One of the biggest skincare complaints I hear as a beauty editor revolves around skin texture - it’s a gripe with which I’m all too familiar. My own complexion is prone to smatterings of redness, blotchiness and general unevenness. My pores can look bumpy and enlarged and any tell-tale signs of post-blemish pigmentation linger for weeks at a time. Oh, joy! On my quest to improve my skin tone and texture, I began to put a cult classic to the test - belatedly, admittedly. So, I started to try Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which is far from a beauty newbie. In fact, it’s been around since 2000 - selling 1.25 million units globally each year. But does it really live up to the hype? Spoiler alert: in my opinion, the results corroborate each and every rave review.
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Paula’s ChoiceCustomer review: 'I've been using this product for over 2 years and it seems to work very well to control breakouts, unclog pores and smooth skin texture to make it more even - I think it has an effect over time rather than making an obvious difference instantly. It can also be used on individual spots to help clear them. I would recommend it to people with blackheads/breakouts.'
Pros
- Consistently excellent reviews
Cons
- Expensive (but can opt for a mini)
What does the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant do?
Beauty insiders tout this exfoliator as ‘the secret to unclogged pores, smoother skin, and a glowing complexion.’ Big claims, yes, but the ingredients do back them up. Firstly, there’s salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (better known as BHA) well known for its pore-penetrating prowess. It works beyond just the skin’s surface, instead penetrating deeply, dissolving oil, loosening clogged dirt and grime, and tempering breakouts along the way. While it is potent, salicylic acid is still one of the more gentle exfoliators, keeping the potential of irritation to a minimum. If err on the more sensitive side your skin will rejoice at the infusion of soothing green tea which leaves your complexion feeling refreshed but calm. All in all, consider this liquid exfoliator a brilliant all rounder when it comes to brightening, soothing, and smoothing.
Is the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant suitable for you?
The real joy in this exfoliant? It’s in its versatility. No matter your skin type - whether it’s oily, acne-prone, or even combination, this product can slot into your routine. Yes - even sensitive skin types. My advice is start slow — every third night works well, and you can build up as you wish. Those with dull, tired skin can rejoice too - while it works a treat to banish breakouts and blackheads, its other superpower is boosting luminosity thanks to its ability to improve uneven texture and tone.
How to use Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
While the packaging says it can be used twice daily, I find every other night in the evening is enough for me - skin cycling is my preferred approach to keep my skin barrier strong. After cleansing, I’ll pour a few drops of the exfoliant onto a cotton bud and sweep across my whole complexion, paying extra attention to the t-zone - in particular the sides of my nose. It applies like a liquid toner and feels cooling and refreshing - sans sting. That said, my face immediately feels a little tight, so it’s important I follow up with a cosseting moisturiser to keep it feeling comfortable.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: The Results
'I’ve been using this every other night for the last two months and I really have seen an improvement in my skin. I test a lot of products (a blessing and a curse), so I know that results take time, but will say that it only took a week for my skin to appear clearer, brighter, and considerably more even in tone and texture. While I’m not quite skipping foundation, my make-up free days are spent feeling considerably less self conscious - and I absolutely call that a victory. At £35 a bottle, it’s an investment—but one that lasts for months and makes a noticeable difference. In a world of over-hyped skincare products, Paula’s Choice proves why it’s worth its salt.'
'After being put onto Paula's Choice by a friend, I've fully converted as I do feel like it's a brand that just gets it. Its liquid exfoliant is one of those products that I'd say certainly demands patience - but ultimately it's worth it. When I first started using it I think my skin went through a phase of 'it gets worse before it gets better' (and by that I mean a few more breakouts) - although after a couple of weeks it completely turned around. My skin looks smoother, brighter and like I actually drink as much water as recommended. The brand suggests to use its exfoliant up to twice daily, honestly, that felt a little too intense for me - I'd say stick to every other day. The best part perhaps? Because the product is in liquid form, it requires no harsh scrubbing like some exfoliants that feel like they’re taking a layer of your face with them. I like to use it in combination with the Calm Nourishing Milky Toner to keep any redness in check.'
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s beauty editor where she covers all things beauty, health and wellness
