Paula's ChoiceSKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Gel Salicylic Acid Exfoliant, 3.3 Ounce Bottle

I've been an admirer of Paula's since I read, "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" in 2004. It was consciousness raising. She was an advocate for those of us who felt burned by beauty industry jargon and hype. My approach to choosing cosmetics was changed entirely and I became a label reader, able to tell on my own what works and what hurts. Her advice and recommendations have served both my skin and bank account well over the years since. Shortly after I discovered her published works I eagerly tested her own skin care line, Paula's Choice. It was really only then after being let down by the trendy ProActiv and even by my dermatologist, that the persistent cheek acne I'd had since I was 15 cleared up - and began to heal! 'Heal' is the key word. In the past it would abate for a little while, but a new round of acne always returned before the scarring faded. This pattern was unbroken until I became a regular user of the 2% BHA gel. I've tried them all - Paula's cleansers, moisturizers, toners, and serums - and this is the one I'm still buying twelve years on. At 31 I don't break out anymore, but I have to be vigilant about blackheads and sebaceous filaments on my now combination skin. Whenever I stray or skimp with an inferior product (mostly Neutrogena) I end up coming back. This stuff is that good and reliable, and I don't think the ingredients have ever been modified. It's the same winning blend of effective BHA, antioxidants and anti-irritants.

I have severe hormonal and cystic acne since 2018. This is a new pleasure in my life to deal with in my forties. The acne has caused severe acne scars all up my cheeks, and some on my forehead and chin. I’ve been on prescription meds to help with the acne, and it’s all been really slow to work. In the meantime, I’m trying new stuff to help along the skin renewal process as much as I can.Cons: product will cause SEVERE dryness and peeling. I started using once a day and ended up with skin so dry it hurt when I put on moisturizer. So went to every other day and same problem. I now use once a week and don’t have the dryness. Also, your skin is going to PEEL. Like, really PEEL. I can’t wear makeup when using this product becUse if the severe peeling. Makeup just looks freakish.Pros: after the peeling, your skin is going to to look STRAIGHT UP AMAZING. A new layer of skin is exposed and the dark spots left by the acne scarring is improved. Stay with the product and use it consistently (I’m still at one a week) and you really will love the results. It won’t do anything to prevent the acne itself, but it will help bring about more beautiful, healthy looking, bright skin!

I used the toner consistently for months but would go through it so fast because the lid would break off and the product would go right into the sink. My only complaint about the gel is that upon arrival it was leaking due to the lid not being tightened. BUT it lasts much longer and you only need one pump!

I bought this as sample and decided to add it to my rotating line of serum. Mildly exfoliating but don't expect a difference you can see right away. If used daily you can see a difference after a month or so (but no one else would). I didnt have an issue with dryness.

Clear skin. Two times a day, wake-up and before sleep or after a shower. My routine is 6am then 6pm. It works!

I have never written a review for anything in my life, but the results I've seen from using this product merit recognition. I'm 25 years old and have been dealing with acne for 2 years - cystic, raised red bumps, mostly on my forehead and cheeks. I tried everything - retinoids, antibiotics, spironolactone, light therapy, aczone and clarisonic. I felt constantly embarrassed. I was very close to trying Accutane (despite the severe side effects). I tried Paula's Choice BHA on a whim because I had read that BHA helps certain types of acne. Within 3 days, I saw a difference. I couldn't believe it! My skin has gotten continuously clearer as the months pass. I've been using this for 6 months now and I no longer have to feel embarrassed or worried about my skin. I highly recommend that anyone who has similar acne tries this product!

My skin has looked so much better since I started using this stuff! No more occasional pimples, smoother texture, more "glow". My only complaint is that it leaves my skin shiny, so I can only use it at night. I might switch to the lotion one so I can maybe use it in the morning as well. It's also kind of pricy, but it seems to go a long way. A good alternative is the Stridex red box BHA exfoliating pads, but I think the Paula's Choice is better. It depends on whether you're sensitive to menthol, which is in the Stridex but not in Paula's Choice. I'm planning to try using Stridex on half my face and PC on the other to see if the Paula's Choice really is that much better, because Stridex is SO much cheaper, but I think that sadly (or happily for the Paula's Choice people!) the Stridex breaks me out a little. :)

Not sure why this received good reviews. I have been using it for a short while with no visible positive results.