Why we recommend
This brilliant chemical exfoliant is outstandingly useful if you have oily skin or pores that get easily congested. It clears congested pores and is anti-inflammatory while also hydrating the skin.
- BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid, ie salicylic acid (it’s the only BHA there is). Like AHAs, salicylic acid will exfoliate the surface of the skin, by dissolving the bonds that are holding old cells onto the surface. Unlike AHAs, however, salicylic acid dissolves in oil, so it can work its way into congested pores, and clear them out.
- It’s also anti-inflammatory so, if you have spots, it will reduce the inflammation while keeping your pores clear.
- Like other hydroxy acids, BHA helps to hydrate the skin from within.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Brilliant chemical exfoliant
This brilliant chemical exfoliant is outstandingly useful if you have oily skin or pores that get easily congested. It clears congested pores and is anti-inflammatory while also hydrating the skin.
CATEGORY: Acid Toners, Anti-acne Serums, Beta Hydroxy Acid, and Exfoliators
GREAT FOR:
- Reviews
- How it Works
- Ingredients
- Aqua
- Butylene Glycol (hydration)
- Polysorbate 20 (emulsifier)
- Cetyl Alcohol (thickener)
- Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid, exfoliant)
- Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer (thickener)
- Cyclopentasiloxane (hydration)
- Sorbitan Stearate (emulsifier)
- Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea)
- Leaf Extract (antioxidant)
- Lauric Acid (fatty acid)
- Allantoin (skin-soothing)
- Glycerin (skin-replenishing ingredient)
- Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice)
- Root Extract (plant-based antioxidant soothing agent)
- Avena Sativa (Oat)
- Bran Extract (plant-based antioxidant soothing agent)
- Epilobium Angustifolium (Willow Herb)
- Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract (plant-based antioxidant soothing agent)
- Dimethicone (silicone skin-conditioning agent)
- Xanthan Gum (thickener)
- Magnesium Aluminum Silicate (absorbent slip agent)
- PEG-40 Stearate (thickener)
- Sodium Hydroxide (pH-adjusting agent)
- Hexylene Glycol (solvent)
- Disodium EDTA (chelating agent)
- Ethylhexylglycerin (skin-conditioning agent)
- Phenoxyethanol (preservative)
- Caprylyl Glycol (preservative)
- FAQ
- it’s oil-soluble, meaning it can easily penetrate pores clogged with sebum to break down blockages and clean them out, reducing spots and blackheads
- It has an anti-bacterial action which kills off acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface
- It has anti-inflammatory properties to calm angry breakouts and reduce redness.
Use after cleansing on a clean, dry, face. Put some on a cotton wool pad and sweep it gently around your face. I like to use it 2 or 3 times a week in the evenings, but you can use it morning and night.
Should I apply Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant before or after moisturiser?
Apply straight after cleansing and before serums, oils and moisturisers.
How often should I use Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant?
Start by applying every other day and monitor how your skin responds, then build up to once and, if necessary, twice a day. When using in the morning, always follow with a high-protection, broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Is Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant safe to use during pregnancy?
The Paula’s Choice website states: ‘Salicylic acid (BHA) is a superior exfoliant for skin, and the small percentages used in skincare (2% or lower) are OK to use while pregnant.’
Can I use Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant whilst breastfeeding?
Speak to your doctor or midwife before using this product while breastfeeding.
Is Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant suitable for sensitive skin?
Compared to BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), of which salicylic acid is one, tend to be better suited to sensitive skin, as it also contains soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. That being said, use Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant with caution if you have sensitive skin – patch test a small amount and watch your skin for any reaction. If OK, use it just once a day on alternate days.
Is Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant for treating acne?
Yes, Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a brilliant tool to have in your acne-fighting kit. Salicylic acid is the wonder ingredient for treating acne for a few reasons:
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I’m on my third purchase of this toner. Recommend from Alice through her site for acne. Combined with her other recommendations all I can say is it works exactly how she said
Great for applying on spots after a breakout. It clears them away without being too drying.
Lovely product. I’ve used it a bit and already noticed a slight difference. It’s really easy to apply and doesn’t take long. I will definitely buy this again.
I bought the 30ml to see how it would work on my skin before purchasing the larger bottle. So far, so good. My skin feels smoother, it has a nice glow to it. With any skincare it takes a little while to see results so I’ll have to wait a few weeks. I’m excited to see the results!
I apply this to my face at night and can see results in the morning when I wash my face – my skin is smoother, and the pores look smaller. I have normal to oily skin and tend to have blackheads around the T-zone so I’m always looking for something to help with this. After reading into AHA, I decided to give this a go and I’m pleased I did. I haven’t had any issues with rashes or inflammation, but my skin is not sensitive so I respond well to cosmetics generally. Would recommend this for someone looking to get into acid exfoliators which seem more effective than scrub exfoliators in my opinion.