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ROSIE N.
Reviewed on Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Keeps my skin clear like nothing else has
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Anonymous
Reviewed on Wednesday, June 19, 2013
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Lucy A
Reviewed on Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Best product ever for acne prone skin
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Kathryn H
Reviewed on Sunday, June 09, 2013
Did nothing for clogged pores after 11 months
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Elle W
Reviewed on Saturday, June 08, 2013
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Veronica D.
Reviewed on Friday, June 07, 2013
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Zachary
Reviewed on Friday, June 07, 2013
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JACQUELINE M.
Reviewed on Thursday, June 06, 2013
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Ann M.
Reviewed on Saturday, June 01, 2013
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Michelle L.
Reviewed on Wednesday, May 22, 2013
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mhg
Reviewed on Saturday, May 18, 2013
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kate m.
Reviewed on Saturday, May 18, 2013
Too sticky for a.m. use
Customer Service Response
Replied on: Sunday, May 19, 2013
Thank you for your review and we are sorry that this product hasn't been working out for you. If the BHA is feeling sticky, you are probably using too much product. The average amount necessary for facial application of the 2% BHA is less than the size of a dime. The product is best applied in a thin layer, and has great spreading properties. The "greasy" feel can be attributed to the high levels of glycol in this product (glycol helps the BHA penetrate the surface layers of skin and also works as a water-binding agent). If you live in a humid, moist climate, this effect will be more pronounced and, if too much product is used, can create a "greasy" feel on the skin.
—Admin
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Trina S
Reviewed on Sunday, May 12, 2013
Can't say enough about this product!
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Terry L.
Reviewed on Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Good Stuff for Enlarged Pores
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Mary G.
Reviewed on Sunday, April 28, 2013
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Mariah T.
Reviewed on Tuesday, April 23, 2013
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Northstar5
Reviewed on Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Holy grail for skin that breaks out
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ELC
Reviewed on Thursday, April 11, 2013
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Tashia J.
Reviewed on Tuesday, April 09, 2013
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Anonymous
Reviewed on Tuesday, April 09, 2013
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Ev C
Reviewed on Sunday, April 07, 2013
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marlene h.
Reviewed on Thursday, April 04, 2013
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Joni
Reviewed on Thursday, April 04, 2013
Best Ever!
Customer Service Response
Replied on: Monday, April 08, 2013
Thank you for your review, and we're glad you have had such a wonderful experience with the 2% BHA Liquid! Leaking makes us sad, however. It sounds like your package may have been damaged/bumped in transit, as leaking isn't a typical experience. Please contact our Customer Care and they will be happy to help fix it!
—Admin
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ANGIE R.
Reviewed on Monday, April 01, 2013
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Melissa B.
Reviewed on Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Where was this stuff when I was a teenager!
What makes this product unique?
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant rapidly exfoliates both the skin's surface and inside the pore, reshaping the pore lining, unclogging pores and improving skin cell turnover rate. The result is a dramatic improvement in the skin's appearance, feel, and function which 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 lightweight, non-occlusive formula allows for a faster and deeper exfoliation rate than our gel or lotion BHA products, so it's an ideal choice for stubborn clogged pores or blackheads.
This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free with a pH range of 3.2-3.8. Every Paula's Choice BHA product is formulated with additional soothing agents.
Who is this product for?
All skin types may use this product, but the texture is especially suited for those with normal to oily or combination skin, stubborn blackheads, and blemish-prone skin. It can also be used regularly to eliminate calluses on feet, elbows and knees.
NOTE: Those allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylate) should not use products containing salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid).
Sources to support the claims made for SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid exfoliant
International Immunopharmacology, August 2009, pages 1,126–1,130; Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2007, pages 124-135; The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, February 2006, pages 416–421; Journal of Cosmetic Science, November-December 2004, pages 519-531; Archives of Internal Medicine, July 2002, pages 1531–1532; Annals of Dermatology and Venereology, January 2002, pages 137–142; Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, volume 175, issue 1, pages 76–82; Preservatives for Cosmetics, 2006, by David Steinberg, Allured Publishing, pages 39-40; Pain, January 1996, pages 71–82; and Seminars in Dermatology, December 1990, pages 305–308.
Key Ingredients:
methylpropanediol, salicylic acid, green tea, BHA (beta hydroxy acid)
Product Ingredients:
Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol (slip agents/penetration enhancers), Salicylic Acid (beta hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (anti-irritant/antioxidant), Polysorbate-20 (solubolizing agent), Sodium Hydroxide (pH balancer), Disodium EDTA (chelating agent).
DIRECTIONS: Dispense approximately a dime-sized amount onto a cotton ball or pad and stroke over clean skin, including around the eyes (do not apply to eyelids or along the lower lash line). This product may also be applied with your fingers. 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.
Detailed instructions on how/when to apply your Paula's Choice products can be found in our How to Put Together Your Own Skin-Care Routine article.
What's the difference between the 2% BHA Liquid and the 2% BHA Gel?
First, texture: One is a fluid with a toner-like consistency, the other is a thicker, clear gel. Both contain the same amount of salicylic acid, though the 2% BHA Liquid contains an ingredient that allows the salicylic acid to penetrate faster and further. With the 2% BHA Gel formula, you're getting a slower release of salicylic acid. Both are great options for treating acne, blackheads, and signs of aging. Both are suitable for all skin types but best for normal to oily or combination skin.
What's the difference between AHA and BHA exfoliants? Do I need both?
When properly formulated, both AHAs and BHA are brilliant options for exfoliating the surface of skin. Both AHA and BHA work to reduce wrinkles, stimulate collagen, and firm skin but each has its special qualities you'll want to consider when deciding which one to use:
- AHAs are preferred for sun-damaged and dry skin because they exfoliate on the surface of skin and have the added benefit of also improving moisture content.
- BHA is preferred for oily, acne-prone skin and for treating blackheads and white bumps because BHA can get through the oil that's clogging your pores, normalizing the lining of the misshapen pore that contributes to acne.
- BHA has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action. Those are two more reasons to use a BHA exfoliant if you have acne or sensitive, reddened skin.
- BHA is preferred for those struggling with rosacea. Not everyone with rosacea can tolerate an exfoliant, but it is wise to experiment with a BHA product to see how your rosacea responds.
If your skin is sun-damaged and you're also struggling with acne or clogged pores, add a BHA product to your routine.
If you'd like to use an AHA and BHA at the same time, that is an option, though not really necessary. Some people find they work well when they're applied at the same time, but if you want to give this a try it is best to apply them separately, one during the day and one in the evening.
How do I use an AHA or BHA exfoliant?
- You can apply an AHA or BHA product once or twice a day.
- You can also apply either of these around the eye area but not on the eyelid or directly under the eye.
- Apply the AHA or BHA product after your face is cleansed and after your toner has dried.
- Once the AHA or BHA has been absorbed, you can apply any other product in your routine, such as moisturizer, serum, eye cream, sunscreen, and/or foundation.
- If you're using a topical prescription product such as Renova, other retinoids, or any of the topical prescription products for rosacea, apply the BHA or AHA first.
Your AHA (glycolic acid) products have a higher percentage than your BHA (salicylic acid) products. Does this mean AHA is a stronger exfoliant?
AHA products are most effective at a 5% to 10% concentration and BHA at 1% to 2% concentration. Think about it like making bread, the amount of yeast you need is tiny in comparison to the amount of flour you use but equally important to get the results you want. The percentage of effectiveness varies depending on the ingredient. Rest assured that the BHA products are not any less effective due to lower concentrations of the exfoliant.
The Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant feels sticky and kind of greasy on my face! Why is that?
If the BHA is feeling sticky, you are probably using too much product. The average amount necessary for facial application of the 2% BHA is less than the size of a dime. The product is best applied in a thin layer, and has great spreading properties. The "greasy" feel can be attributed to the high levels of glycol in this product (glycol helps the BHA penetrate the surface layers of skin and also works as a water-binding agent). If you live in a humid, moist climate, this effect will be more pronounced and, if too much product is used, can create a "greasy" feel on the skin. Many customers have remarked how silky-soft their skin is as a result of using the 2% BHA Liquid, and that is the result of the humectants working with the BHA to exfoliate and hydrate the skin.
At what point after my laser and/or peel procedure can I begin using my BHA exfoliant again?
First, we urge you to follow the post-procedure instructions your doctor or nurse provided. If nothing was mentioned about when to resume use of a BHA exfoliant, please contact the doctor's office where you had the procedure done. Otherwise, our general advice is to begin using your BHA again as soon as possible. Or, if your skin seems extra-sensitive, you may want to wait and apply the BHA exfoliant a few days post-procedure. Salicylic acid is an excellent anti-inflammatory ingredient that can enhance skin's natural healing process as it works to reduce post-procedure redness.