Everything You Need To Know About Paula's Choice's Famous BHA Formulas

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel Toner

• Reviewer: Emily

• Skin type: Combination and sensitive

• The product: Paula's Choice 1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel Toner, £35.00

I’ve avoided BHA toners for a long time because I’ve always found them a bit too harsh for my skin, so I tend to stick to gentler options like PHAs. With that in mind, this 1% formula felt like a good way to ease into using a BHA, and I was excited to see if it would be more effective at smoothing texture, keeping my pores clear and managing the occasional breakout.

Like a toner, I applied it to clean, dry skin - but instead of using a cotton pad to swipe it across my face, I used my fingers and smoothed it on like a serum because of its gel-like consistency. It spread easily, so I only needed a small amount each time, and what surprised me most was how hydrating it felt, as that’s not something I usually expect from an exfoliating product. It sank in quickly without leaving any residue and, most importantly, my skin didn’t feel tight or dry afterwards. It just felt comfortable and balanced.

I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I haven’t had any irritation at all, which is game-changing for me! My skin feels smoother, softer and more hydrated, and my T-zone, which can get quite oily, seems more balanced too. I’ve also noticed my makeup going on a bit more evenly. I’m looking forward to seeing how it works over time, especially when it comes to reducing breakouts.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant review

• Reviewer: Hanitra

• Skin type: Oily and acne-prone

• The product: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner, £13.00

Aside from having acne-prone skin, my biggest struggle is hyperpigmentation. My usual skincare routine includes using exfoliants two to three times a week to help remove dead skin, decongest pores and ease my hyperpigmentation.

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is already in my bathroom arsenal to help tackle congestion and I’m thrilled the brand now has an AHA Liquid Exfoliant on the days my skin feels something a little gentler. From time to time I also use my intensive treatments like Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial™, £62.00. Before using Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant for this review my skin felt particularly congested – I’m not sure if it was due to having oily skin or living in London.

I always use Paula’s Choice 2% BHA after cleansing and before my serums. While I’ve never seen an immediate difference after using this formula, my skin always feels and looks a lot smoother in the morning. In my opinion, this is a really great product to have in your rotation. In the summer months, I tend to use this product every day to get rid of extra oil.

• Reviewer: Victoria

• Skin type: Dry to combination

• The product: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner, £13.00

I used to use Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant when I cycled to work and noticed T-zone was much oilier than usual. However, in recent years it’s fallen out of my routine. Before reviewing the formula recently, my skin was on the drier side, and I was suffering with a breakout on my cheeks – I think this is reaction to a product I’ve been testing. As a result, I was slightly apprehensive about using a liquid exfoliant.

My worry was misplaced. I used Paula’s Choice every other day after cleansing and noticed no further irritation. In fact, I think the formula probably helped to ease the breakout and get my skin back into shape. Even if my skin hadn’t been sensitive, I would still only use Paula’s Choice 2% BHA every other day as I like to give my skin a rest day.

Rather than applying the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant with a cotton wool pad, I pat it on with my hands like I would an essence. I always think a cotton pad (reusable or not) soak up some of the product, whereas your fingers press it onto skin. I follow with my all-time favourite Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Serum, £88.00 or a hyaluronic acid serum and moisturiser.

Our Verdict On Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting BHA Exfoliants

While all of our reviewers had different skin types and concerns, they all had positive experiences using Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner, £13.00 and Paula's Choice 1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel Toner, £35.00. Both formulas can be easily slotted into your skincare routine, but we recommend tailoring the frequency with which you use it to your skin’s needs. For example, Victoria’s skin was feeling more reactive and sensitive, so she used it every other day, while Hanitra was able to use it every day.

As with all active ingredients, we also recommend not using this alongside other potent formulas to avoid overloading your skin and we suggest doing a patch test before using this liquid exfoliant all over.

What is the difference between Paula’s Choice BHA Formulas?

While the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant uses 2% salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce excess oil, the Paula's Choice 1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel Toner, £35.00 features a more hydrating gel base and a gentler 1% concentration. That means you still get the pore-clearing benefits of salicylic acid, but with a lower risk of irritation. If you have oily, acne-prone skin, we’d recommend sticking with the original formula; however, if your skin is sensitive or on the drier side, the newer 1% version may be a better fit!