Paula's Choice reviews and discussion

4.5

91% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Effective exfoliating bha treatments
  • Gentle, fragrance-free formulations
  • Lightweight, elegant sunscreens
  • Science-backed, consistent results
  • Occasional irritating active formulas
  • Watery, sometimes sticky textures
  • Leaking, imprecise dispensers
  • Synthetic, unpleasant product scents

Paula’s Choice earns strong reviews for efficacy, with many citing the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, retinol, and sunscreens as transforming skin texture, clearing pores, and calming breakouts, while gentle enough for sensitive users when introduced gradually. Reviews also flag drawbacks: occasional irritation or rashes, synthetic or unpleasant scents, leaking or hard‑to‑control packaging, a watery texture that can feel sticky, and mixed results or no improvement for some users.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

219 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 spf is genuinely great. The texture is runny and lightweight, so it blends in seconds. It doesn’t leave any white cast or heavy feeling. It hydrates just enough and layers well under makeup with zero pilling.

  • PC really nailed it with this lip treatment. I love the texture, which is comfortable on the lips and doesn’t feel sticky. The glossy finish is gorgeous, and it makes lips look plumper and way smoother. No harsh feeling either.

  • Ectoin is such an underrated ingredient, and this booster is just amazing for soothing irritated skin and repairing your skin barrier. It's lightweight and layers really well under moisturizer and makeup. The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is because of the price; I think there are other brands cheaper with the same product quality.

    Received a free product from Paula's Choice
  • 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.