Product Description
About Paula
Skin care visionary Paula Begoun founded our company with one goal—help women uncover the truth about skin care. Over 35 years ago, she set out to discover which products would actually transform skin’s appearance and health and which were just fluff. True to that legacy, Paula’s Choice Skincare formulates effective products rooted in scientific research and backed by real results.
Beauty Begins with Truth
Since 1995 we’ve been questioning ingredients, following the facts and standing up for the consumer, because you deserve products that work exactly as they claim to. We do the research and formulate smart, efficacious products that transform skin of all ages and types for the better.
Smart Beauty Philosophy
You deserve smart skin care choices—minus all the hype. Our philosophy? Smart Beauty. Because the products you use should work and be good for your skin, no exceptions. Our formulas are effective, safe and backed by cited research we share with you along the way.
Smart. Safe. Effective. Fragrance-free. Cruelty-free. Non-Irritating. Made in the USA.
Amazon Customer –
Holy s***!!! I don’t know what just happened but I have literally NEVER been this impressed with the way my skin looks or feels immediately after trying a skin care product for the first time. I am obviously not talking long term results here but my skin is glowing beyond belief, feels clean, fresh and looks AMAZEBALLS!!! Will try to remember and update at the end of the trial sized bottle I purchased to try out before buying the full sized bottle.
Amazon Customer –
Holy s***!!! I don’t know what just happened but I have literally NEVER been this impressed with the way my skin looks or feels immediately after trying a skin care product for the first time. I am obviously not talking long term results here but my skin is glowing beyond belief, feels clean, fresh and looks AMAZEBALLS!!! Will try to remember and update at the end of the trial sized bottle I purchased to try out before buying the full sized bottle.
Audrey Brock –
This stuff should be called a miracle in a bottle. When I use it on my (pretty dry) skin, it transforms it from congested, irritated, and bright red to calm, clear, and glowing overnight.Most of the people reviewing this are using it incorrectly. It’s an acid exfoliator. That means you should use it once a week, twice at the most (if your skin is oily and needs a lot of work.) It is not supposed to soak into your skin. You should keep feeling that greasy sensation until you wash it off. Also, it should never be used during the daytime. BHA, or salicylic acid, interacts terribly with the sun. If you absolutely must put it on in the morning, follow it up with heavy SPF, but I wouldn’t do it.This stuff is like anything else- it only works if you know how to do it properly.
Anna –
I don’t really have words. I’m astounded really. My skin is:-OILY-Hormonal acne-Huge nose pores with blackheads-Hyperpigmented-and to top it all off I pick like nobody’s businessI’ve had this stuff about a week and let me tell you, it is WORKING. My face was breaking out from wearing a mask all day at work and that acne is all but a memory now. My hormonal acne barely sticks around long enough for me to pick at (with the help of hydrocolloid patches). I’ve never seen anything work on my hormonal acne like this does. I can definitely see a difference with the blackheads and sebaceous filaments on my nose.I’m using this once a day. I put this on right after I wash, then wait a bit before I proceed with my other serums. My skin feels so good after putting in on as well. I am only using this at night and I always use a sunscreen. I’ve seen youtubers recommend this product a million times and I always wrote it off thinking it would never be as good as they say. I am so glad to report I was wrong!
Audrey Brock –
This stuff should be called a miracle in a bottle. When I use it on my (pretty dry) skin, it transforms it from congested, irritated, and bright red to calm, clear, and glowing overnight.Most of the people reviewing this are using it incorrectly. It’s an acid exfoliator. That means you should use it once a week, twice at the most (if your skin is oily and needs a lot of work.) It is not supposed to soak into your skin. You should keep feeling that greasy sensation until you wash it off. Also, it should never be used during the daytime. BHA, or salicylic acid, interacts terribly with the sun. If you absolutely must put it on in the morning, follow it up with heavy SPF, but I wouldn’t do it.This stuff is like anything else- it only works if you know how to do it properly.
Anna –
I don’t really have words. I’m astounded really. My skin is:-OILY-Hormonal acne-Huge nose pores with blackheads-Hyperpigmented-and to top it all off I pick like nobody’s businessI’ve had this stuff about a week and let me tell you, it is WORKING. My face was breaking out from wearing a mask all day at work and that acne is all but a memory now. My hormonal acne barely sticks around long enough for me to pick at (with the help of hydrocolloid patches). I’ve never seen anything work on my hormonal acne like this does. I can definitely see a difference with the blackheads and sebaceous filaments on my nose.I’m using this once a day. I put this on right after I wash, then wait a bit before I proceed with my other serums. My skin feels so good after putting in on as well. I am only using this at night and I always use a sunscreen. I’ve seen youtubers recommend this product a million times and I always wrote it off thinking it would never be as good as they say. I am so glad to report I was wrong!
Audrey S. –
My skin type:- Very Dry, easily dehydrated- Oily nose- Prone to stubborn acne and closed comedones- Redness on chin and cheeks (not rosacea)I already use a nightly Tretinoin cream (.04% concentration) to help with my acne and premature signs of aging but decided with my derm that incorporating a BHA would be a good idea to help with my seriously stubborn closed comedones and some irritating textural issues. It was between this and the Cerave SA lotion and I ultimately decided on this due to the higher concentration of salicylic acid.It’s moisturizing, and feels sticky for the first 5-10 minutes after application but seems to sinks in to something of a satin finish on me and I can no longer feel it on my skin. You just have to be a little patient. My skin feels well hydrated and plump after it settles and looks really smooth and my pores aren’t as obvious. It sits just fine under makeup for me but I’m not a new user to chemical exfoliants so I don’t have lots of dead skin pilling up or sloughing off when I use it, my skin is, for the most part, already very smooth outside the acne and CCs. Occasionally I’ll apply it further down my neck/decolletage than usual and WOW do I old skin just ball up and peel right away – it’s so gross but also satisfying. So those that don’t exfoliate often or are new to BHA/AHAs will likely have issues with foundation until their skin adjusts (but it will adjust). My advice in those cases is to either use this at night for the first few weeks or just accept going barefaced for a little while if you can.I’d strongly suggest not applying this product over anything that you feel does not dry down fully, the times I’ve attempted to use it after serums or heavier products it takes forever to sink in and sometimes never fully does. I save all my serums and essences for after this has absorbed and it’s far easier to work with it as a result. My steps go like this most days: ACWell Licorice toner — PC 2% BHA — 10% Niacinamide serum — TO Matryxil serum — Secret Key Black Snail cream or Syn-ake cream w/ 3 drops Stratia Fortify oil — Sunscreen.It works fairly quickly IMO, on my neck where I typically don’t apply my Tret at night I noticed the peeling and balling of dead skin on day one and on my face where I have a patch of really awful CCs I noticed them getting smaller and smoother by around day 3-4. I’m going on about 8 days now and they’re barely visible unless I’m right up in the mirror and feel as if they’re almost gone when I touch my fingers to that area. I do have some slight peeling of the skin around my mouth and nose but it’s not terrible (likely because I already exfoliate the heck out of my skin with the tret).Some tips and things keep in mind:1)DO NOT RINSE IT OFF. I don’t understand some of the top reviews advising people to do that, it says on the bottle not to rinse and nearly all chemical exfoliators are meant to be left on until the next cleansing specifically so they can do their job. If you rinse it off you’re either going to prevent it from properly exfoliating or end up irritating the hell out of your skin. If you have oily skin and feel this might be heavy on you than you can probably just use this on bare skin and then sunscreen if you use in the AM or a lightweight lotion/cream and be done with it, but you need to leave it on your skin.2)You have got to use sunscreen while you’re using this product! Any BHA or AHA exfoliant causes increased sun sensitivity and you have to address that in your routine. You should already use sunscreen daily but it becomes a must when you incorporate a chemical exfoliator or you risk sun damage.3)Less is more! Don’t slop this on your face or soak a cotton pad in it, a little goes a long way and you’ll be kicking yourself if you apply way too much and have to wait 20+ minutes for it to sink in. Use a shake or two and add more if needed but go easy.4)Expect some irritation initially. Chemical exfoliants can be harsh and rough even on sturdy skin and you have to give yourself time to adjust. Over-exfoliation is a possibility but sometimes just introducing a BHA or AHA into your routine can cause some sensitivity. Don’t panic and just be gentle to your skin. Use ceramides (like Cerave Skin Renewing cream) or fatty oils to soothe your face if needed and try to stay away from any harsh products or acids like Vitamin C right after applying this to avoid really burning your face.
Audrey S. –
My skin type:- Very Dry, easily dehydrated- Oily nose- Prone to stubborn acne and closed comedones- Redness on chin and cheeks (not rosacea)I already use a nightly Tretinoin cream (.04% concentration) to help with my acne and premature signs of aging but decided with my derm that incorporating a BHA would be a good idea to help with my seriously stubborn closed comedones and some irritating textural issues. It was between this and the Cerave SA lotion and I ultimately decided on this due to the higher concentration of salicylic acid.It’s moisturizing, and feels sticky for the first 5-10 minutes after application but seems to sinks in to something of a satin finish on me and I can no longer feel it on my skin. You just have to be a little patient. My skin feels well hydrated and plump after it settles and looks really smooth and my pores aren’t as obvious. It sits just fine under makeup for me but I’m not a new user to chemical exfoliants so I don’t have lots of dead skin pilling up or sloughing off when I use it, my skin is, for the most part, already very smooth outside the acne and CCs. Occasionally I’ll apply it further down my neck/decolletage than usual and WOW do I old skin just ball up and peel right away – it’s so gross but also satisfying. So those that don’t exfoliate often or are new to BHA/AHAs will likely have issues with foundation until their skin adjusts (but it will adjust). My advice in those cases is to either use this at night for the first few weeks or just accept going barefaced for a little while if you can.I’d strongly suggest not applying this product over anything that you feel does not dry down fully, the times I’ve attempted to use it after serums or heavier products it takes forever to sink in and sometimes never fully does. I save all my serums and essences for after this has absorbed and it’s far easier to work with it as a result. My steps go like this most days: ACWell Licorice toner — PC 2% BHA — 10% Niacinamide serum — TO Matryxil serum — Secret Key Black Snail cream or Syn-ake cream w/ 3 drops Stratia Fortify oil — Sunscreen.It works fairly quickly IMO, on my neck where I typically don’t apply my Tret at night I noticed the peeling and balling of dead skin on day one and on my face where I have a patch of really awful CCs I noticed them getting smaller and smoother by around day 3-4. I’m going on about 8 days now and they’re barely visible unless I’m right up in the mirror and feel as if they’re almost gone when I touch my fingers to that area. I do have some slight peeling of the skin around my mouth and nose but it’s not terrible (likely because I already exfoliate the heck out of my skin with the tret).Some tips and things keep in mind:1)DO NOT RINSE IT OFF. I don’t understand some of the top reviews advising people to do that, it says on the bottle not to rinse and nearly all chemical exfoliators are meant to be left on until the next cleansing specifically so they can do their job. If you rinse it off you’re either going to prevent it from properly exfoliating or end up irritating the hell out of your skin. If you have oily skin and feel this might be heavy on you than you can probably just use this on bare skin and then sunscreen if you use in the AM or a lightweight lotion/cream and be done with it, but you need to leave it on your skin.2)You have got to use sunscreen while you’re using this product! Any BHA or AHA exfoliant causes increased sun sensitivity and you have to address that in your routine. You should already use sunscreen daily but it becomes a must when you incorporate a chemical exfoliator or you risk sun damage.3)Less is more! Don’t slop this on your face or soak a cotton pad in it, a little goes a long way and you’ll be kicking yourself if you apply way too much and have to wait 20+ minutes for it to sink in. Use a shake or two and add more if needed but go easy.4)Expect some irritation initially. Chemical exfoliants can be harsh and rough even on sturdy skin and you have to give yourself time to adjust. Over-exfoliation is a possibility but sometimes just introducing a BHA or AHA into your routine can cause some sensitivity. Don’t panic and just be gentle to your skin. Use ceramides (like Cerave Skin Renewing cream) or fatty oils to soothe your face if needed and try to stay away from any harsh products or acids like Vitamin C right after applying this to avoid really burning your face.
Vince Goyard –
Wow. This product is incredible. I have never had any product work its magic in so little time. The first roll of photos was taken 4 days before the second roll (where my hair is tied).It reduced the number and size of the blackheads on my cheek, forehead, and jawline. Apart from a bad diet, this product has noticeably cleared up my skin, no doubt.
Vince Goyard –
Wow. This product is incredible. I have never had any product work its magic in so little time. The first roll of photos was taken 4 days before the second roll (where my hair is tied).It reduced the number and size of the blackheads on my cheek, forehead, and jawline. Apart from a bad diet, this product has noticeably cleared up my skin, no doubt.
Christy fortier –
So I had to write a review on this because it’s THAT good. I clearly have very problematic skin and little to null work for improving it. THIS DID! Just look at the picture. This is, believe it or not…. 5 days after using this product. The bottle is very* small. But for $10 what do you have to lose.. other than $10. MY POINT IS JUST TRY IT…Here’s a side note IF you want it to work like it did for me; use cerave moisturizing BAR SOAP( recommended from my dermatologist) twice daily and follow with this both time– that’s it. GOOD LUCK! and yeah people say once a week blah blah- I say twice a day because that’s what worked for me. My texture is better and my skin is bright. bye
Christy fortier –
So I had to write a review on this because it’s THAT good. I clearly have very problematic skin and little to null work for improving it. THIS DID! Just look at the picture. This is, believe it or not…. 5 days after using this product. The bottle is very* small. But for $10 what do you have to lose.. other than $10. MY POINT IS JUST TRY IT…Here’s a side note IF you want it to work like it did for me; use cerave moisturizing BAR SOAP( recommended from my dermatologist) twice daily and follow with this both time– that’s it. GOOD LUCK! and yeah people say once a week blah blah- I say twice a day because that’s what worked for me. My texture is better and my skin is bright. bye
hc –
I have every skin issue you can think of. Rosacea, acne (hormonal, cycstic, Whiteheads, blackheads), dehydration, excessive oiliness, redness, all of it. I’ve spent probably thousands on a multitude of different products, trying to find one that would at least make a dent. I’ve had many procedures, many trips to the dermatologist. Nothing I’ve ever used, nothing I’ve ever done, has made such a profound difference in the appearance of my skin. Having rosacea, my face often felt hot, bumpy, and burned. While my conplexion is naturally fair and pink, this has seriously covered all my bases in a gentle and effective way. I’ve been trying to turn my skin around for YEARS!! this was the product that did it. If I could give it 100 stars i would. It has seriously changed my life!!! Also sorry for the nasty pictures haha
hc –
I have every skin issue you can think of. Rosacea, acne (hormonal, cycstic, Whiteheads, blackheads), dehydration, excessive oiliness, redness, all of it. I’ve spent probably thousands on a multitude of different products, trying to find one that would at least make a dent. I’ve had many procedures, many trips to the dermatologist. Nothing I’ve ever used, nothing I’ve ever done, has made such a profound difference in the appearance of my skin. Having rosacea, my face often felt hot, bumpy, and burned. While my conplexion is naturally fair and pink, this has seriously covered all my bases in a gentle and effective way. I’ve been trying to turn my skin around for YEARS!! this was the product that did it. If I could give it 100 stars i would. It has seriously changed my life!!! Also sorry for the nasty pictures haha
Nicola –
This product helped clear my skin after I struggled with many other products. I was struggling with what I thought was milia on my forehead. I have tried exfoliating with all sorts of different products. I read a review on reddit and though I would give it a try. So glad I did. I put this on and saw results in on night, see the picture. I honestly love how well this product worked for me.
Nicola –
This product helped clear my skin after I struggled with many other products. I was struggling with what I thought was milia on my forehead. I have tried exfoliating with all sorts of different products. I read a review on reddit and though I would give it a try. So glad I did. I put this on and saw results in on night, see the picture. I honestly love how well this product worked for me.
Roxie5ever –
These really work at keeping my sebaceous filaments down. If I dont use this, my nose will feel almost bumpy/prickly with my clogged pores. One use of this really helps and results are felt/seen overnight! I only use it 2-3x a week because if I use it any more than that then I will break out in really big cyst-like pimples. When I first incorporated this into my routine, I only started at 1x per week then found my sweet spot at 2-3x per week.I use only at night and swipe it with a square cotton pad. I make sure to wait 20 min until I continue my skincare routine. It does feel a little residue-y after, like almost oily but not.Overall, they last quite awhile since you dont need much with every use. I like this product and will stick with it.
Roxie5ever –
These really work at keeping my sebaceous filaments down. If I dont use this, my nose will feel almost bumpy/prickly with my clogged pores. One use of this really helps and results are felt/seen overnight! I only use it 2-3x a week because if I use it any more than that then I will break out in really big cyst-like pimples. When I first incorporated this into my routine, I only started at 1x per week then found my sweet spot at 2-3x per week.I use only at night and swipe it with a square cotton pad. I make sure to wait 20 min until I continue my skincare routine. It does feel a little residue-y after, like almost oily but not.Overall, they last quite awhile since you dont need much with every use. I like this product and will stick with it.
Sarah –
There’s a lot of misinformation in other reviews about this product. This is a chemical exfoliant, so there is no need for additional chemical or physical exfoliants in your regimen unless you know your skin can handle it. Also, this product may cause your skin to purge. I have been using this product for 2 weeks and my skin is in the purge process. Yes, I have a few breakouts right now but I can already see improvement in enlarged pores, fine lines, and I’m able to extract black heads very easily (I use an extractor, never fingers!) It is normal for skin to purge on chemical exfoliants, and means that your skin is reacting positively to the ingredients. Do your research about BHA’s prior to starting this product! It’s not a toner or a cleanser either, and can cause your skin to react badly if you get too much sun exposure without SPF. Further, the bottle states to use twice daily. I wouldn’t suggest that, start every other day or once day and increase as needed. It takes at least 30+ days for people to see results with most skincare, so don’t write this product off if you start breaking out. I fully recommend this! I am in my late 20’s, have combo and acne prone skin.
Sarah –
There’s a lot of misinformation in other reviews about this product. This is a chemical exfoliant, so there is no need for additional chemical or physical exfoliants in your regimen unless you know your skin can handle it. Also, this product may cause your skin to purge. I have been using this product for 2 weeks and my skin is in the purge process. Yes, I have a few breakouts right now but I can already see improvement in enlarged pores, fine lines, and I’m able to extract black heads very easily (I use an extractor, never fingers!) It is normal for skin to purge on chemical exfoliants, and means that your skin is reacting positively to the ingredients. Do your research about BHA’s prior to starting this product! It’s not a toner or a cleanser either, and can cause your skin to react badly if you get too much sun exposure without SPF. Further, the bottle states to use twice daily. I wouldn’t suggest that, start every other day or once day and increase as needed. It takes at least 30+ days for people to see results with most skincare, so don’t write this product off if you start breaking out. I fully recommend this! I am in my late 20’s, have combo and acne prone skin.