This is one of the best exfoliants I’ve ever used! I struggle with breakouts and redness, and this product has made such a noticeable difference. The 2% BHA helps keep my pores clear and smooth without being harsh or irritating. It feels lightweight, almost like water, and sinks right into the skin without leaving any sticky residue. I use it a few times a week, and it keeps my skin clearer, calmer, and with less redness. My breakouts heal faster and new ones don’t pop up as often. It’s gentle enough for daily use if needed, and I love that it doesn’t dry out my skin. Definitely a must-have in my skincare routine! Read more
i've been eyeing Paula's Choice BHA products for months now and could never justify spending $20+ on a toner/acne treatment, even if my skin was acting up as much as it has been. i took the plunge a few days ago and ordered this extra strength BHA treatment to help combat my moderate comedonal acne (mostly nasty whiteheads covering my jawline ): ) that even the best makeup couldn't hide. i received this product saturday evening and immediately cleansed my skin and applied, it felt a little greasy, but i read that this feeling is just due to the helpful penetrating ingredients, so i wasn't worried. it almost instantly started to reduce redness of my existing enflamed acne and scars, and the next morning i noticed a few less comedones and that my pores were a bit smaller/clearer. each time i've used it, my skin had gotten better, and it has not yet dried out my skin, even with twice daily use. in fact, my skin feels hydrated and not tight at all after i use this. this morning was the 6th time i've used this since receiving it, and i noticed something seriously amazing (and maybe a little gross) -- after cleansing, as i wiped this BHA across my skin with a cotton round, comedones started popping out of my pores and clinging to my cotton! i've never seen this with any toner or treatment i've used in the past. i almost cried. i have been so sensitive about my skin over the last few years, being a college student and nearly full-time server. i see so many people daily, and it's really been a struggle trying to keep my skin under control, that is, until now. i will caution you though, that this has brought a few breakouts to the surface of my skin, but is working to clear them quickly while reducing redness, itchiness, and soreness of both the new breakouts and every one of my existing breakouts. if you're iffy about the price of the PC products, i say don't be -- they are completely, 100% worth it. Read more
Been using this for years. It doesn't irritate, even on areas with rosacea. No alcohol or fragrance. A few drops goes a long way, so the bottle lasts a long time. It smooths the skin and slowly reduces stubborn nose blackheads. Read more
IMPORTANT: I'm 34, male, had very bad oil and acne in my late teens and early twenties. In my late twenties till today, my skin is pretty much fine (especially compared to early years). However, there was always an issue with enlarged/clogged pores, the right amount of moisture, redness, etc. The large pimples were largely a thing of the past, and while I realized that less is more, I still wondered if there were a product that would improve my complexion. I read that salicylic acid was THE thing for pores and redness, but I was like "well i tried it in face washes and exfoliators and it didn't improve things much and made my skin too sensitive". However, I read on some blog that salicylic acid in face washes is largely rubbish, because it is truly and only effective if it stays ON the skin. That blog recommended different products, some of them quite expensive, and listed as a cost effective option....Paula's Choice...this product right here. The bottle lasts a long time. For me, over six months. That makes it very cheap despite what I considered a hefty price tag up front of $25. I use it almost twice a day. And it helps a lot. It helps my skin retain a "after washing and moisturizing" look long after the cleansing has been done. It really helps the overall balance - not getting too oily, not as clogged, and without the harshness of other things I've tried in the past. I use a very gentle face wash (Cetophil, Simple) or even bar soap if I'm out, and a light moisturizer after. I keep everything else non-strict, light, simple. But this product is the one thing I'd say really helps. I couldn't recommend it as an acne cure because I never tried it during those times. I couldn't recommend it as step X of a Y step process, because it isn't my experience. But for those who want to even out their complexion, reduce clogging, and are afraid of harsh things that could make things worse...I encourage you to try this specific product. Read more
