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Our iconic global bestseller, this clinically proven daily exfoliating toner with salicylic acid quickly unclogs pores & controls oil for clear, glowing skin.
Fights breakouts & blackheads
Clears & minimises enlarged pores
Sheds built-up layers of skin for smooth, even tone
Our clinically proven formula boosts cell turnover, visibly reduces pores, controls oil & supports skin barrier for healthy, glowing skin
BHA (beta hydroxy acid) works within the pore lining where congestion, blemishes & blackheads begin. This daily leave-on exfoliant has an optimal pH range of 3.2-3.8 for maximum efficacy without irritation.
The beauty editor favourite was voted one of the "Top 100 Skin Care Products of All Time" by WWD and has won 30+ global beauty awards.
Skin becomes dull and congested when dead skin cells build up on its surface. Unlike harsh scrubs, this gentle exfoliating toner mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by helping it shed extra layers while unclogging and clearing pores. This not only makes your skin look brighter, but it also allows your other skincare products to absorb better, boosting their efficacy. Apply consistently for a smooth, make-up ready complexion.
Clinically proven to visibly reduce pores & control oil*
Clinically proven to visibly smooth lines & brighten skin**
Clinically proven to improve skin barrier†
Clinically proven to reduce visible blackheads & whiteheads in 1 week‡
Because skincare works best when it suits your skin type.
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and wait 15-30 minutes. Select what you see and how you feel.
Salicylic Acid/BHAConcentrated BHA penetrates deep into pores to clear congestion.
Green Tea Extract Quickly calms redness & soothes skin barrier.
Methylpropanediol Can enhance the absorption of ingredients such as salicylic acid. It also has hydrating properties that can leave a smooth, dewy finish on skin.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua/Eau), Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA. [il402v1]
How to use an exfoliant
When to apply: Apply to clean skin. At first, use every other day and note skin’s response, then up to twice a day. For daytime, always follow with SPF. For nighttime, follow with the rest of your routine.
How to apply: Gently shake 1-2x onto hands or a cotton pad and apply to face and neck. Do not rinse. If you have a salicylate allergy, check with your doctor before using any products that contain salicylic acid.
BHA is ideal for anyone with normal to oily or combination skin prone to bumps and blemishes. Its oil-soluble nature clears pores and improves texture. AHA exfoliants are great for normal to dry skin, as they focus on surface hydration and sun damage reduction.
Yes, alternating or combining AHA and BHA can target multiple skin concerns like sun damage, wrinkles and clogged pores. Experiment to see what works best for your skin and adjust usage as needed.
BHA can sometimes temporarily cause skin purging due to its oil solubility, which allows it to penetrate deep into pores and break up trapped skin cells. This speeds up cell turnover and brings clogs to the surface, showing that the exfoliant is working properly.
It is an exfoliating toner, with the lightweight and liquid texture of a toner and the benefits of a chemical exfoliant. Exfoliation benefits include removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, revealing a brighter complexion. Paula’s Choice toners are used after cleansing to remove residual makeup and sun cream, hydrate and deliver targeted ingredients like antioxidants. While both exfoliants and toners are beneficial, they serve different purposes in your skincare routine.
Though fragrance free, the 2% BHA may have a subtle scent from its ingredients, which dissipates quickly. Individual scent perception varies. Many users adjust to it, finding the benefits outweigh any minor scent.
Paula’s Choice currently offers five liquid BHA exfoliants including: SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner: + Most potent, deep exfoliation + pH 3.5 for fast results CLEAR Extra Strength 2% BHA: + Same formula as SKIN PERFECTING + Targets stubborn acne, part of a 3-step collection CLEAR Regular Strength 2% BHA: + Gentle, lightweight formula + pH 3.9, suitable for sensitive skin & mild breakouts RESIST 2% BHA: + Light, water-like texture + For combination/oily skin, with added antioxidants for anti-ageing CALM 1% BHA: + Hydrating formula with skin-soothing ingredients + Targets the underlying causes of sensitivity + Formulated for sensitive & rosacea-prone skin
Yes, it is gluten free, vegan, fragrance free and alcohol free. Note: Paula’s Choice Skincare has never tested on animals.
1-2% BHA (salicylic acid) is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Use it in small areas like the face, neck and chest. Before use, consult your GP.
Results can vary but 2% BHA is clinically proven to promote smoother, clearer, glowing skin in as little as 48 hours.
Yes, although we recommend avoiding contact with the lash line and eyelids.
There are no specific products to strictly avoid. Our BHA can be paired with ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, peptides and retinoids and in fact, it enhances the absorption of these other skincare ingredients.
You can apply a moisturiser directly after your 2% BHA but in general, we recommend that you follow BHA with treatments (layering thinnest to thickest), then moisturise and protect (SPF) in that order.
Whether or not you can use 2% BHA daily depends on your individual skin type and tolerance. We recommend applying it to clean skin. First, use every other day and note skin’s response, then use up to twice a day. For AM, always follow with SPF. For PM, follow with the rest of your routine.
For sensitive skin, we recommend our CALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant which gently smooths away dull build-up while preserving the skin's delicate barrier.
Teenagers can use our 2% BHA, but they should also start slowly. Regardless of age, daily SPF is essential due to increased sun sensitivity.
Beginner's guide to exfoliants
How does a BHA exfoliant work?
Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology, September 2016, issue 9, pages 1480-1490 General Physiology and Biophysics, September 2013, issue 3, pages 347-59 Archives of Dermatology, August 2000, issue 8, pages 989-994 Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015, volume 8, pages 455-461