Skin Concerns
Acne-Prone
Blackheads
Bumpy Skin
Clogged Pores
Skin Types
Combination Skin
Dry/Very Dry Skin
Normal Skin
Oily Skin
A unique leave-on formula thatās gentle enough for daily use on all skin types. Exfoliates dead skin cells while clearing pores for a more even, radiant tone, plus visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles to reveal remarkably smoother, younger-looking skin. This exfoliant has an optimal pH range of 3.2ā3.8.
All Paulaās Choice products are 100% fragrance free, clinically proven to be non-irritating, and never tested on animals.
2021 Beauty Insiderās Beauty & Wellness Awards - Readerās Choice Award Best Exfoliator
2021 Daily Vanity Editor's & Readers' Choice
2023 Menās Folio Grooming Awards - Best Chemical Exfoliating Treatment
Skin becomes dull, dry and congested when dead skin cells build up on its surface. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA, also known as salicylic acid) mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by helping it shed extra layers while unclogging and clearing pores.
All skin types may use this product, but the texture is especially suited for those with normal to oily or combination skin, stubborn blackheads, and blemish-prone skin. It can also be used regularly to eliminate calluses on feet, elbows and knees.
Apply once or twice daily after cleansing and toning. Lightly soak a cotton pad and apply over the entire face, including the eye area (avoid the lower lash line and eyelids). Do not rinse. For daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology, September 2016, issue 9, pages 1480-1490
General Physiology and Biophysics, September 2013, issue 3, pages 347-59
Archives of Dermatology, August 2000, issue 8, pages 989-994
Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015, volume 8, pages 455-461
Key Ingredients
Methylpropanediol, Salicylic Acid, Green Tea
Product Ingredients
Water (Aqua), Methylpropanediol (hydration), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Salicylic Acid (beta hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Polysorbate 20 (stabilizer), Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract (green tea/skin calming/antioxidant), Sodium Hydroxide (pH balancer), Tetrasodium EDTA (stabilizer).
ShouldāÆI use AHA or BHA?
AHAs are generally preferred if you have normal to dry skin. AHAs are water soluble and work on skin's surface to enhance hydration, fight crepe-y texture & visibly reduce sun damage.āÆBHA is the preferred option for normal to oily or combination skin that's prone to bumps & blemishes. BHA is oil soluble, meaning it works both on skin's surface and within pores to quickly shed clogging buildup. It's also naturally calming and gentle enough for skin that's sensitive, prone to redness or rosacea.
CanāÆyou use AHA and BHA together?
Yes, you can use AHA and BHA together, but most people do just fineāÆusingāÆone or the other. Using AHA and BHA together can provide advanced results ifāÆyouāreāÆexperiencing multiple skin concerns (likeāÆsigns of sun damage, deep wrinkles, stubborn clogged pores, bumps, dullnessāÆorāÆflaky skin).āÆThereās nothing wrong with experimenting to see which one works best for youāÆor alternating both. Just monitor how your skin responds and adjust usage if needed.
Does Paulaās Choice 2% BHA Liquid cause purging?
Learn more ināÆour skin purging article.
Is 2% BHA Liquid a toner?
No, 2% BHAāÆLiquidāÆisnātāÆaāÆtoner. Itās a leave-on, chemical exfoliant with salicylic acid thatāÆremovesāÆbuilt-up dead skin andāÆunclogs pores.āÆPaulaās Choice tonersāÆadd vital skin-replenishing ingredients immediately after cleansing, before exfoliating,āÆto hydrate, refreshāÆand rebalance.
Why does 2% BHA Liquid feel sticky and kind of greasy on my face?
If 2% BHA Liquid feels sticky, youāÆmay beāÆusing too much product. Try using a dime-sized amount applied in a thin layer. 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 works as a water-binding agent).
What is the difference between 2% BHA Liquid andāÆCLEAR Regular StrengthāÆ2%āÆBHA?
2% BHA Liquid penetrates deeper into the pore and has a pH of 3.5. ItāsāÆdesigned for those with more stubborn or persistentāÆbreakouts. CLEAR Regular StrengthāÆ2% BHAāÆhas a nearly weightless feel on your skin and a pH of around 3.9, making it better for those with mild and occasional breakoutsāÆor sensitive skin.
WhatāÆis the difference between 2% BHA Liquid andāÆCLEAR Extra Strength 2% BHA?
2% BHA Liquid has theāÆexactāÆsame formulaāÆasāÆCLEAR Extra Strength 2% BHA, which is sold within the convenient 3-step CLEAR anti-acne line.
What is the difference betweenāÆthe 2% BHA Liquid and RESIST Daily Pore-Refining TreatmentāÆ2% BHA?
2% BHA Liquid is a more potent exfoliant for all skin types,āÆthanks to its lower pHāÆand the inclusion of additionalāÆpenetrationāÆenhancing agents ināÆitsāÆformula which allow it to exfoliate quickly. RESIST 2% BHA has a lighter, water-like texture for combination/oily skināÆandāÆin addition toāÆunclogging pores, itāÆalsoāÆcontains additional antioxidantsāÆtoāÆhelpāÆgently but effectively address signs of aging.
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Good
Feel smooth after use.
Best Product for Oily and Blemish Prone Skin
This solved my skin (blemishes) problems. My holy grail since I started using 2 years ago.