Product Rating:   (31 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

Best Product Hands Down
I have been using the Exfoliating 1% BHA Gel for half a year now. I am a 19 year old female with persistent acne due to good ole hormones but, this gel has at least removed every blackhead on my face, particularly my nose. It's wonderful!
—Shelby

love this product
At first when I tried this it was sticky, but you have to give it time to absorb and I had no problem putting my moisturizer. After only 2 weeks of using it at night I notice how smooth my skin was. I'm hooked on this product. Will try the 2% one next order.
—Denise H.

WONDERFUL!!!!!
I thought this was the best. The first time I tryed it I didn't believe how wonderful my face felt and how small the pore on my nose were. Thank you Paula!
—Hannah

Disappointed
The consistency of this product makes it ball up after I apply it and impossible for me to wear it during the day. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear of your experience with this product. Please contact Customer Service via email, Live Chat, or phone for return assistance.
—C.G.

Can't Live Without It!
I've been using this product for years now, and it is an absolute staple for me. I apply it nightly to my extremely oily, breakout-prone 45-year-old face, and it really helps to smooth and "decongest" my oily skin, without the slightest hint of irritation or dryness. I regularly have people guess me to be 10 years younger than I am, and my friends make wistful remarks about my "creamy skin." Some of it is genetic, I'm positive, but this product certainly helps! I'll keep buying it as long as it's on the market.
—CNo64

Leaves my skin smooth
I love how smooth my skin is after using this product. It helps maintain my skin clear of breakouts. My tip for it not balling up is to allow it to completely dry on its own. Don't keep rubbing it in after it starts to dry and your moisturizer and makeup just glides on perfectly.
—Dinah

Works, but takes getting used to
When I first started using this my skin burned a little. But then that went away. But I have to use this every day---if I stop using it the stinging will return. It makes my sensitive skin look flawless, all of Paula's Choice skin-care products have been wonderful!
—Margaret

yeah!
when I first tried this i didnt really like it because of the smell and the texture. But when I came home from a vacation loaded with acne, i decided to try it. In two days...my skin has never...i repeat never been clearer. FINALLY!
—chloe

1% BHA gel
For 2 months i have been afflicted with a dermatitis on my face that itched and even hydrocortisone would not heal. I had dry rough patches on the right side of my face. After 1 application of the 1% bha gel my face itched pretty badly and i almost washed it off, but in the am my face has not itched at all and there for the first time ni months feels soft and I can see signs of healing after only 2 applications. Great product!
—robyne

What makes this product unique?
Our water-based Exfoliating 1% BHA Gel exfoliates both the skin's surface and inside the pore, reshaping the pore lining to unclog pores and improving skin cell turnover rate. This creates a dramatic improvement in the skin's appearance, feel, and function and overall leads to healthier skin. There is a great deal of research indicating that BHA (beta hydroxy acid) increases collagen production and drastically smoothes the surface of skin. Additionally, BHA has antibacterial properties that attack blemish-causing bacteria. The silky gel consistency is a great option for oily to very oily skin and also provides light hydration.

This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free with a pH range of 3.2-3.6 for superior exfoliating properties. Every Paula's Choice BHA product is formulated with additional soothing agents.

Who is this product for?
Exfoliating 1% BHA Gel works well on all skin types, but the texture is especially suited for those with normal to very oily skin.

NOTE: Those allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylate) should not use products containing salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid).

How should this product be used?
Exfoliating 1% BHA Gel can be used once or twice daily after cleansing and toning. You can apply a moisturizer or sunscreen over it as well.

Apply a dime-sized amount to clean skin and massage over face, including around the eyes (do not apply to eyelids or along lower lash line). Do not rinse off. Follow with Paula's Choice CLEAR Acne Fighting Treatment (if needed), moisturizer, and/or specialty product. For daytime, wear under a product rated SPF 15 or higher.

What Makes Paula's Choice Products Unique?

Created by world renowned skin care expert and author Paula Begoun

Proven effective based on hundreds of published scientific studies

Targeted systems for wrinkles, acne, rosacea, sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin and more

Fragrance-free, color-free, free of harmful skin irritants, and never tested on animals

100% customer satisfaction guaranteed

Unequalled customer service

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.