Paula's Choice reviews and discussion

4.5

91% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Effective exfoliant results
  • Gentle formulas for sensitive skin
  • Fragrance-free ingredient philosophy
  • Wide, targeted product range
  • Occasional irritation and peeling
  • Sticky or oily textures
  • Leaky, clunky packaging
  • Inconsistent results for some

Paula’s Choice earns largely positive reviews for delivering effective, science‑driven skincare—especially the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which visibly clears pores, smooths texture, reduces breakouts, and suits many sensitive skins. Reviews also flag weaknesses: some formulas feel too strong or irritating, results can be inconsistent, textures can be sticky or oily, packaging is fussy or leaks, and the aesthetic reads dated—making the brand powerful but not universally effortless.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

214 reviews and posts

  • excellent. After 5 days of use I can see a big difference. The 2 pictures show a different light but you can still see the differences.

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    skin is also firmer. the product does not irritate the skin. I used the product directly on my face - I didn't use a face pad.

  • I used the BHA liquid exfoliant and it’s amazing. I only use it twice a week and it leaves my skin really smooth.

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    There’s honestly nothing wrong with this product.

  • I used the 2% BHA liquid exfoliant for about a month and a half leading up to my wedding, and the difference in my face was huge! My pores were smaller, my skin was smoother, and it was easier to apply make up, serum, and moisturizer onto my skin. It can also be used as a deodorant because the exfoliant will eat away the bacteria, leaving you smell-free! Highly recommend this product!

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    The liquid is light and clear like water but it does leave a slight tacky/sticky feeling after application. It goes away after applying the next product though.

  • Tut definitiv meiner Haut sehr gut ! It works !

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    Tut meiner Haut sehr gut . Gefällt mir !

  • I exclusively use the exfoliant and I love it! it has helped my skin so much with those little bumps and has made my pores go down by a lot. it is the best! it is worth the money! I have repurchased a few times now.

  • Been LOVING the youth-extending daily hydrating fluid! So light weight but I feel like I actually get moisture from it at stays all day. And the mandelic acid exfoliant has made my skin SO soft! Keep it up, Paula :)

  • I like Paula's Choice... quality ingredients, innovative formulations, a new sleek brand image update, and more options for more skin types than most brands!

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    To me, Paula's Choice seems like a solid brand that has science and research backed products. However, it does feel odd to me that they have SO many products that I almost don't even know where to start! Their 2% BHA has a cult-following, but at the end of the day it's a chemical exfoliant and there are tons of options!

  • The product I have tried from Paula's Choice is the 2% BHA liquid exfoliant. I saw this product working so well for those around me but unfortunately did not have the same experience. It really only seemed to make my breakouts worse, like the purging phase was never ending.

  • Purchased the SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant to use as a toner directly from Paula's Choice site for $25 for about 6.5oz and..... contrary to almost everyone else's experience, it did nothing for me! I was deeply disappointed that I didn't get the results that so many got. I used the whole bottle and ended up not re-purchasing or trying another toner. I'm not sure I'm confident in the brand's effectiveness for my sensitive and combination skin, so I decided to try medical-grade skincare. While the brand has a ton of products and is rooted in dermatology vs. trends, it's a little overwhelming to navigate. I do appreciate that the brand typically has a lot of promos though and plan to try their new barrier cream this year.

  • I love the vitamin c eye cream, peptide booster and the primer. The scents are pretty neutral and the products feel great going on. The primer is exceptionally smooth.

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    Universal coding of the step in skin care routine. I noticed that some products says step 4 or 5, but not all products have it. It's a super useful reminder on the bottle.

  • When it comes to vitamin C products, I always make sure to put sunscreen on before using it. The box comes with a dropper, that is not connected to the bottle, to keep the super boost last longer without going bad. In my opinion, I like it better this way, it gives me time to start using the product instead of wasting it. I mention this because real vitamin C doesn't last a long time and goes bad fast. When opening up the bottle, to get a little sniff, I didn't smell a strong citrus scent, it was more of a vitamin E ingredient or ferulic acid. When applying it to my face, it is a light water-based formula, that soaks into my skin with tingling it.

  • Tried a few of their products not sure if they're working as I'm also dealing with other health issues

  • Loved their BHA exfoliant - totally cleared my acne.

  • High quality products given the mid-range price point. I've liked all the products I've tried, especially the BHA Exfoliant and 1% retinol nighttime moisturizer.

  • The BHA Liquid exfoliant worked very well. My skin did not dry out. It cleared up a bit of hyperpigmentation.

  • products that work!! i love their exfoliator for blackheads, no fuss moisturizers, and gentle cleansers.

  • really excellent, thoughtful products. Love their omega cleansing balm, clearing cleanser for acne prone skin, and BHA toner especially.

  • THE best toner on the market. And for the lowest price. No point in getting any other toner; this will change your skin after just one use.