Unlike some of the other Paula's Choice BHA products, this formulation is very smooth and silky. It easily absorbs into the skin leaving my skin feeling soft and silky. I purchased a sample size and used for a short time. I found that I get much better results from the 8% AHA for my skin type (normal/combo). I only gave it 3 stars because I have not found the BHA products to be effective at reducing pore size and this product is pricey compared to 8% AHA . However, I would recommend trying a sample size before investing in the full size. In fact, if you buy this in a sample size of 4% BHA, it's actually 1/2 the price per ounce than the full size.

gigi1000

st paul

I use this product every other day-alternating with the 2% BHA liquid. I target my nose, chin and forehead, while lightly doing my cheeks. It has helped keep the pores on my chin, nose and forehead from clogging and kept my acne at bay. I have rosacea, and I find that I can use this without a problem. I am so glad to have a product that is not harsh while being effective. I wouldn't want to be without it!

CB

Madison, WI

After searching and searching and reading, I found Paula's Choice. I am SO glad I did. I've been using this for about 2 weeks and I'm thrilled so far. My pores are smaller, face seems brighter. I can't wait to see how it works over a longer period of time! Super impressed with the ingredient quality.

Kelrn

Pfafftown,NC

This is one of the staples in my skincare routine, it is my fixer no matter what else I use. I suffer from intestinal inflammation and digestive issues which always make themselves known on my face first. I have used it daily to reduce the initial inflammation and also to smooth out the roughness and reduce the pores after the inflammation has passed. It has not failed me yet. It is definitely thick so I always use my moisturizer first and wait 15-20 minutes for that to absorb before I put this product on my face as the last step. I typically only use it at bedtime, as during the day under my sunblock and B.B. cream it tends to cause me to become too oily and my makeup to look bad. I love, love this product.

Cheeks

Port St. Lucie, FL

I love that there's an in-between for BHA2 (which isn't strong enough for me) and BHA9 (which I love, but it's costly). BHA4 works great for my mature, sensitive skin to prevent acne. However, the button style dropper is extremely frustrating for me. I would've given this product five stars if not for the packaging. The first bottle I ordered, the button got stuck down shortly after I started using the product. I ended up having to rig a small standard pump on it that I Frankensteined together from other products. I called PC and they gave me credit for the bottle (I didn't ask for it -- I called to see if there was a pump sold separately that I could buy that would fit the bottle). Months later a second bottle arrived and the button doesn't get more than a drop or two at a time, but I need at least three drops as I use it all over my face. It takes two hands to press button, hold bottle, unscrew, lift lid, press button again with one hand into the palm of other hand, apply to face, and repeat. One night I forgot and left it not screwed on entirely after and my cat knocked it over during the night. I awoke to find the bottle had leaked all over, so I lost a good bit of the BHA4. Granted, that was my fault for not screwing the lid back on, but ALL this frustration and added steps could be avoided if they'd just put a standard pump or dropper on it. Once the product gets low, it becomes more of a mess to get to the last bit. I wish they would either change it to the same dropper/pipette style with a regular lid for travel (like on the Niacinamide), or a regular pump (like BHA9). I thought when BHA4 was out of stock for so long it was surely because they were redoing the packaging but no such luck. The button style dropper feels very gimicky to me. It detracts from the wonderful product.

MtnTopMamaTN

TN

I have been using the 2% BHA liquid for the past few years and absolutely love the results, but I recently decided to give this stronger version a try since I've been experiencing an outbreak of hormonal acne. Well, my skin does not like this formula at all. After using it just one night, I woke up with several new pimples on my face and lower jawline - and my lower jawline hasn't broken out since before I started using the 2% BHA. I thought maybe it was just purging so I stuck with it for a while longer, but my acne did not improve and it also dried me out. I switched back to 2% and the breakouts are gradually diminishing. So disappointing, but at least I can still count on my trusty 2% formula. Also wasn't a fan of the dropper dispenser, a little awkward to use.

ras57

Cleveland

I was very excited when I saw this new product, I've been with Paula's choice skincare for a while now (about 4 years!) and was waiting for a BHA exfoliant like this - 4% is just perfect! I do have 2% lotion I use in the mornings which goes perfect under makeup, but needed something stronger for overnight application. This product does great! I was a little worried that it's gonna be too thick (judging by 9% treatment that feels little greasy but it's a spot treatment anyway), but it's perfect, absorbs quickly and feels great on my skin

Oksana Brand

Virginia Beach, VA

I typically use all PC products: toner, liquid exfoliate and SPF and in the evenings I use the same but with a treatment (spot C) and minus SPF. I tried several times using this product and I didn't see reduced pores, etc. My skin is combination and sensitive and the more products I layer on my face the more acne shows up. I even tried this without a few other products and I still developed cysts and acne. I wanted to like it but it's not for my skin type. I like to try new PC products just to see if there is one that can eliminate a few to reduce the steps and products, but this didn't do it. I have found through the years of using PC products that I do best with the basics and to stick with those: Tones, BHA liquid exfoliate, acne treatment as needed, eye cream and spot C treatment.

JudyF

Nebraska

I have struggled with enlarged pores and stubborn blackheads for almost two decades. While the CLEAR 2% BHA kept things under control before, this product is on a whole other level. I could see a difference from the first application, and results have continued to improve. I have been using it for about 3 weeks now (every night), and for the first time in my adult life, I am confident enough to go without makeup. While my pores are still visible, they have diminished significantly in size and are much less clogged. My partner also commented that my skin feels "extra soft"!

Sheena

Canada

As much as it pains me to write a negative review for PC, this product is just not for me. I just don't like the texture. It never seems to sink completely in. It leaves my skin feeling sticky and even stings ever so slightly. Maybe it's just too potent for me. I only used it a few times. It did make a difference with my large pores but I know me and if I don't like the way it feels on my skin I'm not going to use it. I'll stick to my Resist 2% BHA.

Sonya

Georgia