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Targeted system to reduce breakouts & redness.
Fights breakouts and blackheads
Removes built-up dead skin cells
Fades brown spots
Reveal flawless skin with our bestselling leave-on 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. This gentle, lightweight fluid quickly exfoliates dead skin cells both on the surface and deep inside pores to reveal smoother, clearer, more radiant-looking skin. BHA (salicylic acid) has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce blackheads, blemishes and redness.
The Azelaic Acid Booster is a real multi-tasker. The powerful combination of azelaic acid, salicylic acid and plant extracts has multiple benefits for the skin. This booster visibly fades brown spots caused by sun damage, works to reduce breakouts and diminish red marks from past blemishes. Plant derived brightening and soothing ingredients reveal a more radiant, even complexion. A perfect alternative for those sensitive to benzoyl peroxide.
Fast absorbing liquid formula removes built-up dead skin cells and fights blackheads.
Fades brown spots, reduces blemish marks, calms the skin.
Exfoliant: Gently apply your using fingers or a cotton pad over entire face and neck, including the eye area (avoid lash line and eyelids) after cleansing and toning. Do not rinse. Start slowly: Apply every other day and note skin's response. Then use up to twice daily. For daytime, always finish with a sunscreen rated SPF 30 or above. For nighttime, follow with the rest of your routine.
Booster: Use the 10% Azelaic Acid Booster once or twice daily, apply to face and neck. May be used alone or added to your favourite moisturiser or serum. For daytime, always follow with a sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher.
It’s best to gradually build up use of a BHA exfoliant. Start by using your exfoliant once every other day and then increase usage up to once or twice daily, based on your skin’s response. You need to experiment a bit to see what suits your skin best. During the day, always use a moisturiser with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater. Your skin will in fact be slightly more sensitive to sunlight when using an exfoliant, so the chance of sunburn and sun damage is slightly higher so take care to spread SPF evenly and reapply every two hours.
Find out in our skin purging vs breakouts article.
Given 2% BHA Liquid’s fluid texture, many people think of it as a toner, but its formulation isn’t meant to do what traditional toners do; instead, the toner consistency of this liquid exfoliates built-up dead skin, unclogs pores and hydrates to boost glow. Paula’s Choice toners add vital skin-replenishing ingredients immediately after cleansing, before exfoliating, to hydrate, refresh and rebalance. Our toners also work to remove last traces of make-up and sunscreen that may have been missed during cleansing.
If 2% BHA Liquid feels sticky, you may be using too much product. Try using a grape-sized amount/ 2-3 bottle shakes applied in a thin layer. The greasy feel can be attributed to the high levels of glycol in this product (glycol helps the BHA penetrate the surface layers of skin and works as a water-binding agent).
While Paula's Choice products are fragrance-free, each product may have a unique scent due to its ingredients. The scent of the SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant that some may notice is from the combination of ingredients it contains. This scent dissipates quickly after application. The perception of smell can vary greatly between individuals, so what one person notices, another may not notice at all. Many customers find that they quickly get used to the unique scents of Paula's Choice products and that the benefits outweigh any potential drawbacks.
This booster is an excellent alternative to products with benzoyl peroxide as it has a high content of azelaic acid, which research shows has an antibacterial effect on acne-causing bacteria. It also acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce the swelling and redness that often accompanies acne. Azelaic acid can be an excellent alternative for people with breakout concerns who cannot tolerate benzoyl peroxide.