Paula's Choice reviews and discussion

4.5

91% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Effective exfoliating bha treatment
  • Fragrance-free, science-driven formulas
  • Gentle yet potent retinol options
  • Lightweight, elegant sunscreen textures
  • Inconsistent results across skin types
  • Irritating actives causing peeling
  • Leaky, imprecise bottle packaging
  • Synthetic, unpleasant product scents

Paula’s Choice earns strong reviews for effective, science-forward formulas—especially the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which many credit with clearer pores, smoother texture, and fewer breakouts—so yes, the brand works for many users. Weaknesses surface around inconsistent results and sensitivities (rash, peeling, stinging), synthetic or unpleasant scents, leaky or hard-to-control packaging, and confusion from an expansive product range.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

216 reviews and posts

  • This is an OG product for a reason, it really works. It does a good job keeping clogged pores and small bumps under control over time. The liquid formula is lightweight, easy to apply, and layers well with the rest of the skincare routine. It’s a product that works better with consistency than quick fixes. Overall, a solid exfoliant that earns its reputation

  • I am so impressed with this exfoliant, it is gentle but very effective. I love how it makes my face feel refreshed and so clean, especially after sweating and working out. I use this before my moisturizer and it works great!

  • This lip balm gives my lips a nice natural plump look. It has a small reddish/ purple tint. The collagen gives the lips a nourished feel that lasts all day. I will definitely repurchase this lip balm.

    Received a free product from Paula's Choice
  • This is a recent purchase--I was influenced by a content creator on Instagram and the existing reviews for the product. I'm noticing more signs of aging in my skin and wanted to find a serum to help combat things like uneven skin tone, more visible pores, fine lines, etc. So far so good! I use this every other day and do notice an immediate difference--sort of an allover filter to my complexion. I'm hoping that with more consistent use over time I will also be able to report more dramatic results (that's what got me from the other reviews of the product). I'm excited to see what happens!

    Influencer for Paula's Choice
  • Good brand. I am currently using their 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant on my husband's skin to prevent the build up sebaceous filaments, particularly on his nose area. Personally, I have used their Advanced Replenishing Toner which is a good option for those with dry, mature skin (30s and older).

  • Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant stands out as a reliable and effective product for those seeking to address acne, blackheads, and uneven skin texture. Its formulation combines potent exfoliating ingredients with soothing agents, making it a staple in many skincare routines. As with any active ingredient, it's advisable to start with a patch test and gradually introduce it into your regimen to assess skin tolerance.

  • I have been using Paula’s choice 2% BHA exfoliant for a few years now and it has helped keep my acne in control. It also reduces the appearance of my pores. I use this every other night and couldn’t survive without it.

  • I haven't tried many of the brands products. However, I highly highly recommend the Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA. I have keratosis pilaris and find it difficult to find such as lightweight cream with glycolic acid.

  • I know this product is controversial, and I can understand why, but hear me out: it just comes down to how you use the product. I have super, super sensitive skin. At times even a simple moisturizer has been tough on me, but I've found the 2% BHA Liquid exfoliant to be gentle enough for me! I started out using it every other day and now I'm able to use it once daily. Always leaves my skin glowing! Just don't overuse!

  • The workhorse of my skincare routine. This exfoliator is gentle enough for daily use and brings out a great glow in my skin. If I go a few days without it, I can tell. It helps slough off dead skin and really makes my skin feel more moisturized after.

  • The only product I’ve used is the Salicylic acid exfoliant, but it did change my skin. It reduced significantly the texture on my skin (the closed comedones, blackhead, and whiteheads). It had the perfect consistency.

  • This product is incredible. After just a few uses, it cleared up my skin, smoothed out my texture, and made my pores less noticeable. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t irritate my skin at all. My face looks so much brighter and cleaner now, definitely one of the favorite skin care products.

  • pretty good, clears up the skin. a little irritating but that's honestly because of the acid. I think that the gel version might be a little better, just because it would be a little easier to apply, versus the liquid version.

  • There isn’t much from Paula’s choice I haven’t liked. The bha serum is a classic and one I’ve used for years. I love their moisturizer and sunscreen, and recently their peptide lip balm. I want to try more of their peptide products. Everything is science based and the website is super education forward.

  • Despite consistent use, I didn’t see the noticeable improvements in texture, clarity, or glow that I expected. A few items felt irritating or didn’t sit well with my skin type, which was disappointing given the brand’s focus on gentle, effective formulas.

  • I tried the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and honestly, it really works. Within a couple of weeks I noticed my pores looking clearer and my breakouts calming down, which was huge for me. It definitely lived up to the hype in terms of helping with acne. The only downside for me was the texture, it felt a little too sticky on my skin, especially if I wanted to layer other products afterward. But overall, if you’re looking for something that actually makes a difference with clogged pores and acne, I’d still recommend giving it a try.

  • I have used Paula’s Choice CLEAR line for several years, specifically the Daily Skin Clearing Treatment. I use it on pimples that pop up. It works and won’t dry out my skin. It is also easy to carry on wherever you go. Pricing seems reasonable.

  • Some people recommended this set to me and I think it went well. I only use it on occasions now and not as a trio, only what I need when needed. I don't really do much for skin care, but I didn't see anything bad happen to my skin when it did use it often. I think it's worth it to try more regularly.

  • Bought the mini version of the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant to try out first because I have pretty sensitive skin. I've been using it in my nighttime skincare routine for the past two weeks and really like it.

  • Paula’s Choice is my holy grail skincare brand. The BHA Liquid Exfoliant completely transformed my skin—clearing pores, smoothing texture, and reducing breakouts within weeks. Their ingredient transparency and science-backed formulas earn my full trust.