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Exfoliating 1% BHA Gel
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Exfoliating 1% BHA Gel
Best for: Normal to Oily Skin

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  • 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel
  • Exfoliates both the skin's surface and inside the pore lining with a 1% concentration of salicylic acid (BHA) and a pH range of 3.2-3.6
  • Water-based, non-occlusive gel formula is quickly absorbed by the skin
  • Salicylic acid has a natural anti-inflammatory (soothing) and antibacterial effect on skin
  • May be worn under makeup, sunscreen, moisturizer, or specialty product
  • 100% fragrance- and colorant-free
  • NOTE: Those allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylate) should not use products containing salicylic acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid or BHA).

    Can be used as Step 3 in our 5-Step Skin Balancing System

    Product Rating:   Read 22 reviews >>


    Sizes Price Quantity
    4 oz/118 ml $18.95
    0.1 fl. oz./2.96 ml - Sample Size $0.80

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


  • 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel
  • Exfoliates both the skin's surface and inside the pore lining with a 1% concentration of salicylic acid (BHA) and a pH range of 3.2-3.6
  • Water-based, non-occlusive gel formula is quickly absorbed by the skin
  • Salicylic acid has a natural anti-inflammatory (soothing) and antibacterial effect on skin
  • May be worn under makeup, sunscreen, moisturizer, or specialty product
  • 100% fragrance- and colorant-free
  • NOTE: Those allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylate) should not use products containing salicylic acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid or BHA).

    Can be used as Step 3 in our 5-Step Skin Balancing System
    Water, Methylpropanediol (slip agent/water-binding agent), Xanthan Gum (thickener), Salicylic Acid (beta hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Polysorbate-20 (emulsifier), PEG-12 Dimethicone (silicone thickener), Butylene Glycol (slip agent), Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Camellia Oleifera (anti-irritant/antioxidant), Sodium Hydroxide (pH balancer), Epilobium Angustifolium (Willow Herb) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract/ Epilobium Angustifolium (anti-irritant), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract/Camellia Sinensis (antioxidant), Portulaca Oleracea Extract/Portulaca Oleracea (antioxidant), Tetrasodium EDTA (stabilizing agent), Bisabolol (anti-irritant), Chlorphenesin (preservative).
    Directions: Apply a dime-sized amount to clean skin and massage over face, including around the eyes (do not apply to eyelids). Follow with a Paula's Choice Blemish Fighting Solution (if needed), moisturizer, and/or specialty product. For daytime, wear under a product rated SPF 15 or higher. Note: Persons allergic to aspirin should not use a product containing salicylic acid.
    How does Paula's Choice 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel compare to the 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Lotion?
    The main difference lies with each product's texture. The 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Lotion has a light lotion base with a touch of moisture. Our 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel has a water-light base that also has hydration benefits. Those with oily to very oily skin may prefer the gel's texture.

    Is Paula's Choice 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel stronger than the 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Lotion?
    From a percentage of active ingredient standpoint, no. However, because the 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel has a glycol base, it is better able to penetrate the skin, which may produce faster (but not necessarily better) results.

    I have tried Paula's Choice 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Lotion and did not care for the texture, and Paula's Choice 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Liquid was too strong for my skin. Will the 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel work for me?
    Quite possibly, yes. If you're looking for a BHA exfoliant whose texture is lighter than our 1% BHA Lotion but not as strong as our 2% BHA Liquid, the 1% BHA Gel should be an ideal "happy medium" for your skin.

    Customer Reviews

    Product Rating:   (22 reviews)
    My favorite part about this product is that it actually eliminates my blackheads that I have had on my chin for ages. No matter how hard I've tried, I have not been able to get rid of those blackheads! Now, every time I use it, I notice they're gone! And my skin is getting progressively smoother! I'm finding less and less things to worry about when I look in the mirror!
    —Siiri S.


    The 1% Beta-Hydroxy Acid Gel is like a gift from God! I had great skin all through my teen years, then once I hit my early 20's my skin went nuts...zit here, blemish there, acne, acne everywhere! I am 22 and for the last 2 years tried everything I could get my hands on that promised clear skin. I was even considering going on the pill to tame my breakouts. I bought this product and the NEXT DAY my skin looked better, within 2 weeks my skin was smooth, clear and gorgeous. I can't thank you enough for creating this product, it not only gave me my completion back, but confidence as well!
    —Amber M.


    I finally took the leap of faith and ordered up some of your products online (living in Canada puts some of us off for purchasing from US due to Customs duty etc). Well, I think I will pay the duties on your products in future; it is well worth the extra cost. The 1% BHA gel is doing wonders to my skin; I wish I hadn't held out so long. My skin has never looked so better!
    —Anna K.


    I have been using your products for 2 years now and my skin just keeps getting better. For the past 20 years I have been plagued by rosacea along with thick, oily, large-pored skin which always looked angry. I can't give enough praise to your 1% AND 2% BHA products and your Barely There Sheer Matte Tint SPF 20. I wear these products every single day and couldn't imagine life without them! My friends thought I'd had photo facials the improvement was so dramatic...until I explained to them it was all the result of your skin care program. Thanks once again, your products are awesome!!
    —Sharon E.


    I feel compelled to write and let you know how absolutely thrilled I am with my new Paula's Choice skincare regime. I've been using the One Step Cleanser, 1% BHA Gel and Blemish Fighting Solution for six weeks on my normally very breakout-prone skin and, without a doubt, my complexion has never looked better! I'm also wearing "Barely There" foundation on a daily basis and can't believe it has SPF and doesn't cause me to break out! Thank you so much for offering such effective products at reasonable prices!
    —Avery K.


    This was my first time to try your 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel. I absolutely love this product. I have only been using it for two weeks now but I can notice a difference in my skin. The texture appears nicer and best of all I am not having as much breakouts. My skin is finally starting to clear up. I can't wait to try more of your products.
    —Jennifer S.

    Thank you!
    I had a bad reaction to a very popular mineral foundation (should've read your review first), and I used the 1% BHA gel after I cleansed my face. My skin cleared up within 2 days. I love your products because I can truly see a difference in my skin since I've started using them. Thanks!
    —Julie

    Finally!
    Finally a product to clear my skin gently. It looks and feels amazing. Thank you!
    —Alexis Corbin

    Wonderful!
    I don't exactly how this stuff works, but it has made a big difference!! I have oily/combination skin and when I put this on at night on my problem areas, in the morning my face is totally smooth and my pores are much less visible. Highly recommended!!!
    —Laura

    Sucks
    Hopeless and expensive. You should be ashamed. Customer Care: We regret that our product was not what you may have expected. Our Customer Service will be more than happy to assist you in finding another product that will work better for you. Please note that Paula's Choice also has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return policy within 60 days of purchase.
    —Jup

    BHA 1%
    Effects are good but it peels when I put make-up over the top of it. Due absorption and blending with other topical products I have to give it a 3.
    —Kerry

    this really works
    i've tried other exfoliants out there like aveda's brand which irritated and dried my skin. i've been using it for a week and my husband looked at me one early morning and said that my face looked clean. he said that my blemish spots faded and my skin is smooth. wow! i was surprised he noticed...he was amazed that now he wants to use my regimen. i definitely recommend to use the whole paula choice line to see true results. this is the best stuff i have tried in 20 years and i have struggled with oily acne skin. you have nothing to lose.
    —t.b

    Love It!
    I love this BHA gel. Before I was using BHA products from the drugstore, but my oily sensitive skin couldn't take the higher concentrations. This is perfect and does the job well. Thanks!
    —Erin

    Better than benzoyl peroxide
    This stuff cleared up 97% of my acne without causing dryness/flakiness. Outperforms Proactiv at a fraction of a cost.
    —marina

    No reaction at all
    I've been using this product morning and night for a week and I don't see any change whatsoever. Are the blackheads supposed to just wash out on their own or do you have to squeeze them out? I live in southern cal and don't even see any sensitivity to the sun.
    —Maria

    Great Product!
    Although my skin is pretty clear, I've had some stubborn acne bumps on my forehead. I've used this product twice a day for 3 days and tme bumps are becoming fewer and fewer. They've even dried up and have "flaked" off. This is a great product for persistent acne or those "small enemies" that tend to flare. Paula's Choice is a skin care regime I tend to follow forever!
    —Kim

    Skin Balancing System!
    I just got the entire skin balancing system yesterday. In one day - ONE DAY - my skin is less red, I have no flakes or dryness, and my skin seems less oily. In ONE DAY. I'm a believer. Paula, thank you for all that you do. I can't wait to see what my skin looks like in a month. THANK YOU!!!!
    —Sharon J.

    "Of a certain age" in Indiana
    I'm 56; have been using the 1% beta hydroxy acid gel for a couple years. Has calmed my rosacea and reduces the eruption of milia.
    —Connie Bilyeu

    Keeps rosacea bumps at bay
    This stuff is great for my 40+ rosacea skin. I keeps my rosacea papules under control while calming redness and smoothing the flaky skin my rosacea also causes. I only use a small amount to do the job and the gel formula is the best for me (the liquid and lotion did not work as well). Thank you Paula for this winner :)
    —Erika

    Excellent product
    I have used Clinique products for over 20 years, including their exfoliating toners. Tried the 1% BHA Gel 6 weeks ago - the difference was immediate. My pores are much smaller, blackheads on my nose hardly noticeable any more.
    —Diane

    wow!
    Tried this once with the skin balancing system. No improvement. Stopped, now trying it again along with presciption Retin-A. One day I look in the mirror and my blackheads are GONE. I am amazed and happy.
    —Cristina

    Can't stop touching my newly smooth skin!
    Thank you Paula! Not even through a sample packet, and already noticing great change in texture, and without a doubt smaller pores. Completely amazing product!
    —Lori

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