Dead skin cells do not shed on their own. When they accumulate on the surface and inside pores, the result is dullness, congestion, uneven texture, blackheads, and skin that absorbs other products less effectively.

Chemical exfoliants dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together and clear buildup inside pores — without scrubbing, without abrasion, and without damaging the skin in the process. 

Paula's Choice AHA and BHA exfoliants are leave-on formulas that work while they sit on the skin, fragrance-free and clinically tested to be non-irritating.

This is the most targeted, research-backed category in any skincare routine. Getting it right makes everything else work better

AHA vs BHA — The Most Important Decision

Before choosing a concentration or a texture, choose the right acid for your concern. AHA and BHA work differently and suit different skin types.

Not sure which to choose?

• Oily, acne-prone, or congested skin almost always benefits more from BHA first.

• Dry, dull, or sun-damaged skin typically responds better to AHA.

• Combination skin can benefit from both — BHA through the T-zone, AHA on drier areas — or from a combined formula.

Quick Decision Guide

Shop by Concern

Blackheads, Clogged Pores, and Congestion

BHA (salicylic acid) is oil-soluble — the only exfoliant that penetrates inside the pore lining to dissolve the sebum and dead cell buildup that causes blackheads and congestion.

Leave-on formulas deliver sustained contact with the pore, which is why they significantly outperform rinse-off cleansers containing salicylic acid.

Acne and Breakouts

BHA addresses acne from two directions — clearing the congestion that causes breakouts and calming the inflammation that makes them worse.

For inflammatory or persistent acne, the CLEAR range combines BHA exfoliation with a formulation optimized specifically for acne-prone skin.

CLEAR vs Skin Perfecting 2% BHA: Both contain 2% salicylic acid. The CLEAR range is formulated specifically for acne-prone skin with additional calming ingredients. The Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid is a broader daily exfoliant suited to all skin types, including those without active acne.

Dullness, Uneven Texture, and Surface Radiance

AHA exfoliants accelerate the natural shedding process that slows with age and sun exposure. The result is fresher, more radiant skin with improved texture and tone.

Sun Damage, Fine Lines, and Advanced Aging

Higher-concentration AHA formulas address the deeper surface concerns that accumulate with age and UV exposure — significant texture irregularity, visible fine lines, and persistent uneven tone. These formulas are more potent and should be introduced gradually.

Pigmentation and Uneven Tone

Mandelic and lactic acids are gentler AHA options that improve pigmentation, tone, and radiance with a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — making them particularly suited to deeper skin tones or skin that finds glycolic acid too stimulating.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive and reactive skin can still benefit from exfoliation — but at a lower concentration and with a formula specifically designed to minimize the risk of irritation. The 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant delivers the pore-clearing benefit of salicylic acid with added soothing ingredients suited to rosacea-prone and reactive skin.

Concentration Guide

The right concentration depends on how experienced your skin is with chemical exfoliants, not on how quickly you want results. Starting too high causes unnecessary irritation and does not accelerate improvement.

BHA Concentrations

AHA Concentrations

Leave-On vs Rinse-Off: What Is the Difference?

Almost every exfoliant in this range is a leave-on formula. That is deliberate.

Leave-on exfoliants maintain contact with the skin long enough for the acid to work at the correct pH. Rinsing removes the formula before it has finished working, which is why rinse-off cleansers containing salicylic acid are significantly less effective than leave-on treatments at the same concentration.

The one exception in this range is the 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel, which is a rinse-off formula applied for ten minutes once a week. Its concentration is too high for leave-on use. The controlled contact time is what makes it effective without over-exfoliating.

How to Exfoliate Correctly

• Routine Order

  Cleanser → Toner → Exfoliant → Serum → Moisturizer → SPF (morning only)

• Getting Started

  Begin with three applications per week.

  Increase frequency only if your skin remains comfortable and free from persistent redness, flaking, or sensitivity.

  Some skin types tolerate daily exfoliation well, while others achieve better results using it every other day.

• How to Apply

  Apply liquid exfoliants with a cotton pad and gels or lotions with clean fingertips. Spread an even layer over the face and neck, avoiding the immediate eye area and lips.

  Leave-on exfoliants should not be rinsed off.

• Introducing a New Exfoliant

  Start with the lowest effective concentration for your concern.

  Use it three times during the first week before increasing frequency.

  If you plan to use both an AHA and a BHA, introduce one first and wait two weeks before adding the second.

• Using Exfoliants with Retinol or Vitamin C

  Exfoliants can be used alongside retinol and vitamin C, but they do not need to be applied at the same time. Apply your exfoliant first and allow it to absorb before continuing with the rest of your routine.

  Vitamin C is typically used in the morning, while retinol is best used in the evening. If sensitivity develops, alternate usage days instead of layering multiple active ingredients together.

• Signs of Over-Exfoliation

  Persistent redness, tightness, increased sensitivity, ongoing peeling, or a shiny, tight appearance after application are signs that your skin is being exfoliated too frequently. Reduce usage and allow your skin time to recover before increasing frequency again.

• Morning or Evening?

  Leave-on exfoliants can be used either morning or evening. Both are effective. If using an exfoliant during the day, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater.

Why Singapore's Climate Makes Exfoliation Straightforward

Humidity accelerates oiliness and congestion.

Singapore's heat increases sebum production, which means pores congest faster than in cooler climates. A leave-on BHA exfoliant used consistently is one of the most effective tools for managing this — clearing the pore lining rather than just cleansing the surface.

UV exposure is consistently high, which makes SPF non-negotiable with exfoliants.

AHA and BHA exfoliants increase the skin's sensitivity to UV damage. In Singapore, where UV Index values reach 11 and above year-round, applying SPF 30 or greater after morning exfoliant use is not optional. Skipping sunscreen while using AHA or BHA regularly will accelerate the very sun damage these formulas are designed to address.

Heat and humidity require a gradual approach.

Skin under environmental stress — heat, UV exposure, air-conditioning — is more reactive than skin in a temperate climate. Introduce exfoliants gradually and increase only when your skin is tolerating them comfortably.

Air-conditioning creates dehydration that can be mistaken for sensitivity.

Skin that appears to react to exfoliants is sometimes simply dehydrated from hours in air-conditioned environments. A hydrating toner and moisturizer applied after your exfoliant step support the skin barrier and reduce the likelihood of unnecessary sensitivity.

AHA and BHA exfoliants increase the skin's sensitivity to UV damage. For daytime use in Singapore's high-UV environment, always follow your morning exfoliant with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater. Browse the Paula's Choice sunscreen collection.