reputation is earned. I reach for this most often for stubborn blackheads, congestion, oily to combination skin types. I would not really use this on really dry skin. The 2% salicylic acid here is the maximum concentration allowed for over-the-counter use, and the leave-on format means it has time to penetrate the pore and do its job, unlike a cleanser you're rinsing off after 30 seconds. It also contains green tea extract for antioxidant support and methyl propanediol as a penetration enhancer to help the salicylic acid absorb more effectively. If you've been struggling with persistent texture and blackheads that aren't budging, I would start with this product."
Approved
"My favorite ingredient is salicylic acid because it clears out the pores, removes debris, and prevents buildup. It's way better than other acids, like alpha hydroxy acid, because it penetrates oil and penetrates your pores more readily. The key is not to overdo it, because when you do, you're not going to clear out your pores faster, you're only going to irritate your skin, so pick a product, use it consistently, and be patient because the process takes time. One of my favorites is the Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant, applied where you're bothered by it a few times a week."
All 6 takes from Dr. Jenny Liu
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"Paula's Choice their 2% salicylic liquid exfoliant, I feel like is the OG one, more ideal for like oily and acne-prone skin."
Sephora Savings Event 2023 Dermatologist Top Picks | Dr Jenny Liu
"This is really nice to use and it's just great all around. It's lightweight, not sticky, and definitely something worth trying out if you have more oily and acne-prone skin. If you're looking to improve acne, poor congestion, or post-acne marks, I recommend incorporating it into your routine a few times a week at most. It does come in a smaller 15 ml size if you want to test it out to see if it's a good one for your skin."
Viral Skincare that's worth the hype from a dermatologist | Dr. Jenny Liu
"This is really nicely formulated and really backed by science and research. Ingredient wise this exfoliant contains 2% salicylic acid which is the BHA component. Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant that has oil gland loving property so it's lipophilic, really loves the sebum, so that is why it's more ideal for individuals that are more oily acne prone, helping to unclog pores, improving skin turnover, helping to improve pore congestion, thereby over time improve the appearance of dilated pores, blackheads, whiteheads as well as post acne marks. Because it's a chemical exfoliant it also can improve dullness, uneven skin texture and skin tone and thereby reduce some of the sun damage appearance and offer some anti-aging benefits. This product also contains green tea which is a great anti-inflammatory antioxidant, so great for acne prone skin as well as aging skin because it can really help in both areas. I just love the liquid texture because it's really lightweight. You can apply it with a cotton pad on your skin, put it all over your face after cleansing or if you pour it on your fingers you can apply all over your face, but one of my personal tricks what I do is I actually just like to spot treat areas that I need to."
AHA vs BHA Dermatologist reviews chemical exfoliants | Dr. Jenny Liu
"Paula's Choice 2% Liquid Exfoliant is definitely something that is really great for those that struggle with pore congestion, a little bit of acne, and post-acne marks, and certainly can help with uneven skin texture and skin tone. It's a liquid exfoliant that you basically pour onto a cotton pad or you can pour onto your palm directly and apply to skin. I love the fact that it contains maximum concentration of salicylic acid but it is not very irritating, and it also contains green tea that's soothing, offers some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and is just a great hydrating exfoliant at the same time. Using this a few times a week either in the morning or at night as part of your overall skincare regimen would be great if you're targeting acne. If you are using a topical retinoid at night, especially like a prescription tretinoin or adapalene, then I would alternate at night. If you have sensitive skin, otherwise you can certainly use this in the morning a few times a week and then continue topical retinoid at night. It all depends on your skin sensitivity."
Korean vs Western Skincare | Dr. Jenny Liu
"Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is by far one of the most popular products from Paula's Choice. Salicylic acid has wonderful benefits in improving pore congestion, helping to unclog pores, helping to reduce surface sebum, really ideal for those that struggle with blackheads, whiteheads, as well as acne and post-acne marks. It's great for individuals that have a little more oily skin and acne-prone skin. The texture of this liquid exfoliant is fast-absorbing, leaves minimal residue, and it contains 2% salicylic acid along with green tea that can help to soothe and calm the skin. Salicylic acid can be irritating, and 2% is the highest concentration that we can have with salicylic acid in skincare products over the counter, but hopefully the green tea can offset that. Texture-wise, it's a liquid that you apply and absorbs really quickly."
Your Pores Aren't Getting Bigger — Here's What's Really Happening | Dr. Jenny Liu
"My favorite ingredient is salicylic acid because it clears out the pores, removes debris, and prevents buildup. It's way better than other acids, like alpha hydroxy acid, because it penetrates oil and penetrates your pores more readily. The key is not to overdo it, because when you do, you're not going to clear out your pores faster, you're only going to irritate your skin, so pick a product, use it consistently, and be patient because the process takes time. One of my favorites is the Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant, applied where you're bothered by it a few times a week."
Approved
"If you are someone who's wanting a really strong salicylic acid formula to use a few times a week, the Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant is a tried and true classic that's so good at really going deep in your pores and getting all the gunk out. There's a reason why it's so popular. It works really well for clearing out the pores, albeit that you should only use it a couple times per week because it can really dry out the skin, but still very effective."
All 5 takes from Hyram
Reacting to Keke Palmer's Skin Care Routine
"Paula's Choice BHA is one of my favorite skincare products of all time. I have recommended it since the very beginning of my channel and I still to this day find myself recommending it every single week. It's an amazing product for anyone who struggles with acne breakouts blackheads. I'm trying to clear up leftover hyperpigmentation and stuff and I think exfoliating really helps with that."
Your Guide to Black Friday & Holiday Skin Care Shopping 2023
"Paula's Choice, primarily because of their 2% BHA Exfoliating Liquid. I always call this product magic in a bottle because the way that it completely clears everything out of your pores and helps with breakouts and pimples is amazing. It is such a good formula with a cult following that's great to use like three times a week to help prevent and treat those breakouts you're experiencing."
The BEST Skin Care of 2024 for Acne & Acne Scars
"I highly recommend Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. This product truly has the ability to zap away any persistent breakouts and even acne that you experience on your face at a level that just blows my mind. It includes salicylic acid at a 2% concentration, which is the highest legal limit that you can have of salicylic acid in a skincare product. Whenever my skin is really going through it and it needs the help, this one always comes to the rescue. It is very strong and definitely not a product that I recommend using every single day, as it can lead to overexfoliation. Whenever I use this product it dries out my skin, but it's worth it because it delivers results. It's a good one to use like one to two times a week or whenever your skin really needs it. The bottle lasts forever. It really is a magical skincare product."
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"Paula's Choice 2% BHA, amazing product I'm constantly talking about on my channel."
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"If you are someone who's wanting a really strong salicylic acid formula to use a few times a week, the Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant is a tried and true classic that's so good at really going deep in your pores and getting all the gunk out. There's a reason why it's so popular. It works really well for clearing out the pores, albeit that you should only use it a couple times per week because it can really dry out the skin, but still very effective."
Approved
"If you have been on the beauty side of the internet anytime in the last like 10 years, you have heard of Paula's Choice 2% salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid. It dives into your pores and can help clear them out. So, this is a really nice prep step if you're going to be applying makeup and something you can do anywhere from everyday to just a couple times a week depending on what your skin can handle."
Approved
"This one's their 2% BHA liquid exfoliant. It just uses 2% salicylic acid. It's a liquid toner that you can apply with a cotton pad or just pat it on the skin. This would be great for people with acne-prone skin and oily skin. Salicylic acid is a great ingredient for that. The bottle looks tiny but it lasts forever, especially when I just use it on areas of clogged pores."
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"Polish Choice has so many great products"
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"A bottle like this will last you five to six months if you use it at night, so a little bit goes a long way. You can put it on a cotton pad if you want, but if you just pat it on the skin like you would a serum you still get the good benefits. There's a lot of dupes and alternatives to it, however this one in my opinion is still relevant and still works well for a lot of people. It's not crazy price, it's expensive but it does last a long time."
Worth the Hype or Not? Rating the Most Hyped Popular Skincare Products
"For acne prone skin, blackhead prone skin, milia prone skin, this is great. The bottle's gigantic, four ounces, and a little bit of it goes a long way, so this bottle will last you if you use it every night, I'd say last six months. It might look a little pricey at first, but it's really affordable and well formulated with proper pH and a good percentage of BHA. In my opinion this one deserves the hype. It is the real deal. If you have acne prone skin, I think it's worth considering trying this, especially on a price basis, because a little bit goes a long way and you've got a super big bottle."
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"Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is currently $35 for 4 oz and it's pretty expensive. It used to be 19 bucks back in the day. A little bit goes a long way though, if you just pat this on your skin it'll last a while. But still, if you can save money you might as well. The main ingredient is 2% salicylic acid."
Oldies but Goodies - Skincare Products That Stand the Test of Time!
"Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid has been around forever and this is a holy grail for so many people. It's really great for acne prone skin preventing breakouts. Use it in your evening routine. It's still relatively affordable. You can just pat it on skin in your evening routine after cleansing or you can use a cotton pad. It's really nice just to prevent breakouts. I know a lot of people swear by it. It's still been around forever and still a great product. The pH is spot on, there's no fragrance in it, it's great for sensitive skin types as well."
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"Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exiliant is one of the holy grails. It's 4 ounces for 37 bucks, so it's actually not terribly expensive when you figure that 4 ounces of a liquid exfoliant, you can just pat this onto skin or use a cotton pad. The main two ingredients are salicylic acid and green tea. It's got a rather short ingredient list, but I've got a very close dupe and that is the Walgreens 2% BHA liquid exfoliant, which is also got 2% BHA, salicylic acid to fight blackheads and acne, has a pretty short ingredient list and it's got the proper pH. They're very similar."
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"This one's their 2% BHA liquid exfoliant. It just uses 2% salicylic acid. It's a liquid toner that you can apply with a cotton pad or just pat it on the skin. This would be great for people with acne-prone skin and oily skin. Salicylic acid is a great ingredient for that. The bottle looks tiny but it lasts forever, especially when I just use it on areas of clogged pores."
Approved
"Their 2% BHA liquid exfoliant is a best seller. It's one I frequently recommend. It's got to be one of their best products. It works. It's well-loved. But it has gotten a lot more expensive than I recall it being in the past. These days, the going rate for the liquid exfoliant is $37 for 4 fluid ounces."
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"My other go-to recommendation is the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. This is a very good leave-on 2% salicylic acid liquid toner that can be used one to two times a day as tolerated. It's useful for imparting some acne control, it can help with clearing and suppressing hyperpigmentation, and it also can help improve skin texture and skin roughness. If you're someone who is prone to blackheads, whiteheads, or sebaceous filaments, you might want to give this a try. It's free of fragrance and it also has green tea extract which may contain antioxidants that can help combat oxidative stress. So if you do have oily, acne-prone skin, the oil production and sebum on the skin oxidizes and can become very inflammatory. Utilizing products with antioxidants may help to limit that to a certain extent."
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"It has licorice root which is anti-inflammatory, good for redness and hyperpigmentation, and it has salicylic acid to help exfoliate the pores and give a little bit of acne control. It's a very good product. The 2% BHA liquid exfoliant is really popular, and it's popular for a reason, it's a really good salicylic acid treatment. It is a little on the pricey side."
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"The 2% BHA liquid exfoliant is salicylic acid which is great for blackheads, whiteheads, and cutting down on acne breakouts. By itself it doesn't really hold a lot of power in terms of an acne treatment, but it does play a supporting role, especially in targeting blackhead and whitehead formation and smoothing the skin surface. It's also underrated for the dry, rough, and bumpy skin condition keratosis pilaris. The anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties make it useful for helping to clear up and even prevent dark spots, especially on acne-prone skin that tends to heal with discoloration."
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"I'm going to link my recent video comparing it to Polish Choice 2% Liquid BHA exfoliant."
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"Salicylic acid, which is BHA right in that toner, is actually a great scalp ingredient. It loves the oily surfaces. It's actually um approved for dandruff."
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"This is an option for those of you with KP on the cheeks. It's also great for comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), good for hyperpigmentation and seborrheic dermatitis. The Paula's Choice one is really good."
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"Their 2% BHA liquid exfoliant is a best seller. It's one I frequently recommend. It's got to be one of their best products. It works. It's well-loved. But it has gotten a lot more expensive than I recall it being in the past. These days, the going rate for the liquid exfoliant is $37 for 4 fluid ounces."
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"The BHA liquid exfoliant is popular and worth the hype in my opinion. It's a salicylic acid leave-on product, really helpful if you have a tendency towards comedones, whiteheads, or blackheads, or acne. It's also a helpful ingredient for improving sunspots, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It's an acne treatment and it's a really good product. It's definitely in my opinion worth the hype."
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"This BHA liquid exfoliant is really good for people who are looking for a product that will improve closed and open comedones, also known as whiteheads and blackheads, because salicylic acid localizes within the pore to help reduce blackhead and whitehead formation. If you have acne, blackheads and whiteheads are part of that. If you have hyperpigmentation, salicylic acid can be tremendously beneficial not only for smoothing out the skin surface and reducing pore clogging, but it also has an anti-inflammatory effect and can be quite helpful for improving hyperpigmentation. If you have rough and bumpy skin on the face, salicylic acid is a great option. It's pricier, but it's going to be on sale."
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"Paula's Choice BHA liquid exfoliant is like one of my holy grail liquid exfoliants. It's great for blackheads, whiteheads, rough skin texture, and the salicylic acid is also good not only for redness but for hyperpigmentation, a bit of acne control, and rosacea."
Approved
"This is a 2% BHA liquid exfoliant. Great for acne. But again, when we're treating acne, we're treating aging. I know it's weird, but that's what it does. Why? Because it's a good kind of stress. Anything that is irritating your body that is causing a biological response, whether it's a chemical peel, whether it's a retinoid, whether it's micro needling, it's causing a chemical response in your body that is making it better. And it's affordable. This one is not expensive."
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"This is the Paula's Choice two percent BHA liquid exfoliant. It's salicylic acid. I like to take a step away from the retinoids the night before and do something like this because my skin just looks great in the morning and it kind of gets rid of all of the little flakies sometimes that."
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"This is by Paula's Choice, this is a two percent BHA. BHAs are all salicylic acid. These are great for all skin types but particularly great if you suffer from acne. This is one of my favorite ones for helping with unclogging pores for acne, so if you guys have acne, this is a great one. It can actually help with acne, melasma, fine lines and wrinkles, sun spots, all of that. Even if you don't have acne, this is a great one."
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"This is a 2% BHA liquid exfoliant. Great for acne. But again, when we're treating acne, we're treating aging. I know it's weird, but that's what it does. Why? Because it's a good kind of stress. Anything that is irritating your body that is causing a biological response, whether it's a chemical peel, whether it's a retinoid, whether it's micro needling, it's causing a chemical response in your body that is making it better. And it's affordable. This one is not expensive."
Over 30 and ready to master the ultimate skincare routine? 🎙️Join me for an IG Live Show where
"This is a 2% BHA liquid exfoliant. Great for acne. But again, when we're treating acne, we're treating aging. I know it's weird, but that's what it does. Why? Because it's a good kind of stress. Anything that is irritating your body that is causing a biological response, whether it's a chemical peel, whether it's a retinoid, whether it's micro needling, it's causing a chemical response in your body that is making it better. And it's affordable. This one is not expensive."
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"This is one of my favorite toners. This is Paula's Choice. This is a 2% BHA. It's great in terms of shrinking pores."
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"This is my favorite by Paula's Choice. I just used this last night actually. It's a 2% BHA liquid exfoliant. It is great. It is safe enough to use every day so if you decide I can't use a retinoid, I don't like it, I don't want to do it, find a chemical peel that will work for you on a daily basis. This could be one of them and it's great for acne."
Approved
"What you need to do is go in with a salicylic acid. I really like the one from Paula's Choice."
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"What you need to do is go in with a salicylic acid. I really like the one from Paula's Choice."
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"Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is fragrance free. You can use this once a week to unclog the follicular openings."
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"I also like Paula's Choice. If you have oily skin, use two percent salicylic acid exfoliator. I would also recommend anyone who tends to get spots just for their period like me use salicylic acid the week before your period and you'll notice that you are a lot less likely to break out."
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"When it comes to your BHA, your salicylic acid, I like the 2% salicylic acid from Paula's Choice. This is the OG. Paula is the one that really figured out 2% leave-on exfoliant and everyone just sort of mimicked her or did their own iteration. The Ordinary has done another good 2%, and so has Be Minimalist. A lot of people have tried to copy 2% salicylic acid and actually done a very bad job of it. So those would be my three that I actually really like on the market now."
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"When it comes to fat soluble salicylic acid which is good for unclogging pores, I recommend 2% salicylic acid from Paula's Choice. They were the OG, the original salicylic acid 2% percenters leave on exfoliators. Everyone, including the ordinary, copied Paula's Choice. So really Paula's Choice should be getting the recognition for the 2% salicylic acid trend. It was a fantastic idea and it works."
Approved
"Paula's Choice BHA toner with salicylic acid goes for $35. It's a cult favorite exfoliating toner. It's important when we say toner to know what type of toner we're talking about that is best for oily and acne prone skin."
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"Paula's Choice has a BHA toner which is salicylic acid and this is probably more geared towards people who have more intense acne who are really oily because BHA loves oil and that is going to go deeper into your skin and this one retails for $35."
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"Paula's Choice BHA toner with salicylic acid goes for $35. It's a cult favorite exfoliating toner. It's important when we say toner to know what type of toner we're talking about that is best for oily and acne prone skin."
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"I like this tried and true Paula's Choice two percent BHA, even though toner makes no sense, it doesn't mean anything. It just means it's a salicylic acid exfoliant. It's $22. My personal preference is that you use it at night after washing your face so that you have a fresh base and you allow it to work on a clean slate. You do not need to be using it twice a day. Some people would much rather use it during the day because they're very oily and they use it to help regulate their oil production. If you're going to use it during the day, do not use it at night because you're going to be way overdoing it, inflaming your skin barrier in the process, and counter-intuitively potentially becoming oilier."
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"Salicylic acid is a great one if that is you, anything with salicylic acid which is a BHA like Paula's Choice you can use this several times a week at night and it is going to help get into your pores."
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"Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant, the classic one. This is a salicylic acid toner. They claim you can use it twice a day, but I really recommend you try to pair it down, ideally use it at night in your skincare routine. For those who are sensitive to salicylic acid, always patch test first. It retails for $35."
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"I prefer salicylic acid in the form of a serum. I have a toner type salicylic acid by Paula's Choice, their 2% BHA. It's a nice serum to add into your routine. I would recommend using it at night and then using just a very gentle hydrating serum or even just the sunscreen in the morning because you don't want to get too sensitive to the sun."
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"Paula's Choice has a BHA toner and it's a classic. It's a 2% salicylic acid toner that is great for oily and acne prone skin. If you are dry or just trying to exfoliate regularly this one is not for you, but if you're oily and acne prone absolutely check this one out."
Approved
"Paula's Choice is really kind of the OG 2% salicylic acid liquid exfoliant product for sure. It actually does work so well for reducing texture and congestion and really getting that good amount of salicylic acid into the skin. This product has earned its reputation."
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"BHA dives deep into your pore and exfoliates inside of your pore lining so when you get all those dead skin cells and sebum stuck inside of your pore that's where you're getting the bumpy texture, that's where you're getting the clogged pores, that's where acne is going to start to form if bacteria gets into the mix. BHA is so effective for congestion, clogged pores, acne because it can dive in deeper. Two percent is a good amount, it is absolutely a very effective amount to help clear out the skin. It can absolutely unclog the pores. BHA doesn't work at the top surface but it does have the ability to help with skin tone a little bit or if you have dull skin because it's cleaning out your pores and sometimes the stuff that's stuck inside of your pores is what dulls out your skin, especially if you deal with a lot of blackheads. Salicylic acid is very effective for blackheads. That said, BHA just doesn't help wrinkles. It's not an exfoliant that is well known for its abilities to help with aging."
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"Paula's Choice is really kind of the OG 2% salicylic acid liquid exfoliant product for sure. It actually does work so well for reducing texture and congestion and really getting that good amount of salicylic acid into the skin. This product has earned its reputation."
Approved
"I've probably heard me rave about the Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid, and this is mostly I use it on my face. I use my fingers to apply it and I find that this just never runs out. Once I get to a low enough level and I feel like maybe it's a bit too dicey to use it on my face, I start using it on my body. BHA is salicylic acid, it's a chemical exfoliant. I've also mostly been using salicylic acid over alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid or lactic acid because it is summer here and alpha hydroxy acids have been found to make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and this happens even after you wash it off. It is a change to your actual skin. But salicylic acid in those same studies did not have this effect."
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"I've probably heard me rave about the Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid, and this is mostly I use it on my face. I use my fingers to apply it and I find that this just never runs out. Once I get to a low enough level and I feel like maybe it's a bit too dicey to use it on my face, I start using it on my body. BHA is salicylic acid, it's a chemical exfoliant. I've also mostly been using salicylic acid over alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid or lactic acid because it is summer here and alpha hydroxy acids have been found to make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and this happens even after you wash it off. It is a change to your actual skin. But salicylic acid in those same studies did not have this effect."
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"The Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid it has just been one of my favorites for a long time. My skin just really loves it. It gives me a really lovely smooth glow, it keeps away closed comedones, and it makes my pores look smaller. My main criteria for these is that they are concentrated enough to work well in the shower, which this one is."
Approved
"This is the really famous one I used this years ago. I'm reintroducing actives because my skin was looking really congested. I have figured out the best way to use this so cotton pad I put a decent amount on and what I don't do is swipe I don't swipe anymore I pat. I completely miss this area here I used to do the opposite I used to get my pad and I used to dig in around my nose and I do not need it it made my skin so sensitive. I don't really go around my mouth either I just stick to the areas that I know I need it so perimeters of my face for sure."
Mixed
"Paula's Choice has 2% salicylic acid, which is a lot more gentle. It also has willow bark extract in here, which is a natural source of salicylate, which is basically anti inflammatory. They say it's exfoliating, but it's not really. There's niacinamide to help improve skin tone and texture, sodium hyaluronate to help hydrate the skin, and panthenol to soothe the skin and moisturize too. It's a great product at utilizing the salicylic acid. However, compared to gentler alternatives like Cosrx, you do have to use Paula's Choice less regularly. Both products are effective, but I love gentler alternatives that I could use more regularly throughout the week instead of irritating my skin two to three times a week."
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"Paula's Choice has 2% salicylic acid, which is a lot more gentle. It also has willow bark extract in here, which is a natural source of salicylate, which is basically anti inflammatory. They say it's exfoliating, but it's not really. There's niacinamide to help improve skin tone and texture, sodium hyaluronate to help hydrate the skin, and panthenol to soothe the skin and moisturize too. It's a great product at utilizing the salicylic acid. However, compared to gentler alternatives like Cosrx, you do have to use Paula's Choice less regularly. Both products are effective, but I love gentler alternatives that I could use more regularly throughout the week instead of irritating my skin two to three times a week."
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"The Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant was one of the industry's first leave-on exfoliants and it was seen as a game changer all over the world. With salicylic acid being known for its effectiveness at reducing blackheads, decongesting pores, and smoothing skin texture, so many beauty fans swearing by this product, it's no wonder that this became a global bestseller for the brand. This is without a doubt still the brand's most iconic product, probably the most popular and most viral, and the formula has barely changed since it was created nearly 25 years ago."
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"The Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a tough one because of South Korea's restrictions on salicylic acid, but I know a lot of people are turning to K-beauty because they have more easily sensitized skin and want gentle actives. I find the Paula's Choice exfoliant is quite gentle in my opinion and experience, but K-beauty is going to be a lot gentler, which is why I'd point to the COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid as an alternative."
Approved
"This is a great product, great for people with oily skin, great for people with blemish prone skin, and it's their most viral product, most purchased product. If you're going to try any product from Paula's Choice, I always think this is a good starter product for you."
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"This is a great product, great for people with oily skin, great for people with blemish prone skin, and it's their most viral product, most purchased product. If you're going to try any product from Paula's Choice, I always think this is a good starter product for you."
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"Paula's Choice is an amazing brand, an incredible brand. If you're using the BHA liquid exfoliant and you need a reup, this is a good opportunity to get 25% off. They do 25% off pretty frequently throughout the year, so it's not one of those things where you have to rush to buy it."
Approved
"First off is my Holy Grail, the Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. This one is, in my experience, a little bit harsher than the Sunday Riley one, but it's a workhorse. It gets the job done. This will clean out your pores. This is great for acne-prone oily skin. This is a toner, a true toner, so after washing your face you would put this on a cotton pad and apply it to your face, or sometimes I even just apply it to my hands and just smear it all over my face. You would do this on off nights from your retinoids. I usually reach for this one more in spring and summer."
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"First off is my Holy Grail, the Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. This one is, in my experience, a little bit harsher than the Sunday Riley one, but it's a workhorse. It gets the job done. This will clean out your pores. This is great for acne-prone oily skin. This is a toner, a true toner, so after washing your face you would put this on a cotton pad and apply it to your face, or sometimes I even just apply it to my hands and just smear it all over my face. You would do this on off nights from your retinoids. I usually reach for this one more in spring and summer."
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"If you have acne, Paula's Choice 2% Liquid Exfoliant is a great option for you."
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"I've been really liking this. It's a really great exfoliant, great for use on the nights that you're not using your retinoid. It smells really good but if you're allergic to fragrance and you don't prefer it then you might not want to use this product."
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"Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a holy grail for a reason. It has salicylic acid and is really great to use once or twice a week instead of your retinoid as a powerful exfoliant. Because it's lipid soluble, it can really go in and clean out all that gunk from your pores."
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"Another exfoliant I really love that I've talked about a bunch before is Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant, and this is salicylic acid. BHAs like to go into the pores and clean them out better for oily skin, so this is a great option if you're oily, acne prone, and you tend to get worse breakouts during the summer time. You can even use this on a cotton pad all over your face or you can do it on your back and your chest if you have any acne on your body areas as well."
Mixed
"Paula's Choice is a great brand but that BHA, the salicylic acid, people see that like 'oh my goodness this is going to treat and cure my acne,' but like you said it could be out of the scope of what we're dealing with and just going for something that's trending doesn't mean it's going to be the right fit for you. I feel like that's more of a supplemental thing to add on later after you have a good foundation."
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"Paula's Choice is a great brand but that BHA, the salicylic acid, people see that like 'oh my goodness this is going to treat and cure my acne,' but like you said it could be out of the scope of what we're dealing with and just going for something that's trending doesn't mean it's going to be the right fit for you. I feel like that's more of a supplemental thing to add on later after you have a good foundation."
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"Paula's Choice BHA exfoliant is a great one, but if you use it together with a retinoid, be very careful and don't do it every day because you're going to really run into that irritation zone."
Approved
"If you get the occasional mature skin breakout, you can't go wrong with Paula's Choice 2% Liquid Exfoliant, it'll have your breakout cleared up in no time. But don't forget to keep your skin really hydrated, even though you're having breakouts, you don't want to dry it out too much, so make sure you're still using a great moisturizer."
Skip
"If I was using the 2% BHA liquid exfoliant from Paula's Choice, my skin would have been irritated. There's something so weird about that ingredient list. When I first started using it I never experienced irritation, and then as I got using it over the years my skin has developed the sensitivity to the 2% BHA. I don't know what it is, so I can't use that product anymore."
Approved
"Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is very effective because it binds to oil and extracts it directly from your pores."
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"Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a beta hydroxy acid that works by binding to the oil in your skin, making it a great treatment if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Along with decreasing excess oil production, BHAs can help treat and prevent mild to moderate acne such as blackheads and whiteheads by lifting away dead skin cells and targeting areas with higher concentrations of oil. Beta hydroxy acids help clear out your pores to provide a clear, glowy complexion."
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"Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is very effective because it binds to oil and extracts it directly from your pores."
Approved
"This is the viral Holy Grail from Paula's Choice. The BHA liquid exfoliant has 2% salicylic acid in it and azelaic acid. I like to even use this a few times a week in the morning. You can alternate days with the vitamin C and the azelaic acid to break up your routine that way."
Approved
"This is the Paula's Choice two percent BHA liquid exfoliant. This is really good. Like, this used to be one of my favorite exfoliants, it's still so good. I just like try so many new skincare things that it's not currently in my routine, but it's a really nice product."
Approved
"This is obviously my Holy Grail, my go-to. If you have oily skin or acne prone skin, you might be able to use a product with just salicylic acid every single day. One of my favorite products for that is Paula's Choice 2% BHA."
Approved
"The most iconic salicylic acid formula out there is from Paula's Choice, their two percent BHA liquid exfoliant. This is just formulated to work so well and so effectively. It helps even in ways that you don't expect it to, in terms of just being analgesic, and it can get rid of a lot of redness from inflammation, but also it actually helps with pigmentation as well."
Approved
"You can use a BHA toner, a pharmacy toner. You can use Paula's Choice. I like to focus it on this area to temporarily oil levels. Use this kind of toner after you cleanse your face. Whatever, please double cleanse your face before you start this process."
Mixed
"If you're using the Paula's Choice two percent BHA liquid exfoliant, don't swap to this because not only is it cheaper which I love but it's also got a better blend of ingredients same great dose of salicylic acid which is going to go into the pores flush them out remove dirt debris blackheads and just give the skin over time a more even complexion but you're in here you've also got centella asiatica to calm to soothe medium this is a lot less irritating than a lot of toners and exfoliators you'll find on the market but you've also got a little lactic acid which is great because lactic acid is a humectant draws in and retains moisture in itself so this is a sub exfoliating toner that's going to plump out the skin hydrate rather than dry but also decongest remove some of that dirt debris and blackheads."
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"If anyone's using the Paula's Choice salicylic acid, the Face Theory salicylic acid toner is cheaper than Paula's Choice, it's gentler, and you get better results."
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"If you're using the Paula's Choice two percent BHA liquid exfoliant, don't swap to this because not only is it cheaper which I love but it's also got a better blend of ingredients same great dose of salicylic acid which is going to go into the pores flush them out remove dirt debris blackheads and just give the skin over time a more even complexion but you're in here you've also got centella asiatica to calm to soothe medium this is a lot less irritating than a lot of toners and exfoliators you'll find on the market but you've also got a little lactic acid which is great because lactic acid is a humectant draws in and retains moisture in itself so this is a sub exfoliating toner that's going to plump out the skin hydrate rather than dry but also decongest remove some of that dirt debris and blackheads."
Approved
"For ingrown hairs I use the Paula's Choice BHA. Because I don't use it very often this little bottle is all I need, I just put it on a cotton pad and gently swipe. This is not only good for acne, it's also good for ingrown hairs, because salicylic acid, aka BHA, goes deep into the pore and clears all the gunk, whether it's oils or an ingrown hair, and helps loosen it up so it can come out."
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"I like to use a BHA liquid. For years I was using Paula's Choice 2% BHA. What salicylic acid can do is it goes deep into the pore, it can clear out some of the gunk that can cause acne, but it's also good for clearing out ingrown hair so it can go in there and clear out that ingrown hair."
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"Paula's Choice 2% BHA goes very hard and it's not just for taking care of acne and clogged pores on your face, it's also good for preventing ingrown hairs and exfoliating underneath the arms and the bikini line as well."
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"I'm so glad they gave me this. This is Paula's Choice 2% BHA like little travel size. I'm glad they gave that to me though. I could for sure use a little travel size Paula's Choice."
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"For ingrown hairs I use the Paula's Choice BHA. Because I don't use it very often this little bottle is all I need, I just put it on a cotton pad and gently swipe. This is not only good for acne, it's also good for ingrown hairs, because salicylic acid, aka BHA, goes deep into the pore and clears all the gunk, whether it's oils or an ingrown hair, and helps loosen it up so it can come out."
Common questions

Frequently asked.

What is Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant?

A 2% salicylic acid liquid exfoliant designed to unclog pores, reduce blackheads, and help manage acne-prone and oily skin.

Is Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant worth it?

Mostly yes. 23 of the 27 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 78%.

What is Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant's Guru Score?

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant holds a Guru Score of 78%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 27 independent expert reviewers we have collected.

Who is Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant best for?

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is generally suited to oily skin and acne-prone skin.

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