Paula's ChoiceSKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant-Facial Exfoliant for Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines, Suitable for Blackhead-Prone Skin, Fragrance-Free

My skin type:- Very Dry, easily dehydrated- Oily nose- Prone to stubborn acne and closed comedones- Redness on chin and cheeks (not rosacea)I already use a nightly Tretinoin cream (.04% concentration) to help with my acne and premature signs of aging but decided with my derm that incorporating a BHA would be a good idea to help with my seriously stubborn closed comedones and some irritating textural issues. It was between this and the Cerave SA lotion and I ultimately decided on this due to the higher concentration of salicylic acid.It's moisturizing, and feels sticky for the first 5-10 minutes after application but seems to sinks in to something of a satin finish on me and I can no longer feel it on my skin. You just have to be a little patient. My skin feels well hydrated and plump after it settles and looks really smooth and my pores aren't as obvious. It sits just fine under makeup for me but I'm not a new user to chemical exfoliants so I don't have lots of dead skin pilling up or sloughing off when I use it, my skin is, for the most part, already very smooth outside the acne and CCs. Occasionally I'll apply it further down my neck/decolletage than usual and WOW do I old skin just ball up and peel right away - it's so gross but also satisfying. So those that don't exfoliate often or are new to BHA/AHAs will likely have issues with foundation until their skin adjusts (but it will adjust). My advice in those cases is to either use this at night for the first few weeks or just accept going barefaced for a little while if you can.I'd strongly suggest not applying this product over anything that you feel does not dry down fully, the times I've attempted to use it after serums or heavier products it takes forever to sink in and sometimes never fully does. I save all my serums and essences for after this has absorbed and it's far easier to work with it as a result. My steps go like this most days: ACWell Licorice toner --- PC 2% BHA --- 10% Niacinamide serum --- TO Matryxil serum --- Secret Key Black Snail cream or Syn-ake cream w/ 3 drops Stratia Fortify oil --- Sunscreen.It works fairly quickly IMO, on my neck where I typically don't apply my Tret at night I noticed the peeling and balling of dead skin on day one and on my face where I have a patch of really awful CCs I noticed them getting smaller and smoother by around day 3-4. I'm going on about 8 days now and they're barely visible unless I'm right up in the mirror and feel as if they're almost gone when I touch my fingers to that area. I do have some slight peeling of the skin around my mouth and nose but it's not terrible (likely because I already exfoliate the heck out of my skin with the tret).Some tips and things keep in mind:1)DO NOT RINSE IT OFF. I don't understand some of the top reviews advising people to do that, it says on the bottle not to rinse and nearly all chemical exfoliators are meant to be left on until the next cleansing specifically so they can do their job. If you rinse it off you're either going to prevent it from properly exfoliating or end up irritating the hell out of your skin. If you have oily skin and feel this might be heavy on you than you can probably just use this on bare skin and then sunscreen if you use in the AM or a lightweight lotion/cream and be done with it, but you need to leave it on your skin.2)You have got to use sunscreen while you're using this product! Any BHA or AHA exfoliant causes increased sun sensitivity and you have to address that in your routine. You should already use sunscreen daily but it becomes a must when you incorporate a chemical exfoliator or you risk sun damage.3)Less is more! Don't slop this on your face or soak a cotton pad in it, a little goes a long way and you'll be kicking yourself if you apply way too much and have to wait 20+ minutes for it to sink in. Use a shake or two and add more if needed but go easy.4)Expect some irritation initially. Chemical exfoliants can be harsh and rough even on sturdy skin and you have to give yourself time to adjust. Over-exfoliation is a possibility but sometimes just introducing a BHA or AHA into your routine can cause some sensitivity. Don't panic and just be gentle to your skin. Use ceramides (like Cerave Skin Renewing cream) or fatty oils to soothe your face if needed and try to stay away from any harsh products or acids like Vitamin C right after applying this to avoid really burning your face.

This product works wonders on my skin! I am so happy I decided to bite the bullet (especially for the price) and try it. I was struggling with 1-2 cheek acne that would become super red and inflamed. I could NOT get rid of it, and it felt like it kept coming back whenever I got it calmed down. I also have super mild acne around my chin that comes around my time of the month. I was previously using the salicylic acid from the ordinary 3x/week and as spot treatment as needed, which I think was just completely drying out my skin, and causing the cheek acne (I also think stress plays a part in this too). I came across PC salicylic acid and wanted to give it a try because of the cleaner ingredients. I was a little worried though because my skin is sensitive and on the dryer side, especially during winter months. It definitely took a while for me to figure out how many times a week I should be using this, but once I figured it out, my skin loved it! My sweet spot is using this 2x/week (and as an additional spot treatment on the “off nights” if I really need it) at night after I shower, making sure my face is dry before I apply it with my fingers. Yes, the drops go a long way, so be mindful of how much you are shaking out. The texture when applying it feels like a slippery water texture, and there is a super faint smell, which I don’t mind. I have been using this product for over 5 months and my cheek acne has gone away, largely because I think I am not drying my face out like I used to, and I have been learning to manage stress. I have also noticed that from switching to PC, my scars fade faster, my face feels overall brighter, and it honestly keeps my acne away for the most part. Being honest, yes, I did break out for like 2 weeks while adjusting to this product. After that, it’s been pretty smooth sailing! Don’t be afraid to try it and make it work for you and your skin type!

I’ve been using Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant for about two months, and I’m genuinely amazed at the results. My skin is combination, prone to blackheads, enlarged pores, and occasional breakouts, especially around my chin. This product has addressed all of those concerns and more!The lightweight, toner-like texture absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky residue. I started using it every other night, as recommended, applying a few drops with my fingers after cleansing. Within a week, I noticed my pores looked smaller, and my skin felt smoother. By week three, stubborn blackheads on my nose were significantly reduced, and my complexion looked brighter and more even-toned. It’s also helped with some mild acne scarring, which I didn’t expect!What I love most is how gentle it is. I have sensitive skin, and while I was nervous about irritation, the green tea extract in the formula seems to keep things calm. I did experience slight dryness when I increased to daily use, but pairing it with a good moisturizer (and sunscreen during the day) solved that. The fragrance-free formula is a big plus, as scented products often irritate my skin.The bottle is pricey, but a little goes a long way, and it’s lasted me months. I also appreciate the sleek, light-blocking packaging that keeps the product effective. If you’re on the fence, I highly recommend starting with the travel size to test it out.This exfoliant has earned a permanent spot in my routine. It’s not just hype— it delivers real results. My skin looks clearer, smoother, and more radiant than ever. Thank you, Paula’s Choice, for this gem