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Kulwinder k.
Verified Customer
I love this product it’s really works on my sentive skin I just use 4 days it’s amazing My skin looks clearer, smoother, and more radiant than ever. Thank you, Paula’s Choice, for this gem

2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

 (4479 Reviews)
Regular price $37.89
Regular price $37.89 Sale price $47.99
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Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant with Salicylic Acid, Facial Polish for Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines, Suitable for Blackhead-Prone Skin, Fragrance-Free

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Details

Our iconic global best seller, this clinically proven daily exfoliating salicylic acid toner quickly unclogs pores and controls oil for clear, glowing skin.

Ingredient

Key Ingredients

  • Methylpropanediol
  • Green Tea
  • BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)

All Ingredients

  • Water
  • Methylpropanediol
  • Butylene Glycol
  • Salicylic Acid
  • Polysorbate 20
  • Camellia Oleifera
  • Sodium Hydroxide
  • Tetrasodium EDTA

Paula's Choice is dedicated to maintaining the accuracy of the ingredient lists on this website. However, because ingredients are subject to change, we cannot guarantee that these lists are error-free. For an accurate listing of ingredients in each product, please refer to your product packaging.

Awards

2025 Who What Wear Beauty Awards, Best Chemical Exfoliant

2025 Marie Claire US Skin & Hair Awards, Best Exfoliator

2025 Allure Readers’ Choice, Best Exfoliant2025 EMUS Skin & Hair Awards, Best Exfoliator2024AllureReaders’ Choice, Best Exfoliant

2024WWD100 Greatest Skincare Products of All Time

2023GlamourBeauty & Wellness Awards Readers’ Choice

2023CosmopolitanReaders’ Choice Beauty Awards, Best Face Exfoliator

2023New BeautyReaders’ Choice Awards, Favorite Exfoliator for Acne-Prone Skin

2023New BeautyBeauty Awards, Best Liquid Exfoliator

2023TodayBeauty Awards, Best Liquid Exfoliator

2023AllureReaders’ Choice, Best Exfoliant

2022Teen VogueAcne Award, Best for Face

2022PreventionBeauty Award, Best Blemish Fighter

2022Beauty IconAward, Beauty Icon

2022PreventionBeauty Awards, Best Blemish Fighter

2022Harper’s BazaarBeauty Icon Award

2022AllureReaders Choice Award, Best Exfoliant

2022People En EspañolStar Products Award Winner

2022InStyleBest Beauty Buy Award, Best Beauty Buy

2021CosmopolitanHoly Grail Acne Award, Best Exfoliator

2021Women’s HealthBest of Skincare Award, Best Chemical Exfoliator for Oily Skin

2021Women’s HealthBest of Skincare Award, Best Exfoliator for Acne Prone Skin

2021GlamourBeauty Award Readers’ Choice, Best Acne Treatment

2020HerCampus College Beauty Award, Skincare Heroes

2020Teen VogueAcne Award, Best Exfoliant

Research

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology,July2025,pages 1–7Experimental Dermatology,July2019,pages 786–794Journalof European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology, September 2016, issue 9, pages 1480-1490General Physiology and Biophysics, September 2013, issue 3, pages 347-59Archives of Dermatology, August 2000, issue 8, pages 989-994Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015, volume 8, pages 455-461

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  • Methylpropanediol

    • Enhances the absorption of other ingredients
    • Characteristically hydrating; may leave a dewy finish
    • Can be used to support a preservative blend
  • Green Tea

    • Has anti-aging and soothing benefits
    • Contains antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate
    • Helps improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin
  • BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)

    • Also known as salicylic acid
    • Best known for exfoliating/anti-acne properties
    • Helps skin shed in a manner that mimics youthful skin

    Smooth & Even

    How to use

    When To Apply

    Apply to clean skin. At first, use every other day and note skin’s response, then up to twice a day. For daytime, always follow with sunscreen. For nighttime, follow with the rest of your routine.

    How To Apply

    • Liquid: Gently shake 1-2x onto hands or a cotton round and apply to face & neck. Do not rinse.
    • Pad: Massage exfoliating pad onto face, neck & body as needed. Do not rinse.

    If you have a salicylate allergy, check with your physician before using any products that contain salicylic acid.

              FAQ

              Who should use a BHA exfoliant?

              ABHA exfoliantis ideal for normal to oily or combination skin prone to bumps and blemishes. Its oil-soluble nature clears pores and improves texture.  AHA exfoliantsare great for normal to dry skin, as they focus on surface hydration and sun damage reduction.

              Can you use 2% BHA Exfoliant with an AHA exfoliant?

              Yes, alternating orcombining AHA and BHAcan address multiple skin concerns like sun damage, wrinkles and clogged pores. Experiment to see what works best for your skin and adjust usage as needed. 

              Does the 2% BHA cause purging?

              BHA can sometimes temporarily causeskin purgingdue to its oil solubility, which allows it to penetrate deep into pores and break up trapped skin cells. This speeds up cell turnover, bringing clogs to the surface, indicating the exfoliant is working properly.

              Is 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant a toner?

              Our 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, commonly known as an exfoliating toner, has the lightweight, liquid texture of a toner and the benefits of a chemical exfoliant, which include removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, revealing a brighter complexion. Other Paula’s Choice tonersare used after cleansing to remove residual makeup and sunscreen, hydrate and deliver targeted ingredients like antioxidants. While both are beneficial, they serve different purposes in your skin care routine.

              Is Paula’s Choice 2% BHA fragrance free?

              Though fragrance free, the product may have a subtle scent from its ingredients, which dissipates quickly. Individual scent perception varies. Many users adjust to it, finding the benefits outweigh any minor scent. Learn more aboutfragrance-free skin care. 

              What is the difference between SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and the other liquid BHA exfoliants from Paula’s Choice?

              Paula’s Choice currently offers four liquid BHA exfoliants including:

              SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant:  

              • Most potent, deep exfoliation. 
              • pH 3.5, for fast results.  

              CLEAR Extra Strength 2% BHA:

              • Same formula as SKIN PERFECTING. 
              • Targets stubborn acne, part of a 3-step system.

              CLEAR Regular Strength 2% BHA:

              • Gentle, lightweight formula. 
              • pH 3.9, suitable for sensitive skin and mild breakouts. 

              RESIST 2% BHA:

              • Light, water-like texture. 
              • For combination/oily skin, with added antioxidants for anti-aging. 

              Is 2% BHA Liquid gluten free, vegan, fragrance or alcohol free? 

              Our 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is gluten free, vegan, fragrance free and alcohol free. Note: All Paula’s Choice are cruelty free.

              Can I use 2% BHA Liquid while pregnant or breastfeeding?

              1-2% BHA (salicylic acid) is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Use it in small areas like the face, neck and chest. Before use, consult your healthcare provider.

              How long does it take BHA to work?

              Results can vary but 2% BHA is clinically proven to promote smoother, clearer, glowing skin in as little as 48 hours.

              Can I use Paula’s Choice BHA under my eyes?

              Yes, although we recommend avoiding contact with the lash line and eyelids.