What the community says
Pros
- Classic leave-on BHA exfoliant that penetrates pores to reduce blackheads and sebum buildup
- Helps soften skin texture and visibly shrink pores with consistent use
- Popular in routines alternating with retinoids to avoid over-exfoliation
Cons
- Can cause irritation, dryness, or stinging, especially if overused or on sensitive skin
- Not recommended for daily use; overuse may damage skin barrier and provoke breakouts
- Mixed results for hyperpigmentation and acne; some users report no improvement or breakouts
Product details
Key Ingredients
Commonly Used With
Where to buy
Available on Amazon
From the threads
Source threads
r/SkincareAddictionPositive impact
11.9k pts · 239 comments
“Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (2-3 a week)”
“How’s the paulas choice active btw?”
“Also when do you use your bha2 or tretinoin?”
r/30PlusSkinCareDidn't work
6.4k pts · 355 comments
“Paula's Choice BHA and 180 grit sandpaper. Good luck!”
“there ain't no topicals that can touch these issues!”
“Have u considered using 75% AHA solution nightly bc those lines are DEEP babe”
r/SkincareAddictionIn routine
5.7k pts · 242 comments
“[Twice a week I exfoliate with Paula’s Choice 2% BHA]”
“most of my hyperpigmentation went away from my consistent routine of azelaic acid, vitamin c, exfoliating twice a week (i use paula’s choice 2% bha), and sunscreen.”
“How do you use Paula’s Choice BHA exfoliant? I find it’s too oily to put it on my face during the day.”
r/AsianBeautyPositive impact
3.7k pts · 90 comments
“Paula Choice CLEAR 2% Salicylic Acid 3x/wk”
“I think exfoliating regularly with PC 2% salicylic acid and keeping my skin hydrated helps a lot!”
“I exfoliate with PC 2% SA, put benzo pyroxide on, wait for the white heads to be visible and then extract it.”
r/SkincareAddictionMentioned
2.8k pts · 164 comments
“I have KP but haven't been doing much to treat it except for a once a week bha.”
“The main things for KP are gentle cleanser, moisturising and exfoliating.”
“If after trying that and still no progress, you can try a different type of acid”