Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant — Reddit Reviews
Updated October 17, 2026
Reddit reports clearer pores from 2% salicylic acid; studies found similar acne results.
What the community says
A leave-on 2% salicylic acid exfoliant for oily, congested skin, especially blackheads and rough texture. Redditors call it an HG, and studies found 2% salicylic acid worked about as well as adapalene; sensitive or dry skin can peel or sting.
What this means for you
Backed by 21 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 5 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- 2% salicylic acid targets clogged pores and blackheads
- Noticeably smoother texture and less visible pores
- Useful beyond facial acne for KP and ingrown hairs
Watch out for
Product details
Skin Type
Values
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
Acne
Some evidence
Salicylic Acid: 16 studies tested it on its own. See all 34 studies
On Reddit: Nose-only routines tackle blackheads and sebaceous filaments, with users applying it two or three times weekly. 218 mentions
What the studies found
- Most studies found salicylic acid helped clear acne
- It often reduced pimples, blackheads and whiteheads
- It usually worked about as well as other common acne treatments
- Used with other acne treatments, it sometimes cleared acne better than those treatments alone
- Side effect results were very uncertain in one large review
Studied at 0.5–30%this product: 2%
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 878 mentions across 21 threads
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant on Reddit, in one place — 21 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 5 more, summarized.
“Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (2-3 a week)”
Mentioned
“Do you use your Paula's choice the same night you use tret or other nights?”
Mentioned
“How’s the paulas choice active btw? I read a lot about this and not sure if I should try this vs the ordinary glycolic acid toner...”
Mentioned
“Paula's Choice BHA and 180 grit sandpaper. Good luck!”
Mentioned
“Paula's Choice BHA”
Mentioned
“Good luck!”
Mentioned
“[Twice a week I exfoliate with Paula’s Choice 2% BHA]”
Positive
“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.”
Positive
“How do you use Paula’s Choice BHA exfoliant? I find it’s too oily to put it on my face during the day.”
Positive
“I tried Paula’s Choice BHA 2% and Some by Mi’s Miracle Toner but my skin became so flaky.”
Cautionary
“As for acids, I did try a few in the past but found it too drying so I decided to give it a break.”
Cautionary
“I think when you have acne you often start using acids way more than you should”
Cautionary
“* Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid”
Positive
“Would it be too much exfoliation if I also use Cosrx's BHA Power liquid in the morning if I use adapalene at night?”
Positive
“we have a wildly similar routine and results”
Positive
“BHA exfoliant 2–3x/week (Paula’s Choice 2% BHA)”
Positive
“My texture is way better, and my skin feels healthier overall.”
Positive
“This is how I cleared my acne”
Positive
