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

  • The skin perfecting 2% BHA liquid has done a nice job of evening my skin tone and exfoliating my large pores. Very gentle and can use daily.

  • I love the liquid sunscreen, it goes on so softly and feels like you’re wearing nothing but it’s 50 SPF! I’ve tried multiple products from Paula’s Choice and they are all very high quality. Would recommend!

  • A forever go-to when my skin needs extra TLC. Paula's Choice products feel much more expensive than they are and they really work. IDK what I'd do without their AHA/BHA toner - it completely changed my skin for the better!

  • Tried the exfoliator after hearing so much about it and it's definetly doing what it has to do for my skin. I really enjoy it and its now a staple for my skincare routine 2-3x weekly. Will look into more Paula's choice products

  • I use their “clear” set on a regular basis. I have oily skin that is very sensitive and will get red and peel easily. These products do a good job of being effective without simply drying out your skin. If my skin does get a little dry, I just wait a day and start again without any issues.

    Feedback

    I like the screw off lid from the BHA liquid exfoliant better than the flip top lid from the clear set. Comes out more consistently and I spill less. (They are the same product btw so if you run out of the exfoliant in the set, you can buy it on its own) Make sure you have a good moisturizer! If you moisturize regularly, the products seem to work the best!

  • Was given the opportunity to try Paula’s Choice “ Skin perfecting 2% BHA liquid salicylic acid Exfoliant” and within the first week of adding the product into my skincare routine, there was already a noticeable difference in the appearance of my acne scars. 10 / 10 would recommend!

    Feedback

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  • I have the Salicilic acid toner and i think it is very pricey for the amount given, but it is so worth it. The product does work in the first try, after using you can feel the skin smoother and "silkier".

    Feedback

    The packaging. I have dificulties opening things

  • I’m on my 5th bottle of the popular exfoliant. It really is soo good. I have sensitive skin and I’m able to use this every other day with other actives if I wanted. I would recommend for any skin type. It changed my skin dramatically within a month.

  • REALLY good skincare. I'm someone who's more into Korean skincare, but Paula's Choice was so talked about in the beauty community that I became curious. I was looking for retinol, vitamin C and BHA Exfoliant so I bought it and got a 30 SPF sample sunscreen with it as well. But unfortunately, this is a little bit on the more expensive side compared to other skincare. I was so surprised at how good the retinol smelt. I normally don't like scented make up but this smells so nice and is not irritating at all. The Vitamin C however idk... it smells like iron. Exfoliant smells like ass but it does make my skin a little smoother before I put on makeup. And that tinted sunscreen?!?! SOOOO nice. Especially if you have oily skin. I'm a combo so it's a little too drying for my cheeks but on my hose and forehead, it feels amazing! A little tip is if you're buying something, they do regular sales. Don't buy it at full price. Subscribe to their emails and get notified of the deals.

    Feedback

    BHA exfoliant neds to smell better....

  • I love Paulas Choice, I think it provides easy skincare solutions for everyone at a great price point.

    Feedback

    Sometimes I think their ranges can be overwhelming for a normal consumer.

  • I've first used Paula's Choice in 2019 and felt the impact was definitely worth the price. My favorite is their 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant; I won't use any other exfoliant on my face.

  • Some products have worked incredibly well and others not so much. Their items are on the pricier side so I don't purchases that often. My favourite item of theirs is their BHA acid- the full size has lasted me six months, using it everyday. Whilst it may be pricey it lasts a good amount of time and is very effective so I would recommend the investment. The products I have tried, I have done so through purchasing their tester sizes. I love this about their product line. I appreciate being able to try a product before committing to a full size. They also have sales sometimes and freebies with orders which I also appreciate and why I choose to purchase through their website and not through a distributor. The minis are also perfect for travel If I could purchase from this brand more often I would as I believe it is actually majorly underrated

    Feedback

    I haven't had a majorly negative experience with them- some of their products haven't worked for me but that is expected with any skincare brand. Formulas are not one size fits all. I would love to see biodegradable packaging from more skincare brands. Their purchasing process through the website could be further streamlined.

  • I am a skincare junkie and have tried dozens of brands. A holy grail product for me is Paula's Choice 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant. It's gentle yet so effective. It's an absolute keeper in my daily routine.