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Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel with 2% BHA
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Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel with 2% BHA
All Skin Types

  • 2% Hydroquinone with a 2% concentration of salicylic acid at a pH of 3 works to effectively lighten sun- or hormone-induced brown skin discolorations (including freckles, age spots, and melasma)
  • Ideal for those battling pigment discolorations and blemishes or blackheads
  • Fluid and silky gel formula feels light and makes skin ultra-smooth
  • Created for normal to oily skin, but suitable for all skin types
  • 100% fragrance- and colorant-free


    Product Rating:   Read 24 reviews >>


    Sizes Price Quantity
    2 oz/60 ml $18.95
    .06 oz/ 1.77 ml - Sample Size $0.80

    100% guarantee 60 day return policy / 2-5 Day Delivery


  • 2% Hydroquinone with a 2% concentration of salicylic acid at a pH of 3 works to effectively lighten sun- or hormone-induced brown skin discolorations (including freckles, age spots, and melasma)
  • Ideal for those battling pigment discolorations and blemishes or blackheads
  • Fluid and silky gel formula feels light and makes skin ultra-smooth
  • Created for normal to oily skin, but suitable for all skin types
  • 100% fragrance- and colorant-free
  • Active Ingredient: Hydroquinone 2% (melanin inhibitor). Other Ingredients: Water, Ethoxydiglycol (solvent), Butylene Glycol (slip agent/water-binding agent), Salicylic Acid (2%) (beta hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (water-binding agent), Epilobium Angustifolium (Willow Herb) Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (anti-irritants), Phytic Acid (antioxidant), Tocophersolan (water-soluble vitamin E/antioxidant), Pentylene Glycol (solvent), Glycerin (water-binding agent), Superoxide Dismutase (antioxidant), Allantoin (anti-irritant), Hydroxyethylcellulose (gel-based thickener), Polyquaternium-10 (thickener), Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster), Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Sulfite (stabilizers), Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Phenoxyethanol (all preservatives).
    Directions: Apply once or twice daily to clean skin. Spread a thin layer over areas of the face, hands, and body with pigment discolorations. During the day, follow with the appropriate Paula's Choice sunscreen (essential to prevent discolorations from recurring). At night, follow with a moisturizer or specialty product as needed. Results should appear after 8–12 weeks of consistent use.

    Important note: We wanted to share with you some information about why our Skin Lighteners can change color and reassure you that this is perfectly natural and that the active ingredient is still stable and effective.

    My Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion and Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel contain hydroquinone. This ingredient is extremely sensitive to light and air, which is why it is packaged in an opaque tube with a strong barrier layer. Once hydroquinone begins to oxidize, even a little, it turns a light tannish to slightly brown color. As the oxidation continues, the hydroquinone can turn a deeper shade of brown. I have heard conflicting information about what this discoloration means in terms of the product's stability.

    To be sure both my skin lightening products, particularly the sample packets, were still stable we sent several to an independent lab to test for the level of active hydroquinone. I am pleased to report that the results showed that these products, including the sample packets, contained an effective amount of hydroquinone. The labs results showed that the level of hydroquinone fell by a fractional, insignificant amount: from 2% to 1.85%.

    As for the regular size of these products: you may notice your skin lightener is turning color only toward the top of the tube, where some air exposure occurs with each use. The opaque tube packaging reduces the amount of light and air that comes in contact with the products but is not 100% airtight, which explains why these products may still change color over time. Important note: for maximum effectiveness, we recommend using your Paula's Choice skin lightening product within six months after opening. Also, be sure to recap tightly after each use and store in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct light.

    What is the difference between the Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion and Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel?
    The main differences are texture (gel vs. lotion) and the type of exfoliant included in the formula. Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel was designed for those with normal to oily skin. Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion contains glycolic acid and is ideal for someone with normal to dry skin.

    Can I use an AHA or BHA in combination with either one of the skin lighteners?
    Using an additional exfoliant may not be necessary with either skin lightening product, because both already contain them. However, if you prefer, you can alternate use of one of our AHA or BHA products with either skin lightener.

    I have heard/read from sources that hydroquinone is carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and the FDA wants to ban it. What does Paula think of that?
    Paula has written about this topic on her Web site and in her books, but the summation is that the negative research about hydroquinone and the frightening assertions being levied in the media are not related to how this effective ingredient is used in skin-care products sold in the United States. It has been, and still is, the most effective topical agent for fading and/or eliminating sun- or hormone-induced brown skin discolorations and there is copious research to support this conclusion (Sources: Cutis, August 2006, Supplemental pages 6–19; Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy, September 2006, pages 121–127; American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, July 2006, pages 223–230; and Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, May 2006, Supplemental, pages 272–281).

    Customer Reviews

    Product Rating:   (24 reviews) This product works!!
    Started back in April.I thought I was going to have to accept freckles and terrible black heads on my nose because nothing ever worked. Now, my freckles are fading away and my blackheads are 90% gone! All I did was follow Paula's routine, and voila! I love this product, use it!!!!
    —Sandra


    I love your products!! I'm never buying anything else again. They truly do what you say they do. I'm using your Remarkable Skin lightening Lotion and Gel. I use the gel in the morning under my makeup and the lotion before I go to bed. The gel is so light you barely know its there. I've been getting so many compliments lately about my skin complexion and I'm definitely ordering more of your products.
    —Kamar S.


    I am a first-time user of your skin care products and I am definitely happy with it. My skin is smoother, clearer, and it looks so plump and healthy! I even wear less foundation now. And your Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel is awesome! It really works!
    —Genevieve D.

    It Works
    Paula's Skin Lightening Gel is awesome for those with roseca!
    —Debbie

    Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel
    This product is completely unacceptable! If you use it alone at night, it is ok. Once again, as with every other "gel" from Paula's Choice, I cannot layer any other product over it because it balls up! What I mean is that it breaks up, gets gummy, and collects in little clots all over the face! Try layering sunscreen over it and have fun trying to pick off all the gummy clots! These products need serious reformulation! Note from Paula's Choice Customer Care: Thank you for your feedback. Please remember that any product you aren't happy with can be returned for a full refund. We know that this "pilling" problem can happen with gel-type products but it doesn't happen for everyone. One of the ways to prevent the pilling from happening is to allow the gel to absorb completely before applying anything else over it. If you have any questions please feel free to call us or contact us via live chat.
    —Omar

    It Works!!
    I had a brown "shawdowing" of sun damage on my face and after using this product for 6-8 wks, it's gone! I'm also good about using sunscreen under my makeup during the day so the product will keep working!!
    —Susan Britton

    Works Well on Hyperpigmentation Spots
    I've been using this twice daily to lighten hyperpigmentation spots on my face and neck from BCPs and sun exposure. The spots are slowly fading away. This product works! Thanks!
    —Janet

    Almost perfect product
    I'll buy this again, but it doesn't clear the stubborn blackheads on my nose nearly as well as the 2% BHA liquid. So I'll be adding the BHA liquid back into my skin care routine. But I'll continue to use this lightening gel too, because it's done a great job of lightening brown spots. And I've had no problem with 'clumping' - I just wait a bit before applying sunscreen.
    —Judy

    weird texture
    i did not use this product for very long, jus off of a sample. i did not like the texture and i did break out.
    —sarah

    Effective
    The spots (freckles?) on my face lightened noticeably after using the gel (twice a day) for only 3 or 4 days, so this product really is effective. As for the 'pilling' problem (I'm impatient!), the solution is to spread it REALLY thinly, until your face feels mostly dry of gel, then wait a couple of minutes. Don't oversaturate or you'll get pilling.
    —Haichen

    Awesome Product!
    I love this lightening gel. I have rosacea and was using Metro Gel every evening to control it. I also have a lot of sun damage from my youth when I refused to wear sunscreen. After stopping Metro Gel and starting this lightener my skin looks better than ever. It's been 3 months and I'm going to order more. I also switched from my prescription face wash, Clenia, to Paula's One Step Face Cleanser. Thanks for making these great products.
    —Chris

    Wonderful Product
    I have been using Paula's products for years now and find most of them excellent. I recently purchased the Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel and within a week have noticed results. I like the fact it also has 2% BHA for exfoliation. I have sensitive, oily skin that is pigmented and I have seen my discolorations fading, my pores looking more refined and just an overall freshness to my face. My friends have started commenting. The only thing I have changed is to add this product to my regime. Wonderful product and I cant wait to see how my skin will look in weeks/months to come.
    —Milinda

    Packaging problem
    My only complaint about this wonderful product is the packaging. The tube hole size is too big and dispenses the gel too rapidly. I feel like I have no control over how much product comes out. (Perhaps this contibutes to the pilling problem from other reviewers?) I like to have more control and would prefer a smaller hole size. Other than that, this product is outstanding. Customer Care: The current packaging is currently the best option available to us and because of this there is no option for a smaller orifice at this time. However, we have forwarded your feedback to our product team.
    —Melissa Huizinga

    Good product
    I agree with the prior reviewer on the packaging. The orifice is too large and does dispense too much gel at a time. The product itself does feel good on the skin and I have noticed an improvement in my skin texture and the borders of a sun-induced brown patch on my right cheek is lightening up after about 4 weeks of use. Because my skin is very sensitive, I use it only once a day, usually at night. It is important to make sure that you use an ample amount of sunscreen during the day, otherwise it's pointless using this product.
    —Joanie Campsie

    Thank you sooooo much
    I have dry skin, but opted for the gel because of the reviews. For the first couple of weeks it made me a bit itchy and I broke out a lot, but I was determined to see it through (possibly a nono, but you have no idea how badly I wanted this to work out). Paula, I have to thank you so much for this amazing product. I haven't tried everything out there, but what I have tried was crap at best. I've been dealing with the embarrassment of melasma since I was 17 years old (now 32). It was especially prominent in photographs, but I always always noticed it and no makeup could fully cover it. It was all around my mouth. I'm on week 8 of this product and so far it's been nothing short of a miracle for me. The darkest spots (at the curves of my laugh lines)are still slightly noticeable, but the rest is gone! I also used it on my nose where I had a small sun spot for more than 10 years.. and it was gone within week 2! I'm going to continue a little bit longer with the gel, but what it's done for me and my self esteem so far is all thanks to you and I'm forever greatful. Even if I'm still left with these two small spots, that are now easier to conceal and really only I can see them, I'm a very very happy girl. Thank you!!!!
    —Kerri

    wonderful
    I do love this product. I started using it when I was living in Japan. The hot, humid summers darkened my skin and freckles and I wanted to lighten my skin. You will see a difference after a couple of months and it is amazing. I also use it on my chest as I wear a lot of low-cut tops and it drastically reduced the sun damage that occured there. I do agree that it is best to apply a thin layer (not too much) and try to use it at night. Let it absorb well (as Paula suggests) and then apply your moisturizer, as to prevent any balling.
    —Alison

    Wonderful
    I did not use it long engough to see major changes, but my sking looks great!The consistency of this product as well as smell are great. I just wish it came in pop up tube. I don't like opening and closing it. I wish I could just pop it open and use.
    —Agnieszka Matichyn

    Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel
    Costs more and is exactly half the amount of what you used to get when it was in the bottle. I didn't notice the size difference when I ordered so I guess that's on me.
    —bethany brown-myrda

    has eliminated brown splotches
    I had brown splotches on my face that more than one dermatologist said were caused by (a) getting older (I'm now 39), (b) being on birth control (or pregnant) and (c) the sun. The doctors prescribed a "skin bleach," but said that it would deliver only limited results. The prescription was simply a stronger concentration of the ingredient in this gel, so, after finishing my prescription, I started using this gel at night, together with the mattifying antioxidant concentrate. I also use the 30+ SPF sunscreen, with zinc, in the morning. After a *very* long time, my blotches have *completely* disappeared. (I don't know how long -- long enough that I lost track and gave up -- at least 6 months, maybe a year.) I am a huge fan of this product, as well as the antioxidant concentrate and the sunscreen. (I found that the other lightener caused breakouts on my slightly oily skin.)
    —Pamela

    very dissapointed....
    I came to know about Paula after reading "Don't go to the Cosmetics Counter..." and I though that rather than trying any other product in the market, lets try Paula's Choice. I ordered the gel to improve my complexion but it was a real dissapointment. My oily skin became extremely dry, severe rashes around my jaw line, dark spots on all around the face. At one point, I cannot even open my mouth and drink water...it hurts...I endup using tons of moisturizer every other hour. I got so mad and I endup throwing the half used product. Upon contacting the customer service, they were willing to give me a refund, but i had alreay thrown my product...
    —Sumera Chaudhary

    Why am I just now finding this?
    I'm so thrilled to have found this. A couple of years ago, I found a nearly identical product by Dermadoctor -- for $62! It was working well, though slowly, to fade a big blob of brown sun damage on my forehead. But then suddenly it became "hydroquinone free"! Oh, joy! So the last bottle I paid $62 for was basically stinky water and did NADA for my brown patch. Two years later, I find out hydroquinone can still be had, and for less than 1/2 the price. I am still kicking myself. But I'm kicking happily, because this stuff is working. Slowly but surely.
    —Kelly

    Awful
    I used this for 3 nights and I woke up with lots of deep bumps all over my neck and jaw area. I am a Paula's choice fan, but this product is not one of her best. Customer Care: Please call our Customer Service for assistance with finding a product that will work for you. Also, please note that we have a 60-day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return policy.
    —Julia

    Can't use
    I can't use hydroquinone as it causes me to break out in a rash every time I try it. Have tried this, Tri-luma, and many others, but all give me a rash. I would LOVE to see a lightening products from Paula that is hydroquinone-free. Customer Care: Please call our Customer Service for assistance with finding a product that will work for you. Also, please note that we have a 60-day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return policy.
    —OD

    Great for Rosacea
    I have been suffering with Rosacea for 9 years, granted it was mild but the flushing and burning was unbearable, and I wanted to prevent it getting worse. I have been on all sorts of medication both oral and topical, all with terrible results. I took a chance with Paula's 1% BHA gel, then went to the 2% gel. NO MORE FLUSHING!! Since my skin was no longer red, my "freckles" where apparent and I switched to the Skin Lighting gel. It's wonderful, my skin has a wonderful sheen, it has done wonders for the shape of my pores. I have mild dryness and a few blackheads, but a small price to pay to rid myself of the burning and flushing! My doctors told me not to try it, but now they see it works. Thanks Paula, now I can face the world without thinking ABOUT my face.
    —Andrea

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