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If your skincare routine doesn’t include a chemical exfoliant, WYED?! Seriously, blackheads, breakouts, and clogged pores don’t stand a chance against the right exfoliator. But not all exfoliants are created equal—physical scrubs can be too harsh, and some formulas just don’t do enough. Enter: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, aka the internet’s most beloved skincare secret. And let me tell you, the hype is real.
I was skeptical at first—how could one product really transform my skin? But after just one night, I woke up with noticeably smoother, clearer skin. My blackheads? Less visible. My pores? Snatched. This lightweight, leave-on exfoliant uses salicylic acid (BHA) to deeply unclog pores, shed dead skin cells, and reveal a brighter complexion—without irritation.
Unlike harsh scrubs that can cause microtears (ouch), this chemical exfoliant works by dissolving gunk inside your pores, making it a game-changer for acne-prone and oily skin. Just apply a few drops to a cotton pad (or your hands) after cleansing, and let it work its magic. No rinsing required!
One important tip: if you have sensitive skin like me, start slow! This exfoliant is strong, so I recommend using it just once or twice a week at first and gradually building up to more frequent use. Overdoing it can lead to irritation, so listen to your skin and find the perfect balance.
Fast forward a few weeks, and my skin is glowing like never before—goodbye, congestion and dullness! If you’ve been battling stubborn blackheads, uneven texture, or just want a next-level glow, trust me: this one-step skincare secret will change your life.
Editor's Pick:
Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
I present to you, the secret product that does it all. This is the only chemical exfoliant that works for my facial keratosis pilaris without irritating my sensitive skin. I apply it to clean, dry skin every third night and follow up with a thick moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated and balanced.
What is BHA?
Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) is a type of chemical exfoliant that works wonders for oily and acne-prone skin. It penetrates deep into the pores to dissolve the "glue" that holds dead skin cells together, helping to clear out clogged pores and reduce excess oil. Here's the scoop:
How BHA works:
BHA is oil-soluble, meaning it can easily get into your pores and break down the oils and build-up that lead to acne and blackheads. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for calming irritated skin.
Types of BHA:
- Salicylic acid: The most common form of BHA, known for its acne-fighting and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Willow bark extract: A natural alternative to salicylic acid, with similar pore-clearing effects.
Who BHA is best for:
BHA is ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin, or anyone dealing with clogged pores and breakouts. It's also perfect for anyone looking to reduce inflammation and redness.
How We Choose
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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