Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Pads - Facial Exfoliant Pads for Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines

I chose this exfoliant years ago because I wanted something effective but not harsh, and it’s become one of those skincare staples I always come back to. I usually stock up during Black Friday or Prime Day because I genuinely don’t like being without it. I’m currently not using it because of pregnancy, but I can’t wait to add it back in afterward. Within just a few days of use, my pores look noticeably smaller and my skin feels smoother and more even. It delivers visible results without irritating my skin, which is hard to find in an exfoliant. If you’re looking for something that actually works and earns a permanent place in your routine, this is it. It’s reliable, effective, and something I’ve recommended many times over the years.

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 has been working very well for my skin. I can easily see my skin getting clearer and it doesn't bother my skin. I usually use it every day to every other day and it really helps the appearance of my skin in combination with my cleaners, serum, and moisturizer. This is one of the first liquid exfoliants that I've used and I would definitely recommend it.

I LOVE this product, but it didn't help with my enlarged pores or wrinkles as I'd hoped. That said, it definitely helped with blackheads, which was a nice bonus. My routine: I have combination skin and use this on my face both morning and night. Applied it with a cotton round. Texture: Left a greasy feel after application, which wasn't ideal but manageable. Why I tried it: Had good reviews on Amazon and other sites, so I thought I'd give it a go. Value: One bottle lasts a long time - good bang for your buck. Current status: Had to stop using it with other skin treatments I'm on now (tretinoin), but I bought several bottles when I was using it regularly because I liked it so much for blackheads. Bottom line: If you're dealing with blackheads, this works really well. Just don't expect miracles for pores or anti-aging. I'd still recommend it for what it does best.

This is hands down my favorite liquid exfoliator. It does not have any burning sensation to it, but does leave my skin feeling very clean. Its very easy to use. I have experienced a noticeable difference within a couple days of using this product. My skin has less texture and my make up lays better

I really liked this liquid exfoliant. It helps renew the skin without irritating it, leaving my face smoother and feeling deeply cleansed. The texture is light, it applies easily, and absorbs quickly. I've used it regularly and have noticed that it improves the appearance of my skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and allowing other products to absorb better. It doesn't leave a sticky feeling or dry out my skin. It's ideal for combination skin like mine.

I’ve been using Paula’s Choice Liquid Exfoliant consistently, and I can absolutely see why it’s so highly rated. The formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly without feeling greasy or heavy. After a couple of weeks of use, I noticed my pores looked smaller and my skin felt smoother. It gives my skin a more even texture. Ot is fragrance free and gentle enough not to irritate my skin. A little goes a long way, so the bottle lasts longer than you’d expect. I do make sure to follow with moisturizer and sunscreen. Overall, this is a great addition to a skincare routine if you’re looking to improve texture and unclog pores without harsh scrubs.

Llevo años usando este producto porque me ayuda a controlar mis espinillas ocasionales. Mantiene los poros limpios y se notan menos. No podría estar sin él

Love this , it really works, skin became much prettier! Will buy again 👍

Amazing product! The progress with this takes a few months ...but please be patient! At 33 years old I never thought I’d be free from breakouts and scarring from cystic hormonal type acne. Started using once a day on a cotton pad at night. Skin will sting a tad & be slightly flaky to start after a few days. Skin may “purge” spots as pores are unclogged but this will calm down - trust me! Once skin becomes flaky I then reduced to use all over my face every 3 days, but everyday along my jawline and neck. I follow with a light oil free moisturiser. Honestly, I have used around 2 bottles in 8 months and I get minimal spots now, and they heal very quickly. Any inflammation comes up and I pop a dab of this on! Skin also feels so smooth too. This is a real review!!! It could change your life!!

This product is amazing, it truly changed my skin in the span of 2 weeks. I have never tried something that has helped my skin and cleared it so much. Recommended!!!

Es perfecto! Lo compré por que tengo los poros muy abiertos y en el primer uso, me dejó la piel súper lisita, me encanto, ahí dice con algodón, yo la verdad me lavo súper bien la cara y de ahí me pongo gotitas en la mano y lo aplico directamente y muy bien todo.