Description
About this item
- GENTLE NON-ABRASIVE LEAVE-ON EXFOLIATOR: with 2% BHA (Beta hydroxy acid) to unclog & diminish enlarged pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, smooth wrinkles & brighten & even out skin tone. Combats redness, wrinkles, aging, enlarged pores, & blackheads. PACKAGING MAY VARY.
- Dramatically improves skin’s texture for radiant youthful even-toned skin. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA also known as salicylic acid) mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by helping it shed extra layers while unclogging and clearing pores.
- HYDRATE, BRIGHTEN & SMOOTH FINE LINES: Our unique, non-abrasive, leave-on exfoliant is gentle enough for daily use on all skin types. Exfoliates dead skin cells while clearing pores for a more even tone, plus it visibly reduces fine lines & wrinkles.
- Paula’s Choice facial exfoliants are gentler on delicate skin of the face & neck than an abrasive face scrub, which can cause micro-tears. A BHA leave-on exfoliator delivers hydration & can exfoliate directly inside the pore & improve how the pore works.
- Paula’s Choice Skincare makes products that work. No fragrance, no parabens, no fluff. Just effective, science-backed formulas that target any concern from wrinkles to breakouts.
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
Product Dimensions : 1.57 x 1.57 x 5.51 inches; 3.99 Ounces
Item model number : 22010
UPC : 655439020107 655439005357
Manufacturer : Paula’s Choice
ASIN : B00949CTQQ
Country of Origin : USA
Best Sellers Rank: #1 in Facial Peels
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Customer Reviews: 78,649 ratings
Megan –
Add it to your routine!
This stuff is next level! It has been a godsend. It’s really helped me get a grip on my acne and start to manage it. Even though it’s on the expensive side, it’s so worth it!!!
Wendy –
It works
It took about three weeks of daily use but Wow, my skin is so clear and smooth. The wrinkles around my eyes are fading. It does sting for a few seconds after I put it on but I am definitely going to keep purchasing!
Allie E. –
Doing wonders for my very sensitive skin!
I have really dry eczema-prone skin, so most face products do not work well for me. This was not only super easy to apply, but made my skin extremely soft. It buffed away all of my dry dead winter skin without irritating it – it’s exactly what I needed!!Pro-tip, use a crème shop turmeric mask after applying this, that combo is the only cure for my flakey winter skin. I was planning on using this stuff weekly, but I’ve already used it two days in a row, because it worked so well and is so non-irritating. I can already see this becoming a #1 staple in my skincare routine!
4 people found this helpful
Tech Pro –
I tried products for decades. As a 55 year old man, this is the hands down winner
So I am mixed and my skin has always been a bit sensitive. As I got older I started to get very dry skin that would flake. Super pain in the rear. It was ALWAYS getting dry and flaking. I tried every lotion known to humankind. Also …my skin would get red super easy like I had rosacea. I was tested for everything and all I was left with is that I have sensitive skin. I read about this product and tried it. OMG. Super easy to use and my skin, with this simple product, completely cleared up! Truly wonderful product!
6 people found this helpful
JENNIE C. –
GREAT SERUM
I used a 1oz bottle the last couple months and love it. Went for the larger one. I am 69 years old and don’t have acne but found this serum makes my skin softer, less red, pores smaller, more even color, and brighter. I use it every day and night.
One person found this helpful
Courtney –
My new routine!
I’ve struggled with acne my entire life. I decided to start researching a routine for my skin. This exfoliant kept appearing in all my searches. I went with ordering the travel sizing option at first because this product is a little pricey. I quickly began to see an improvement in my skin. My pores appear smaller and my breakouts are decreasing weekly!
Emily DeVore –
Not sure how well this actually works
Bought the travel size to try it and it’s lasting forever. I’m not sure it would be worth it to buy a full size and I don’t think I could use it before it goes bad. You hardly need any and to be honest, I’m not a huge fan of having to shake the bottle to get it out; a dropper would be much easier. All this being said, I”m not sure how much this is doing for me, if anything.
Lina –
Clears my Face
I have normal skin type. I got this product because I heard it could help minimize my black heads and help reduce my acne (my acne isn’t bad severe). This product works like a charm. I first only used it at night. First I’d cleanse my face then I would spot treat my acne and put it on my nose. Then I would put a pimple patch over it. The product helped reduce my pimple and the patch would just pick up all the gunk. With this product I’ve also been noticing my black heads are less prominent than before, they’re still there but they’re smaller now. One thing about the product that I’m not too keen on is the smell, I don’t really like it, but it doesn’t affect my love for this product.
2 people found this helpful
Kay –
Pretty good
I’ve seen a lot of review about this product and felt very uncertain about buying it, however I started using it as it says on the instructions and I’ve been feeling very relaxed and comfortable with my skin. My acne had decreased in size and redness and I’m so glad I’ve found something to help me with my acne problem.
Nichole –
Good product
This stuff worked pretty quickly for my face. It was a mess hormonal acne is the worst especially, as you get older, however, I have tried just about everything for my face even chemical peels, and this stuff really worked for the first couple of weeks but then I started to notice that, if I missed a day on a mistake I would start breaking out right away so that part of it I didn’t like so much because God forbid you stop using the product you start to break out again I stopped using it for a while and really just kept my face clean, and it seem to bounce back and no acne so who knows if it was actually the product or not but I do know when I was using it. It works fantastic. I really wish it would’ve taken away some milia, but it did not. But either way I give it five stars. ❤️
5 people found this helpful
Shy G. –
Yesssss!
Yes, Yes, and Yes. Get it. Smells like caca, buttt it’s working! I have went years with pores the size of Megan fox’s toe finger. Working on day I forgot but they are smaller like khole Kardashians nose! 10/10 worth it!
Bailee –
Saw improvement in 1 use!
I am a person that has a fairly expensive skin routine (tatcha) so justifying adding this was a little hard for me however, I needed something to shrink my pores, help with a little bit of chin texture and redness due to fair complexion. I went ahead and bought this. Let me tell you I used it one time and I woke up in the morning with my pores significantly shrunken. My texture is basically gone. My redness is almost all gone and this is within one use. I am not a person with problematic skin. I just am a person with large pores, and unfortunately a little bit of texture on the chin and redness, due to a fair complexion, I highly recommend for any type of skin. This is a miracle product.
9 people found this helpful
NickLex –
Need
I doubted this did much, but after a month I absolutely see a difference. Those tiny tiny bumps under chin and on my forehead have already almost gone away. It’s a small bottle, but only use a few drops every other day so I’m sure it will last for quite awhile
Hanna –
SMALLER THAN IT LOOKS ON HERR
I did not understand how small this would be compared to the price. Not a very good value. This better be a miracle worker for the price.
asiah noble –
So good
Been using this for years. The small size will actually last you a couple of months so it is worth the money. It smells so bad but worth it.
Kay –
HOLY GRAIL
THIS PRODUCT IS AMAZING! Please try it out at least once because it will definitely be used as a spot treatment for stubborn pimples!
One person found this helpful
Thitapha Iamtragul –
Good product!!
Make your skin more clear, people who have a scars from acne I recommend this one, but the person who already had the clear skin I do not recommend it much. But it’s a really good product!!
Jay Williams –
Smooth Skin
I’ve been using this for almost a year and my skin is always glowing, it has a strange “scentless scent” that I’m not the biggest fan of but its good and works as intended, a little expensive however.
Erica –
It works for real
The 3 pictures in orange shirt are from day 1 of using it and the 3 in gray shirt is on day 6! I just feel like these pictures speaks for itself but for some reason in the past month I’ve been struggling with cyst acne on my face. The dark marks on my face was the very first one I’ve ever gotten and i messed with it and that was the end result. Marks been on my face for a month now so when I felt the second cyst acne coming in I hurried up and search for something to unclog my pores and I came across this magic. My husband was like your face is a total different shade. He noticed immediately today. My face is a lot brighter after using it in the morning and at night. I know it says to ease in on it because you don’t know how your skin may react but I was desperate for a fix. And honestly i think on day 5 is when I notice my skin to be quite dry and i just added moisture to my face and on day 3 is when I actually felt the sensation that everyone else in the review section mentioned. But the tingling was not bad at all. I felt like it finally started working when i felt the tingles lol but anyway this stuff is great and I will be recommending this to my friends and family. My face is brighter, feels healthier, and most importantly I feel good. Also, I only used maybe 3 drops for my entire face using my fingers to rub it in. My pimple became less red on day 2 of using and the size even has shrunken by day 6. And it smells like nothing to me. Good stuff. And I’m not wearing any makeup in any of the pictures
39 people found this helpful
Atziri Ramirez –
Good?
Its very dry after exfoliating, has a weird feeling to it, but it does the job great! So far loving it
Heather Cannon –
I was skeptical, but hopeful
I will continue to buy this product until the day I die. I’ll be buried with this product. And no, this is not a paid ad.I spent a year and half trying to find the source of my adult acne. I stopped drinking milk. Figured it was the dairy. Gave up soy. Gave up almond milk. Gave up cashew milk. Gave up gluten. Stopped taking birth control. I even made excuses for nearly 6 months, telling myself “oh the body just has to get used to these changes. The hormones have to work their way out”.I finally realized nothing was making a difference.So I bought this on a whim. I really don’t do “skincare”. I wash my face, apply my cerave pm lotion like the rest of the world does, and that’s about it. I don’t like the hassle of having a routine and a hundred products.So I bought this because i liked the idea of not having to remember to use it *every single day*. I apply it maybe twice a week after I shower but before bed. I’m not religious about it, I just do it when I remember it. And it’s works wonders.It’s been about a month. My breakouts are gone. I still have some redness, but I expect that’ll get better now that the active breakouts are gone.A word of caution though, it makes you VERY sensitive to the sun. I made the mistake of applying it one morning instead of evening, and it was a beautiful Saturday. I didn’t even spend much time outside, mostly just walking back and forth from the house to the car, or car to the garage, and I got a decent little sun burn on my face. So definitely use it at night, or apply a sunscreen over top.Also, even though I apply face lotion about an hour after putting it on, my face was decently dry the first time I used it. The second time it was fine, but the first time it was dry and a little flaky. I was still able to wear makeup the next day, it wasn’t bad enough for others to notice the dryness, but I noticed it. But again, that only seemed to happen the very first time I used it.tl;dr: it works, Ive stopped breaking out. Don’t go in the sun, makes you very sun sensitive. May be a little drying for the first use
54 people found this helpful
Chloe –
Best skin of my life!!!
I’ve been using this product for only about 3 weeks and have seen an incredible change in my skin. I use it once or twice daily as instructed under a very light application of moisturizer (apricot oil) after it dries. On the nights I don’t use it I only use this same brand’s 1% retinol moisturizer. Important note: I have sensitive combination skin, very oily enlarged pores with hormonal acne and blackheads, but also dry patches. Many products make me break out and have weird skin texture.In ONLY 3 WEEKS my pores are smaller, my skin texture is so smooth, and my blackheads are going away. I feel like my skin is somehow both much less dry and less oily from using this, maybe because the dead skin wasn’t retaining moisture as well? I was experimenting with different face washes for like, my whole life to try to achieve this effect and everything was either too harsh or not cleansing enough (combo skin lol), but now I use this same brand’s “hydrating cleanser” and it seems to be fine because I’m using this exfoliant.At first I did experience some of the “purging” that some people refer to when their acne flares up and some increased flakiness, but that went away after about a week. Now when I get a pimple it usually is on the way out the next morning if I use this exfoliant the night before, and the flakiness is gone. My sensitive skin does not react to this at all, I haven’t experienced any redness, itching, or burning. Everyone else says to use sun protection with this so I listened for them (I usually do spf 50 and a hat for outside stuff) and no problems there either.Overall, I don’t know how this product compares to the competition, but I know it really works for me and has made me a lot more confident in my skin. My bottle still has about a ⅓ or ¼ left after 3 weeks and I used it pretty liberally so it’s a good amount of product. As I mentioned, I also got the hydrating cleanser and 1% retinol cream (for fine lines) from this brand and I feel like they work well together without being harsh on my skin. This is the best my skin has ever felt!!!!
44 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
Produces actual results
I am a fan of this product and will purchase the larger bottle. I have consistently used this product starting out every other day working up to once at night and my skin has dramatically improved. From ruddy color to a brighter, clearer, and more even tone. Huge fan. I did not experience any irritation, drying, or adverse effects. Highly recommend!
Kindle Customer –
Smoother face
This changed my texture of my skin immediately. My make up goes on smoother and easier & stays looking the same. It can be drying. I was peeling a tad bit so I cut down every other day or 2 (combination skin type)..I can feel the difference just by propping my face with the back of my hand, doesn’t feel like the same skin as before lol…odd smell but goes away as it dries down.
Jaclyn –
Personal skin review
I have never seen a skin care product work the way that this one has done for my skin in the three days that I’ve used it. I am a licensed esthetician! Navigating your own skin is harder then you think! BUT THIS. This is a god sent product. Congrats to Paula’s choice for formulating such a great product. I struggled with congestion. And tiny black heads that I can not see or correctly extract from my skin. THIS has literally murdered all of the little bumps and black heads in one use. I’m on use number 5 and I’m noticing that my skin is immediately a smoother and softer texture there are no more active or turning active papuls or pustuals at all!RECOMMEND for anyone dealing with congestion in the skin and black heads. 100/100
18 people found this helpful
zee –
Good for facial wipe down during the week
I have sensitive, acne prone skin. This is a regular feature of my cabinet and I use it 3-4 times a week either in the AM or PM to cleanse skin. I avoid areas where skin is more sensitivity/redness prone. Great to diminish acne scars.
C. Graham –
Fast healing of blemishes
I have used this on my own face for years to chemically exfoliate and manage blemishes. Today my pre-teen son had a pimple behind his ear where his glasses rest. This is a progress in only eight hours. I am beyond thrilled with this product.
Drifty –
Miracle in a bottle
I have sensitive skin that flares up a lot. Exfoliating always feels amazing but watching some dermatology videos I saw that physical exfoliation can worsen acne. I used Paula’s Choice salycitic acid spray as well and was running low so I decided to give this BHA exfoliant a try. I was pleasantly surprised at how fast this gave results. I have no active acne and it’s even helping with the redness. I feel confident enough to go out without concealer or foundation.
4 people found this helpful
Fay –
It really is the holy grail
Ok, so I first want to say that I bit perplexed by the reviews declaring this to be the holy grail. Really? Is it really though? But review after review said it so. I didn’t know if I’d like it or want to commit to the the full size so ordered the travel size as like a tester option and holy cow is this really the holy grail. I’ve had bumps on my forehead for close to a year. A YEAR. And when I tell you I have tried everything I have tried EVERYTHING. Micro dermabrasion, acid peels, regular exfoliating, other topical solutions from every brand under the sun. Nada. This has been the only thing that cleared these bumps up after just a few weeks. So yeah – it is the holy grail and I’m so happy I found it.
24 people found this helpful
Rachelle –
Works well so far
Salicylic acid is a must in my skin care routine. The smell is definitely off putting, but the product works well. I see a difference in the appearance of my pores with less trapped oil and will be continuing to use it of course make sure to use a good moisturizer to follow up!
Lauren E –
Really works
I have pretty sensitive skin, so I was nervous this would be too harsh but it isn’t. I’ve seen a huge improvement in how my skin looks overall. I’ve been using it daily for three months now, and plan on continuing.
Ethan Behee –
Pretty good as far as I can tell
I have very normal skin, maybe a little bit oily but not too much and I just use a little bit of this on my nose in the morning or before bed after washing my face. Normally I feel my nose pores are more visible and am tempted to use stuff like nose strips, but this Salicylic Acid helps keep the pores clear and appear smaller.I do notice a difference whenever I go for a few days without using it.Since I only use it on a small section of my face, one bottle has lasted me over a year. Definitely worth it for me!
6 people found this helpful
Thomas –
It’s the good stuff
If you suffer with acne problems then yes, use once a day, but if you don’t have acne problems then I would recommend only once a week. It’s an exfoliator in the form of an acid, so not a good idea to use daily for normal skin. To each his own though! I’ve been using this stuff for years once a week and it’s fantastic.
3 people found this helpful
Aline –
Worth it !!
This product works great !! I was scared at first to try it because I have sensitive skin and I did not know if this would make me break out more but it helped with my clogged pores and clearing up my acne. I get really bad acne around my outer cheeks and forehead. Using this twice a day once in the morning and at night gave me the best results. I just finished the travel size bottle so I am going to get the bigger bottle now
One person found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
This is the one!!
YALL!! OMG YES!!! This product is amazing. I had a bad breakout after trying to wax the hair off my face instead of shaving (PCOS problems). Nothing was helping my skin. FOR WEEKS!!! I tried this product and less than 24 hours later the swelling went down and the pimples dried out. It’s been two days and now they are just scabs. I’ve been suffering for weeks with these numbs on my face. They are gone now!! I will be buying more in case they discontinue this bottle. I’m very pleased with this product. Very pleased
4 people found this helpful
julia –
HELPED ME SO MUCH!
this product helped the get rid of all my forehead acne! i have semi – sensitive skin and have had no issues with this product. it also doesn’t smell at all so that’s great 🙂 i apply it every night with a cotton pad. i highly recommend this item!!
vinkgrid –
My acne has changed!
Soooo i loveee this product! It leaves my skin glossyyyy perfect!! I have a acneprone skin where i do need to get extractions every 2 months or something like that since my pores get very crowded!This product is a holy grail for me because it cleanse my skin and in a way has control my acne. I used to need extractions every month but with this i can go as long as 2 month which is great!People tend to comment that my skin is glowing or i am glowing i will give this product alllllll the credit!!!
2 people found this helpful
Jennifer –
Milia bumps disappearing
I got this to remove milia bumps under my eyes. I can tell a difference, but I also noticed my pores look smaller! Im going to keep up use and get that smooth under eye I’m looking for.
One person found this helpful
Cait –
Buy it!!!
I absolutely love this product! At first I was just putting the product on a cotton pad and using it in replace of a toner, definitely not the way to go. I wasn’t seeing any results even after a month so I got back on the reviews and read a few to see if I could figure out a better routine. I use this after washing my face. Occasionally I will wash my face and then use a facial steamer and then apply this. I would recommend not using a cotton pad to apply. I put this in the palm of my hand and evenly distribute it all over my face and neck. You don’t want too thin/thick of a layer. LET IT DRY before you put any products on top. I usually apply this and find something to do for 5-10 mins to give it time to dry down. Once it’s completely dry I put my serum on, let that soak in and apply moisturizer. If it’s morning I will use one with spf in it, at night I typically use a thicker more heavy moisturizer. This will definitely make your skin purge, so be mindful of that. I would say it took a good 3-4 weeks before my skin looked good. I broke out pretty bad in my chin the first week or so. The following week my skin had a lot of flakiness (which made it near impossible to apply foundation). The last week I had two horrible breakouts, one in the middle of my forehead and the other in the side of my face. So bad to the point where I was wearing pimple patches at work for two days because that made it look better, it was very noticeable. I tried to keep from covering it with makeup just so I could avoid the breakout from getting even worse. However, the following week my skin is glowing, my makeup goes on effortlessly and my skin has never looked better. I think in another week or so I’ll still see more results since my skin is still healing a bit from the bad breakout, I still have some flakiness to my skin. Even now I feel confident enough to not have to wear skin makeup. If I do, I use the Mac skin tint, which is very light coverage. I definitely can achieve that glowy summery look I’ve always wanted to, before my skin was too textured and face makeup always look bad even after a few hours since it would just cling to my dry patches. Definitely make sure you use something with spf in it and stick to a routine. Just keep in mind it takes some time to see results but it’s so worth it! For reference I have more of dry/combination skin, I have to be careful of certain products because they’ll dry out my skin, i think if this was any stronger it wouldn’t work for my dry skin, that being said I haven’t had any issues using this.
166 people found this helpful
Khalil williams –
The only working acne product to exist
Honestly if u have pimples please believe me, this is the only product that gets rid of them overnight. I was shocked because I used this for 2 nights and every single pimple either went away or reduced to a small unnoticeable dot. 10/10
Connie T –
Congested skin is now clear
I am 64 year old woman with overall good skin. I have always taken good care of it with quality skincare and regular visits to dermatologist for treatments & facials. NOTHING ever cleared up the little white bumps under the skin on my chin. My Derm even told me they are hard to get rid of. Well I am here to say, this product worked!!!!! I combine it with dermaplaing (Tinkle razors) bought on Amazon. I only use the dermalplane razor 2x a week. And Paulas choice every night. My skin has never been so clear. I am extremely pleased.
4 people found this helpful
Joanna M S Ramirez –
Before you buy check the size
I really didn’t check the size. I wondered why the price was okay at $13. Nope, the bottle was so little. It was the size of my middle finger. It was funny though.
Kindle Customer –
First time in over thirty years
I bought the in December last year. As usual I broke out …. But hear me out first! I have very fair sensitive skin. I would like to say that I’ve had good skin at one point, but that isn’t true. I’ve had acne since I was 11 and there has been no reprieve. I’m in my 40’s and my breakouts are still awful, just different awful with more cystic acne an extremely dry skin. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on every product imagined. The stronger the medicinal content the more drying. The less drying the more severe the breakouts. After shelving this product , I stumbled on an article about little known beauty secrets… Believe it or not it recommended aquaphor (yes same stuff used for diaper rashes) as a moisturizer. So I said what the neck I’ve tried everything else. It changed everything!!!! My skin still broke out but the drying aspect totally changed. I could feel and see my skin improving. It had been a few months since I had tried the pc exfoliation and I began to wonder if it would still break me out, so I tried again.This has changed my life!?! Within a week my breakouts reduced to half and any breakouts duration was reduced to days instead of weeks. Over the two months I’ve been using Paula’s choice I’ve added more their products. I now use cleaner, toner, exfoliant. I still use aquaphor as my nighttime moisturizer. I use Paula’s choice moisturizer with sunscreen with pc boost mixed in for daytime. I hardly breakout now even during my period. Guys I’m in tears as I write this. Honestly to be able to walk outdoors without tons of concealer and full makeup…. There are no words.My skin tone has evened out the redness gone. If anyone has suffered with this then II want to say there is hope. Few things 1. If you use the aquaphor the beware it is grease, very greasey. When I use it before bed I try to rub in as much as possible, when I wake up though it is completely absorbed. I used this alone for weeks, I didn’t try other products until I realized my skin texture had changed and become more supple. 2. Exfolliator is a chemical and a little goes long way. Personally patting it in with fingertips was best, don’t rub or smear on. Start with once day, I have now worked up to morning and evening usage. This can burn you. I have been overzealous and used too much because I was excited with results. When this happened rinsed off face and kept covered with aquaphor and burns healed by morning.I’m know now that my face was in no shape for products because of ph balance and that is why everything exasperated already horrible breakouts. I’m no doctor or chemist but I can say that right now this is the first time I can walk out of the house without covering in makeup, hats, and long hair. You wouldn’t believe the feeling when friends who see me say, “wow your skin looks amazing!” My skin looks better than when I was in my teens. I’ve now got my teen using Paula’s choice clear skin line and aquaphor . her tone has now evened out no more redness (yes extreme fair skin). She is thrilled with the changes and its only week and half in.I wish all those who suffer with these issues the best of luck, and THANK YOU Paula’s choice.
2 people found this helpful
ISAAC JENNIFER –
The product great for hormonal acne if used properly
So this BHA product is the only product that unclogs my pores when I have hormonal acne around my jawline and under my chin.
Nosa Adetiba –
Buy it
I started getting some cystic acne for the first time in my life; after months of upset I randomly found a review of this product on Twitter so I decided to try it.The acne was gone in 2 days and my skin is glowing after almost 2 months of use. I’ve stopped using foundation or powder; just liner and lashes and I’m out the door.
Jillian S. Tyler –
Nice
Helped reduce the visibility of my pores. It leaves a slightly greasy film afterwards, makes me think I don’t need to moisturize my face after. Would buy again.
Megan –
This has saved my life
Try it!!! You won’t regret it!I have super prominent sebaceous filaments this is one of the only products that helps
RONCARZE –
Good product
This is a good product and I would highly recommend it to everyone.
Rachel J Corey –
Worked to shrink my pores and clear up my skin
It worked to make my pores smaller and my skin does look clearer. I was hoping it would get rid of my comedones, but it hasn’t really made any progress on that after a month or so. I’ll try a different product I guess.
Zen –
This works
It just makes my skin look better. It is a bit drying. But it works wonders for me. Try it…
Audrey S. –
If you actually understand how to use it, it’s amazing.
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.
3,852 people found this helpful
Contractor –
Almost gave up…don’t! PCOS acne sufferer!
Photo of all products I use plus – Full AM & PM skincare routine at bottomThis review is based on my experience as a 34-yr old woman diagnosed with PCOS. I’ve been struggling with acne, cystic acne, and rosacea for almost 11 years. I used to take super powerful medicine…don’t do it. It screws up your hormones even more in the long run. Acne is a huge part of PCOS, and can get out of control very quickly. Keep in mind that I have also been implanting new diet changes (DF, GF, sugar free, no eggs, no grain, low carb) and supplements as directed by my Naturopath.I was desperate to finally change my skin. I had to be in my brother’s wedding in 6 weeks, and I so badly wanted to feel confident in my skin. It was risky . There was no guarantee that my skin would be done purging by the time 6 weeks rolled around, but I took the risk. Surprisingly, the first week, my skin cleared up nicely. But then…into week 2 began the purge. Mind you, my purge wasn’t crazy. It was small pimples, but a lot of them; with new ones every single day. Cystic acne under jawline was constant, but manageable. I already had a pretty strict skincare routine before trying this, so I feel like my skin wasn’t as bad a say someone who’s skincare routine is less strict.As you can see from the photos, I had a couple purging periods. The first was at it’s worst around 30 days of daily (once a day) use of Paula’s Choice Exfoliate. It seemed to follow my menstrual cycle a bit, but my good days were few and far between for the first two months. By the end of May, I was beginning to think it wasn’t working for me. The week before the wedding rolls around, and I get a large cystic bump on my chin, very red, with little pain, though. This could have just been stress, not sure? Fast forward to mid-June. As I’m writing this, it has been a solid week and a half since I’ve experienced a fresh breakout. My old acne is healing, and my scars are beginning to fade. It’s also important to note that I started using the CeraVe SA Cleanser AM and PM a couple weeks before the wedding. And since I’ve been using it, I feel like my skin has really started to take a turn for the better.I wouldn’t say that this product was 100% the reason for my skin looking the way it does now, but I do know that it has a large part to do with it. I don’t expect my skin to be perfect forever, now. My skin still changes a lot throughout my cycle, so I expect the typical PMS breakouts, but this month has been very smooth sailing compared to the first two months, and it makes me REALLY excited!I love when people share their skincare routines. So if any other ladies out there who are PCOS sufferers, this is what my AM and PM routines look like.AM:1. Cleanse with CeraVe SA Cleanser (gently massage into face for 30 seconds) & rinse2. Apply The Ordinary’s Naicinamide & Zinc Serum on damp skin (let sit for 1 minute)3. Apply Esmi Skin Probiotic Skin Mylck as my moisturizer (very light moisturizer – let sit 1 min)4. Apply DRMTLGY’s Broad Spectrum 45spf Protect sunscreen (very important, very light, no white cast)PM:Double cleanse1. Cleanse once with Esmi Skin Minerals Uncomplicated Cleanser2. Cleanse again with CeraVe SA Cleanser (gentle massage for 30 seconds)3. Apply thin layer of Paula’s Choice Exfoliate to damp/almost dry skin (wait 15 minutes)4. Apply Esmi Skin Minerals’ Hyaluronic Serum (let sit for 1 minute)5. Apply Esmi Skin Minerals’ Probiotic Skin Mylck6. Apply thin layer of Terminator Benzoyl Peroxide 10% to problem areas (massage in on top of moisturizer, I do this because it’s too drying if I put it on underneath moisturizer)Don’t make the mistake of putting the Paula’s Choice Exfoliate on after skin completely dries. This dries me out very badly, and my skin will be tight all day the next day. I used to let it sit on my skin for 30 minutes before finishing my routine, but now I’m down to 15 minutes. I feel like it’s still very effective.The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% mask is also very useful to dry up an active breakout or encourage something under the skin to come to the surface. I usually only use this one time. Anymore than that on that same spot, and it’ll turn red and be very dry (in my experience). Let the mask sit for 15 minutes. I only use a dab of it on the active acne spot. I don’t know if I would have the courage to smear this over my entire chin/mouth area where I’m prone to breakouts. It’s very drying stuff.I know this was long, but I hope that this will help someone else who may be experiencing not just adult hormonal acne, but acne caused by serious hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance due to PCOS. I FINALLY feel like I’m on the right track!
754 people found this helpful
Bailey Hinton –
Good for dry skin
Most of my life I have struggled with skin that just decided to flake off with a single touch. However, I also do have very clogged pores and some oily areas on my face. I think my skin type out of 10 is (on a good day) and 8 on the dryness level. I ordered the smallest size of this product just so I could test it before spending big bucks. After one use, I can already tell a difference. My pores used to feel like braille when I would run my fingers over them, but now it feels as smooth as a fancy squidward. After using it before bed, I woke up around 8 hours later and applied my normal full face of makeup, and after a full day of wear there are barely any flakes of skin where there would normally be numerous. I didn’t get overly oily in my t-zone like usual, and overall it feels like my makeup laid better than it has in years. I definitely recommend atleast tying this out for all the girlies suffering with desert like dry skin like me! I would buy the smallest size first before taking the deep dive just to be sure, but I think this might be a winner!!!
12 people found this helpful
Peyton millican –
Solid 9/10 product!!!!
This product has little to no scent, which is nice.I suggest using a cotton ball to apply, not fingers. I have pretty regular skin, with lots of hormone acne. I Have had issues with acne my whole life. tried product, after product. Decided to buy the Paula’s toner 1oz bottle, and will NEVER NOT use it. after 2 days my skin was almost 100% clear. It gives a little burn and tingle, but only for a couple minutes. Not painful. Iv been using this product for almost a month now. Effects are still the same. I do recommend using a good moisturizer if you plan to apply daily. It will make your skin flake. Solid 9/10 product!!!
4 people found this helpful
Mia –
If nothing works for you – this will
This product was reccomened to me by a family member. I have terrible cystic acne, and black heads. I did not realize I had such textured skin before I used this product (since now my face is smooth. Something i havent felt in years!) . It’s important to use everyday to keep up the results, moisturize and or use sunscreen when going outside!!!!! Although I can’t say it cured my cystic acne, it greatly reduces the time they occur on my face and helps dry them out quicker. Love this product I think everybody should try it.
4 people found this helpful
SHEILA MACDONALD –
Perfect for sensitive/acne prone skin
My skin is super sensitive and this works wonders. I’ve tried so many products to treat my acne, I’ve even been prescribed tretinoin/adapalene/clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide wash and my skin reacted horribly to all of these. I was sure that nothing would ever work for me. I’m so cautious buying products and after doing an extensive amount of research I chose this product. I was blown away, literally the ONLY thing that has ever unclogged my pores. I saw results the next day after using this. I’ve never seen my skin this clear, and honestly never thought I would. I would 100% recommend this product to anyone with very sensitive/acne prone skin.
6 people found this helpful
vbchic –
WOW
Let me start by saying I have congested skin, so I know I need an exfoliant. I have used a large number of scrubs, peels, etc. throughout the years and most were bleh. I had become frustrated recently once again with my skin needing help and I saw this item. I decided to try it, and I have used it two nights in a row.Outcome: I could see a significant difference after just the first night. This morning after the second night/application, I still saw an improvement. I am excited that my skin is looking smoother, clearer, and has smaller pores after just two days. I repeat TWO DAYS. I will keep putting it on every night since it does leave a bit of a residue on the skin that I feel I would not like during the day (but maybe it was because I put a lot of it on). Overall, I will continue to use it. And for it being as effective as it is, I don’t think it’s going to irritate or make my skin red like some other exfoliants have used. But if anything changes I will update my review. Right now, if I could give this 10 stars I would.Also, I feel like this will only help people who have skin that needs exfoliating. If you have decent skin or skin that doesn’t need exfoliating, it may not be that amazing nor effective. But it all depends on what your skin needs, so if you have any needs that this product addresses I think you should give it a go. It at least won’t harm or irritate your skin.*Disclaimer: I put on a significant amount of this both nights, probably about a good double dose all over my face and the front of my neck and rubbed it in a bit with the cotton pad. I am certain this sped up the exfoliating process, and as I continue to use it I will probably go down to putting on just one application rather than a double application each night. I may eventually go to every other night, but that remains to be seen. I will just go with the flow and do whatever my skin needs. So far, amazingly effective.UPDATE: After the 3rd double application last night, I am STILL seeing an improvement in my skin. I will go down to a normal nightly application starting tonight since my skin is feeling a bit tight. It isn’t inflamed but I can tell it could become irritated if I continue double strength applications daily. And my skin is much improved already, so there is no reason to risk irritation. I will update how the regular single application works. Oh, I am seeing wrinkles diminish as well under and around my eyes!UPDATE #2: After the normal single application last night my skin is still improving. It doesn’t feel as tight as yesterday, so it was a good I listened to my skin. Will continue with single layer nightly applications! Still loving it!UPDATE #3: After several more days of using it only at night and an overall single application (with a little extra on certain areas of my face), my skin is still continuing to improve. I am definitely sold on this.UPDATE #4: After almost another week of use it feels like my skin has gotten used to it so I will be using a light coating in the morning with moisturizer afterward, and a heavy application at night also with moisturizer after. I will let the exfoliant fully dry before putting on the moisturizer to make sure it stays where it should. I will report back on how it goes. Fine lines are diminishing and it seems like a few darker spots on my face are slowly lightening. So far, I am still loving it. (I am also putting it on the front of my neck and upper chest and it’s helping there as well.) HOWEVER, I am not a person who puts on foundation or much makeup, so I am not sure how using this during the day would affect someone the foundation staying in place or not. Once I am back to my normal work outside the house I may decide to use it only at night, we will see.UPDATE #5: I am still using this daily twice a day and still seeing improvement in my skin. A few darker patches of skin near my temples are lightening, my pores are still getting smaller, and my fine lines are still diminishing. I have set this up on a subscription because it works so well for me. I hope this review helped you!
46 people found this helpful
SBlackwood –
Smoothed by facial skin tags and scars
I bought this for my daughter’s acne. She never used it. I started getting whiteheads and discovered this is caused by blocked pores so decided to try this product. It immediately cleared the whiteheads. Over time, I noticed that my face was smoother–my skin tags were still there but were flatter and didn’t feel as rough. I have two scars that are raised and these were also flatter. I’m very impressed and adding it to my essentials list. BTW, I used it with a pad after the shower; amazing what comes off your “clean skin”
11 people found this helpful
anonymouscaller –
The Holy Grail
This product has made my skin SING ! I used it for the first time last night and I look 10 years younger this morning. Okay…well.. maybe not 10 years but my pores are definitely smaller and my skin is DEFINITELY softer. I will continue to use the product this week and next every other day and will update my review if I end up having any sort of reaction. My skin tends to be sensitive and I still get adult acne every once in awhile so I was surprised when my skin reacted so well to first use. I did use retinol and moisturizer after my first treatment and intend to continue doing so.01.17.23 No reactions whatsoever. I started out every other day and after the first month increased to every night. The smell is a little weird to me, but I can get over that seeing the difference its making in my skin. I do use moisturizer after so that there isn’t any overly drying effects. Overall I am EXTREMELY pleased with this product!
4 people found this helpful
Cazzyyyy –
This product works for me and I will be purchasing again!
This product really helps my skin day today. I do use it with my regular face wash and I use a vitamin C Serum or aloe after I put this on. I have definitely seen a difference in my skin since I started using it. There are a lot of people complaining about the size of the bottle but they also chose to get the one fluid ounce bottle so I don’t know why they were expecting a bigger bottle if it’s only one fluid ounce. They do offer a four fluid ounce bottle which I will be getting my next purchase because I wanted to try the product out before I got a bigger bottle and spent more money than it was worth. But it was definitely worth spending the money on the bigger bottle. Being mindful that all products don’t work for everybody and everyone skin I do have seborrheic dermatitis on parts of my face, which it has helped tremendously, and I do have very dry and sensitive skin. With that being said, I don’t know about the people who said they have rashes or redness from the product, but I have not experienced any of that. To each is own in everyone’s skin is different, so I do think it is worth taking a chance. Also, it says an exfoliate or it’s not a scrub or anything. It’s a somewhat silky consistency almost like a serum, so be mindful if you were wanting an exfoliating product like a scrub it is not that. I gave it three stars for scent because it doesn’t really smell like anything. I also gave it four stars on moisturizing because like I said, it’s a serum kind of texture, but I have not used it on its own without peeing moisturizer on my face afterwards, so I don’t know how it works on its own, but I have not had a problem with dryness in my skin from this product.
37 people found this helpful