This is one of the cult products that everyone talks about. I have used one of PC’s salicylic acid (BHA) products before, but I can’t recall which one. I remember it leaving a sticky layer on my face, and for that reason, it didn’t win my heart. Generally, I am more into using wash-off BHA products; they are simply trouble-free. However, I’ve decided to give one of PC’s salicylic acid product a go, again.

The main ingredients of the formula are 2% salicylic acid and green tea extract – an excellent antioxidant which soothes the skin. There’s also methylpropanediol, which is a solvent, but besides enhancing the penetration of ingredients, it can also help to hydrate the skin, according to PC’s website. As all PC products, this one too is alcohol-& fragrance-free.

The toner has a light texture, and it leaves no sticky residue behind. I don’t know if the new packaging also means new formulas or perhaps I’ve tried the gel version before. I don’t find the product irritating in any way. After a few days of using it, my skin started to look brighter, evened out, and few pesky blackheads began to go up. The toner did not dissolve the blackheads, but as they lifted above the surface, I could extract them easily. Before they’d been stuck on my temples, and I couldn’t remove them without damaging the skin. Now, I’m continuing to use the Liquid Exfoliant to prevent any new blackheads from forming. Unfortunately, the product hasn’t done much for my sebaceous filaments, which are in most of my T-zone; they only look less striking now. This toner definitely has the potential to help with blemishes and oily skin, but sebaceous filaments are particularly tricky. They are inextinguishable, as long as your sebum is oozing.  

 I think everyone will benefit from this product. Especially people with oily and acne-prone skin, as salicylic acid can penetrate through sebum and clean out the pores. This property is limited only to acids from the BHA group, which makes salicylic acid more effective than other acids for blackheads and controlling sebum production. Also, some studies show that salicylic acid can help with facial redness. So if you are looking for a new exfoliant, I recommend checking out this toner. 

Ingredients:

Aqua, Methylpropanediol (hydration), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid, exfoliant), Polysorbate 20 (stabilizer), Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (skin calming/antioxidant), Sodium Hydroxide (pH balancer), Tetrasodium EDTA (stabilizer). (paulaschoice-eu.com)

The Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant retails for €33 available from all Paula’s Choice’s retailers.

PS Don’t waste the product; you just need to apply a few drops of the product on a cotton pad, no need to make it soaking wet.