Why This Paula's Choice BHA Exfoliant Remains A Firm Favourite

Hanitra’s Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant review

• Skin type: Oily and acne-prone

• The product: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $15.60

Aside from having acne-prone skin, my biggest struggle is hyperpigmentation. My usual skincare routine includes using exfoliants two to three times a week to help remove dead skin, decongest pores and ease my hyperpigmentation.

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is already in my bathroom arsenal to help tackle congestion and I’m thrilled the brand now has an AHA Liquid Exfoliant on the days my skin feels something a little gentler. From time to time I also use my intensive treatments like Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial™, $80.60. Before using Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant for this review my skin felt particularly congested – I’m not sure if it was due to having oily skin or living in London.

I always use Paula’s Choice 2% BHA after cleansing and before my serums. While I’ve never seen an immediate difference after using this formula, my skin always feels and looks a lot smoother in the morning. In my opinion, this is a really great product to have in your rotation. In the summer months, I tend to use this product every day to get rid of extra oil.

Victoria’s Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant review

• Skin type: Dry to combination

• The product: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $15.60

I used to use Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant when I cycled to work and noticed T-zone was much oilier than usual. However, in recent years it’s fallen out of my routine. Before reviewing the formula recently, my skin was on the drier side, and I was suffering with a breakout on my cheeks – I think this is reaction to a product I’ve been testing. As a result, I was slightly apprehensive about using a liquid exfoliant.

My worry was misplaced. I used Paula’s Choice every other day after cleansing and noticed no further irritation. In fact, I think the formula probably helped to ease the breakout and get my skin back into shape. Even if my skin hadn’t been sensitive, I would still only use Paula’s Choice 2% BHA every other day as I like to give my skin a rest day.

Rather than applying the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant with a cotton wool pad, I pat it on with my hands like I would an essence. I always think a cotton pad (reusable or not) soak up some of the product, whereas your fingers press it onto skin. I follow with my all-time favourite Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Serum, $98.00 or a hyaluronic acid serum and moisturiser.

Our Verdict On Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

While both our reviewers had different skin types and concerns, they both had positive experiences using Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $15.60. It’s a formula that can be easily slotted into your skincare routine, but we recommend tailoring the frequency with which you use it to your skin’s needs. For example, Victoria’s skin was feeling more reactive and sensitive, so she used it every other day, while Hanitra was able to use it every day.

As with all active ingredients, we also recommend not using this alongside other potent formulas to avoid overloading your skin and we suggest doing a patch test before using this liquid exfoliant all over.

What is the difference between Paula’s Choice BHA and AHA Liquid Exfoliants?

While the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant contains 2% salicylic acid to help loosen blocked pores and get rid of excess oil, the Paula's Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant, $45.50 gently exfoliates dry, dead skin and works on easing the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots.