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

  • The exfoliant is one of the best on the market; the Super Boost Vit C 5% line is truly amazing, feels very creamy and luxurious; doesn't cause any breakouts or leave the skin feeling oily or sticky.

  • I have been repurchasing the Renew Daily Pore-Refining Treatment 2% BHA for 3 + years. I use it to keep my oily t-zone free from congestion and white heads and shrink the appearance of my pores. Before using it, I would get a few zits around my period on my forehead and had more texture on my forehead. Now, I maybe get 1 zit in a month and it goes away much faster (with the help of zit sticker). Also pores on my nose look smaller. Also my facialist complimented my skin texture and said it was very smooth :) I use it regularly once a day and it lasts roughly 3 - 4 months. I also admire Paula's Choice and how much effort they spend on educating customers on skincare using science-backed claims. I always wait for the 20% discount before repurchasing.

    Feedback

    Nothing, I will repurchase this until I DIE!

  • Overall good quality and not too harsh on sensitive skin

    Feedback

    easier dispenser

  • I LOVE their liquid exfoliant, its definitely help reduced the look of pores in my nose.

  • Looove Paula's Choice BHA liquid exfoliant. I use it at night and see a noticeable difference in my skin when I wake up in the morning.

    Feedback

    The bottle tends to leak a little bit so tough to travel with. Nothing that can't be solved by transferring some product to a different bottle.

  • I've been using their cleanser and moisturizer and can recommend! I have a sensitive skin but it didn't that tight feeling on my skin after cleansing that many other products do. Will buy again :)

  • Every single product I have tried from Paula's Choice, I've loved. Although I enjoy fragrance in my skincare products, my skin doesn't always enjoy it. My favorite product is their dry skin moisturizer. It makes my skin feel super hydrated and soft like a baby's bottom. The best part about Paula's Choice, is its affordable!

  • Really love the balance foaming cleanser. Quite light, doesn't make my face oily or dry, and keeps the acne away. Does a decent job at removing makeup as well. I've used it daily for over 2 years and haven't found a product I like more.

  • Paula’s Choice 2% BHA body lotion is my holy grail for KP! Keeps my skin nourished and bump-free. It’s pricy, so I reserve it for use in KP problem areas, and use cheaper moisturizers for most of my body. I’ve also gotten great results from their Azelaic Acid ‘booster’ after washing my face. Quickly cuts redness and adds softness. Also tried their Smooth Finish conditioner which was nicely moisturizing, lightweight and a great option for people needing fragrance free products. No buildup and didn’t dry out or weigh down my curly waves. Wasn’t impressed with the 2% BHA liquid exfoliant, despite my love for the lotion formula. They really spam their email list, you can get some great deals but constantly pushing to spend with sales and add on bonuses.

  • Their retinol is my go to! I've tried many retinol products and Paula's Choice is the best by far!

  • I've been using their AHA and BHA products for years and love how cost effective they are. I also really appreciate their commitment to zero-waste because they'll actually take back empty containers for recycling, which very few brands do.

  • Very expensive for what you are getting. I would honestly opt for a more easily accessible brand that is fairer priced. I used several of the Paula's Choice products and never saw a genuine improvement in my skin. If you do purchase them... don't fall in too deep and feel the need to get a whole line up of one ingredient. Like I had four BHA/AHA products when I really would only have a BHA/AHA in one form.

  • The best skin care line, hands down. You just have to know what you are looking for. The quizzes help pick your products as well. I really appreciate the transparency when ordering so I know if I'm getting AHAs, BHAs, retinols, etc, and at what percent. As an MD, I like that I can get products close to medical grade that are gentle and travel well. I have tried about 12 different products and have reordered all of them.

  • Paula's choice BHA salicylic acid exfoliator is a staple and has helped me remove a lot of my acne. I didn't believe the hype on tiktok until a friend confirmed it so I purchased it from the US. I'm happy to hear that its now in Canadian stores. I will continue to use this forever.

  • I wish I had each of everything made by Paula's Choice! Top quality products at a reasonable price.

  • Love Paula's Choice! The daily hydrating fluid with SPF is the only sunscreen that I can use without looking oily. I've been trying out some of their sample sizes to figure out what works best for my routine, and so far the BHA exfoliant and the azelaic acid booster have been standouts for me!

  • LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEE I use this every day and it helps so much! I would recommend this 100% 😍

  • I’ve been using Paula’s Choice since I was around 13 and I am now 26! I have used many of their products over the years and have transitioned into using the anti aging line. I will always love this eco-friendly clean brand!