Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant with Salicylic Acid, Facial Polish for Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines, Suitable for Blackhead-Prone Skin,…

Rated 4.4 out of 5 based on 1 customer rating
(35 customer reviews)

$16.00

SKU: 13244BB2 Category:
Disclosure

Description

Our #1 award-winning exfoliating toner now in convenient, non-abrasive, pre-soaked pads for exfoliation you can travel with for glowing skin on-the-go.​

Benefits

Unclog pores, smooth texture & hydrate for clear, glowing skin in one swipe.

Suggested use

Slowly work up to 1-2x daily, as tolerated. Massage onto clean skin as needed, do not rinse.

Brand

Paula's Choice

Item Form

Pad

Skin Type

Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily

Product Benefits

Unclog pores, smooth texture & hydrate for clear, glowing skin in one swipe.

Active Ingredients

Beta Hydroxy Acid, Salicylic Acid, salicylic_acid

35 reviews for Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant with Salicylic Acid, Facial Polish for Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines, Suitable for Blackhead-Prone Skin,…

  1. Rated 4 out of 5

    liz Amend

    This stuff actually does what it claims. After a few days my skin looked clearer and smoother, and it helped cut down the small bumps. It’s gentle, but you still feel it working. The only downside is the price for the size, but the results make it worth keeping in the routine

  2. Rated 5 out of 5

    Rosario R.

    Love this , it really works, skin became much prettier! Will buy again 👍

  3. Rated 5 out of 5

    Ekaterina Andreeva

    Love this , it really works, skin became much prettier! Will buy again 👍

  4. Rated 5 out of 5

    Zornitsa Ignatova

    Perfect product for oily skin. It regulates perfectly the secretion and makes the pores fine.

  5. Rated 5 out of 5

    Ellie Foote

    Perfect product for oily skin. It regulates perfectly the secretion and makes the pores fine.

  6. Rated 5 out of 5

    Audrey S.

    My skin type:

    – Very Dry, easily dehydrated
    – Oily nose
    – Prone to stubborn acne and closed comedones
    – Redness on chin and cheeks (not rosacea)

    I already use a nightly Tretinoin cream (.04% concentration) to help with my acne and premature signs of aging but decided with my derm that incorporating a BHA would be a good idea to help with my seriously stubborn closed comedones and some irritating textural issues. It was between this and the Cerave SA lotion and I ultimately decided on this due to the higher concentration of salicylic acid.

    It’s moisturizing, and feels sticky for the first 5-10 minutes after application but seems to sinks in to something of a satin finish on me and I can no longer feel it on my skin. You just have to be a little patient. My skin feels well hydrated and plump after it settles and looks really smooth and my pores aren’t as obvious. It sits just fine under makeup for me but I’m not a new user to chemical exfoliants so I don’t have lots of dead skin pilling up or sloughing off when I use it, my skin is, for the most part, already very smooth outside the acne and CCs. Occasionally I’ll apply it further down my neck/decolletage than usual and WOW do I old skin just ball up and peel right away – it’s so gross but also satisfying. So those that don’t exfoliate often or are new to BHA/AHAs will likely have issues with foundation until their skin adjusts (but it will adjust). My advice in those cases is to either use this at night for the first few weeks or just accept going barefaced for a little while if you can.

    I’d strongly suggest not applying this product over anything that you feel does not dry down fully, the times I’ve attempted to use it after serums or heavier products it takes forever to sink in and sometimes never fully does. I save all my serums and essences for after this has absorbed and it’s far easier to work with it as a result. My steps go like this most days: ACWell Licorice toner — PC 2% BHA — 10% Niacinamide serum — TO Matryxil serum — Secret Key Black Snail cream or Syn-ake cream w/ 3 drops Stratia Fortify oil — Sunscreen.

    It works fairly quickly IMO, on my neck where I typically don’t apply my Tret at night I noticed the peeling and balling of dead skin on day one and on my face where I have a patch of really awful CCs I noticed them getting smaller and smoother by around day 3-4. I’m going on about 8 days now and they’re barely visible unless I’m right up in the mirror and feel as if they’re almost gone when I touch my fingers to that area. I do have some slight peeling of the skin around my mouth and nose but it’s not terrible (likely because I already exfoliate the heck out of my skin with the tret).

    Some tips and things keep in mind:

    1)
    DO NOT RINSE IT OFF. I don’t understand some of the top reviews advising people to do that, it says on the bottle not to rinse and nearly all chemical exfoliators are meant to be left on until the next cleansing specifically so they can do their job. If you rinse it off you’re either going to prevent it from properly exfoliating or end up irritating the hell out of your skin. If you have oily skin and feel this might be heavy on you than you can probably just use this on bare skin and then sunscreen if you use in the AM or a lightweight lotion/cream and be done with it, but you need to leave it on your skin.

    2)
    You have got to use sunscreen while you’re using this product! Any BHA or AHA exfoliant causes increased sun sensitivity and you have to address that in your routine. You should already use sunscreen daily but it becomes a must when you incorporate a chemical exfoliator or you risk sun damage.

    3)
    Less is more! Don’t slop this on your face or soak a cotton pad in it, a little goes a long way and you’ll be kicking yourself if you apply way too much and have to wait 20+ minutes for it to sink in. Use a shake or two and add more if needed but go easy.

    4)
    Expect some irritation initially. Chemical exfoliants can be harsh and rough even on sturdy skin and you have to give yourself time to adjust. Over-exfoliation is a possibility but sometimes just introducing a BHA or AHA into your routine can cause some sensitivity. Don’t panic and just be gentle to your skin. Use ceramides (like Cerave Skin Renewing cream) or fatty oils to soothe your face if needed and try to stay away from any harsh products or acids like Vitamin C right after applying this to avoid really burning your face.

  7. Rated 5 out of 5

    Ekaterina Andreeva

    Amazing product! The progress with this takes a few months …but please be patient! At 33 years old I never thought I’d be free from breakouts and scarring from cystic hormonal type acne.
    Started using once a day on a cotton pad at night. Skin will sting a tad & be slightly flaky to start after a few days. Skin may “purge” spots as pores are unclogged but this will calm down – trust me!
    Once skin becomes flaky I then reduced to use all over my face every 3 days, but everyday along my jawline and neck. I follow with a light oil free moisturiser.
    Honestly, I have used around 2 bottles in 8 months and I get minimal spots now, and they heal very quickly. Any inflammation comes up and I pop a dab of this on! Skin also feels so smooth too. This is a real review!!! It could change your life!!

  8. Rated 5 out of 5

    Ellie Foote

    Really great product and worth investing in. On my second bottle, be sure to only use once or maybe twice a week as I had previously overused it and my skin reacted. But when used once a week I’ve been seeing a real difference in my skin texture and pours !

  9. Rated 4 out of 5

    MSM78

    I LOVE this product, but it didn’t help with my enlarged pores or wrinkles as I’d hoped. That said, it definitely helped with blackheads, which was a nice bonus.

    My routine: I have combination skin and use this on my face both morning and night. Applied it with a cotton round.

    Texture: Left a greasy feel after application, which wasn’t ideal but manageable.

    Why I tried it: Had good reviews on Amazon and other sites, so I thought I’d give it a go.

    Value: One bottle lasts a long time – good bang for your buck.

    Current status: Had to stop using it with other skin treatments I’m on now (tretinoin), but I bought several bottles when I was using it regularly because I liked it so much for blackheads.

    Bottom line: If you’re dealing with blackheads, this works really well. Just don’t expect miracles for pores or anti-aging. I’d still recommend it for what it does best.

  10. Rated 5 out of 5

    Real Rockies Reviewer

    I chose this exfoliant years ago because I wanted something effective but not harsh, and it’s become one of those skincare staples I always come back to. I usually stock up during Black Friday or Prime Day because I genuinely don’t like being without it.
    I’m currently not using it because of pregnancy, but I can’t wait to add it back in afterward. Within just a few days of use, my pores look noticeably smaller and my skin feels smoother and more even. It delivers visible results without irritating my skin, which is hard to find in an exfoliant.
    If you’re looking for something that actually works and earns a permanent place in your routine, this is it. It’s reliable, effective, and something I’ve recommended many times over the years.

  11. Rated 5 out of 5

    Vicious Vegan

    I’ve struggled for YEARS with acne-prone, oily skin, trying product after product with little to no success — until I found this gem! 🌟 From the first few uses, I noticed my skin felt smoother and less congested, and within a couple of weeks, my breakouts were visibly fewer and my pores looked cleaner and smaller. This exfoliant has truly been a miracle for my skin — it unclogs pores, controls oil, and helps keep future acne at bay. My complexion now looks clearer, calmer, and more balanced than it has in such a long time. I also love that it’s lightweight and absorbs beautifully without feeling sticky or harsh. Highly recommend to anyone with oily, acne-prone skin! 💛✨

  12. Rated 5 out of 5

    Mach

    This product is amazing, it truly changed my skin in the span of 2 weeks. I have never tried something that has helped my skin and cleared it so much. Recommended!!!

  13. Rated 5 out of 5

    Dianisleidy

    I really liked this liquid exfoliant. It helps renew the skin without irritating it, leaving my face smoother and feeling deeply cleansed. The texture is light, it applies easily, and absorbs quickly.

    I’ve used it regularly and have noticed that it improves the appearance of my skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and allowing other products to absorb better. It doesn’t leave a sticky feeling or dry out my skin. It’s ideal for combination skin like mine.

  14. Rated 5 out of 5

    Cassie

    My face GLOWS after using these wipes. Yes it does leave my skin feeling slightly tighter but I have noticed a big difference in complex and even acne reduction. Will continue to buy this product.

  15. Rated 5 out of 5

    Anna H

    I rarely write reviews because I don’t come across a lot of products that I am blown away.
    But if you can tell by my comparison photo, I’ve made PRETTY DRASTIC improvements with my skin within a month! So I had to share my thoughts and experiences!
    I used the product every night before bed with a cotton ball for about a month now.

    To give you some background, I played college tennis 10 years ago. I was out in the sun all the time for practice. I have hyperpigmentation, large pores, oily face, fungal acne/bumps, and acne scars. Ive had it all. I also hated putting on sunscreen back then because I hate the oily texture of sunscreen with sweat mixed together so I was taking in UVA/UVB at full strength with beaming rays in warm SoCal sun for many many years.
    Fast forward 10 years, I’ve been pretty religious with skincare since graduating college because I realized that I’ve done huge damage to my skin. I made progress during those 10 years with consistency, but there were still some room for improvements as you can see in the photo. With age, I started seeing some wrinkles under my eyes and and on my forehead as well. I started getting all serious about skincare again a month ago by revisiting my usual selections to see what I can introduce into my routine. I found this product on YouTube, some blog post, and then Amazon. Decided to take a stab with the huge amount of reviews.

    BEST DECISION EVER!

    I saw changes within a few days of use! Skin started getting smoother and then pores looked somewhat smaller. After some improvements the first week, I did not see drastic improvements again till week 3. Started seeing changes in hyperpigmentation and smoothness of my skin. Also my wrinkles have somewhat faded under my eyes and forehead.
    Please note, I did try using it twice a day, but my skin started getting very flaky and sensitive. I think I broke out a little bit too so I had to go back to just once per day. I’d like to add, purging period is part of the process. Don’t panic. Just be patient and you will see results. As they say, no pain no gain.

    I never thought I’d be here in a month with all of the pre-existing skin issues I had, but I can confidently say I am confident in my own skin at 33! This is probably the best skin I’ve ever had! I can finally feel confident makeup free. When I do put on makeup, I don’t have to put on multiple layers of makeup or strategically use concealer to cover up the uneven texture or blemishes. Also my skin looks like it radiates through my makeup now. I saw someone say in the comments here how it’s like having instagram filter IRL. I totally agree. I don’t need no instagram filter! It’s called real life glowy skin!

    To add to the usage of this product, I also did make a switch in my routine by adding Cetaphil Purifying Clay Mask. I used the clay mask every other day. So it could be a combination of reasons for these results. But I think my comparison photo speaks for itself – Please give it one month of consistent use. Be consistent and you will see huge results! Hope that helps 🙂

  16. Rated 5 out of 5

    Mach

    Amazing product! The progress with this takes a few months …but please be patient! At 33 years old I never thought I’d be free from breakouts and scarring from cystic hormonal type acne.
    Started using once a day on a cotton pad at night. Skin will sting a tad & be slightly flaky to start after a few days. Skin may “purge” spots as pores are unclogged but this will calm down – trust me!
    Once skin becomes flaky I then reduced to use all over my face every 3 days, but everyday along my jawline and neck. I follow with a light oil free moisturiser.
    Honestly, I have used around 2 bottles in 8 months and I get minimal spots now, and they heal very quickly. Any inflammation comes up and I pop a dab of this on! Skin also feels so smooth too. This is a real review!!! It could change your life!!

  17. Rated 5 out of 5

    Anna H

    First off, I don’t do reviews unless a product is really bad or really good, because I expect that a product should do what it is advertised to do. I’m also HIGHLY skeptical when it comes to beauty products. I was told in my 20’s that once you get large pores, you can’t shrink them. So, I made the best I could with the pores on my nose that had already started to get more noticeable.

    I used all sorts of things, pore strips, clay masks and charcoal masks. My regimen still includes steaming, then putting a clay mask on my t zone over night once a week or so. I’m 49, and I was still under the belief that I would have to deal with enlarged pores, along with the fine lines I’ve started to develop, all as a normal part of aging. But this year, when face primer and makeup was no longer hiding my pores, I had enough! I would like to say quickly, my pores are clean, they aren’t blackheads, they are just large, and numerous.

    So, looking on Amazon I came across this product. I read the reviews and it seemed as though this worked for others, and wasn’t ridiculously priced, so I bought it a month ago, and started using it as directed.

    Twice a day, morning and night, after I wash my face, I apply it to my entire face, neck, and chest. Once upon a time I was also told, whatever you do for your face, do for your entire neck and chest, this is called your décolletage, and you will thank yourself when you are older, because if you don’t apply your beauty routine to the whole area, you will have a crepey neck and wrinkly cleavage, which will stand out because it won’t match your face. In the immortal words of Dolly Parton in Steel Magnolias: “Honey, time marches on and eventually you realize it’s marchin’ across your face!” So there is no getting away from aging, but we can at least keep moisturized and looking our best.

    I have sensitive skin, and can’t just use anything on my face, other reviewers said the same, and they had no issues with this product irritating their sensitive skin. Absolutely did NOT irritate my skin! I wash my face, apply it, then apply my lotion. No burning of any sort. It was so gentle, I was half thinking it might not even have anything in it to even do what it says it can do!

    A month later, I can tell you, my pores haven’t completely disappeared, but are smaller, and have become shallower as well. You can still see them, but I am looking with a super high magnifying mirror. I hope that it will continue to make them smaller, but even if I have hit the maximum that it can do for me, I will keep buying it and using it to make sure to keep them the same level I’ve achieved so far. With a primer and makeup, I’m very happy that my nose pores no longer stand out! 5 stars, highly recommend, and I’m putting this on my list of subscriptions so I never run out! If you got to the bottom of this, you have the patience to buy this and give it a chance. Tell ‘em Large Marge sent ya! 😉

  18. Rated 5 out of 5

    Mach

    Really great product and worth investing in. On my second bottle, be sure to only use once or maybe twice a week as I had previously overused it and my skin reacted. But when used once a week I’ve been seeing a real difference in my skin texture and pours !

  19. Rated 5 out of 5

    Miguel

    Great for on the go use or adding to your daily routine. Each tissue has more than enough product for maximum coverage!

  20. Rated 5 out of 5

    Rosario R.

    Llevo años usando este producto porque me ayuda a controlar mis espinillas ocasionales. Mantiene los poros limpios y se notan menos. No podría estar sin él

  21. Rated 5 out of 5

    SSouthpaw

    THIS IS AGREAT PRODUCT! IT SHRINKS PORES. A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY. IT DOESN’T IRRITATE MY FACE AT ALL. IT EVEN REMOVES BLACK HEADS! I USE MY VITAMIN C SERUM, THIS PRODUCT FOLLOWED BY MY NIGHTLY MOISTURIZER. I USE THE PAULA’S 3X A WEEK. 🩷

  22. Rated 5 out of 5

    Madi Cramer

    the best liquid exfoliant. if you want glass skin and zeros pores then get this. i’ve used this for over two years now and my skin is brighter, smoother, and i seriously don’t have pores on my face anymore and i know it’s because of this product.

  23. Rated 5 out of 5

    Aaron

    Llevo años usando este producto porque me ayuda a controlar mis espinillas ocasionales. Mantiene los poros limpios y se notan menos. No podría estar sin él

  24. Rated 5 out of 5

    Amazon Customer

    very good for subacious filaments

  25. Rated 5 out of 5

    Renne

    I’ve been using Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant for several weeks now, and I finally understand the hype. This product actually delivers visible results without being harsh.

    My skin type: Combination, acne-prone, sensitive

    Main concerns: Clogged pores, texture, occasional breakout.

    What I love:
    Noticeably smoother skin within the first 1–2 weeks

    Helps unclog pores and reduces blackheads, especially on my nose and chin

    Very gentle for a chemical exfoliant — no burning or irritation when used correctly

    Lightweight, water-like texture that absorbs quickly and layers well under moisturizer

    If you struggle with clogged pores, texture, or stubborn breakouts, this exfoliant is 100% worth it. It’s one of those products that quietly improves your skin over time, and I’ll definitely be repurchasing.

    Highly recommend! 👏

  26. Rated 5 out of 5

    Kait

    Before and after! A big difference in only 24 hours. When I first got this, I washed my face in the morning with La Posay, used Paula’s choice liquid exfoliate and topped off with the inkey lightweight moisturizer. Evening came around, i cleaned and moisturized. The next morning came and I only cleansed and moisturized skipping the exfoliate. My pores already look smaller, less clogged, the redness and any irritation and inflammation mounds from squeezing blackheads out are gone for the most part. It’s crazy how in about 24 hours of use I already see a difference. My skin isnt super oily or super dry, its at the perfect medium and looks more even

  27. Rated 5 out of 5

    Bibi

    my back broke out for the first time in my life i’m almost 30!!
    these helped bring the bumpiness down now it’s discolored and more scabbed but no more oil. i have no idea what to do next but i could see a difference. pricey but worth it. i don’t want my skin adjusting to this trying to get my skin back to normal

  28. Rated 4 out of 5

    alice

    bottles are better option for value

  29. Rated 5 out of 5

    BBB

    I’ve tried Salicylic Acid products before and it dried out my skin so much it didn’t seem worth it. This was well reviewed on different sites so it I decided to try the pads first. My skin feels softer and smoother than it has felt in years. Not sure how smaller my pores are, or even if they are less clogged, but with time they may be. Now…as far as cost goes…I’m not sure how worth it it is considering there’s a 2% BHA solution on Amazon for 7 bucks that has equivalent reviews. So 10 pads for 10 days….or something that lasts longer for 7 bucks. But this definitely does what it says it does.

  30. Rated 5 out of 5

    Susan Marie Lundy

    Handy and convenient. Perfect for on the go

  31. Rated 5 out of 5

    Ema

    Es perfecto! Lo compré por que tengo los poros muy abiertos y en el primer uso, me dejó la piel súper lisita, me encanto, ahí dice con algodón, yo la verdad me lavo súper bien la cara y de ahí me pongo gotitas en la mano y lo aplico directamente y muy bien todo.

  32. Rated 5 out of 5

    Meghan Wentworth

    This is hands down my favorite liquid exfoliator. It does not have any burning sensation to it, but does leave my skin feeling very clean. Its very easy to use. I have experienced a noticeable difference within a couple days of using this product. My skin has less texture and my make up lays better

  33. Rated 5 out of 5

    Kait

    Llevo años usando este producto porque me ayuda a controlar mis espinillas ocasionales. Mantiene los poros limpios y se notan menos. No podría estar sin él

  34. Rated 5 out of 5

    Cindy Roche

    I’ve been using Paula’s Choice Liquid Exfoliant consistently, and I can absolutely see why it’s so highly rated. The formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly without feeling greasy or heavy.
    After a couple of weeks of use, I noticed my pores looked smaller and my skin felt smoother. It gives my skin a more even texture. Ot is fragrance free and gentle enough not to irritate my skin. A little goes a long way, so the bottle lasts longer than you’d expect. I do make sure to follow with moisturizer and sunscreen.
    Overall, this is a great addition to a skincare routine if you’re looking to improve texture and unclog pores without harsh scrubs.

  35. Rated 3 out of 5

    Julianna Varas

    Loved the results! However, 2 out of the 10 pouches in one of the boxes only had serum, no exfoliation clothes.

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