Image: paulaschoice.com
Paula's Choice
2% BHA Gel Exfoliant
A chemical exfoliant built around BHA and Salicylic acid, for barrier repair and controlling oil.
Brand price
USD 37.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · on the brand's site
From the brand
What the brand says about this product. Our ingredient analysis follows below.
The brand recommends it for
- Dark spots & pigmentation
- Fine lines & wrinkles
- Dullness
- Large pores
- Uneven texture
How to use
Apply 1-2 pumps 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 SPF 30+ . For nighttime, follow with the rest of your routine .
Caution
If you have a salicylate allergy, check with your physician before using any products that contain salicylic acid.
What's inside
Ingredients List
2 trigger at least one check · 11 trigger none
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Barrier Repair
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Concerns
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Ingredients Explained
Click on any ingredient to learn more about it
Water
Antiplaque, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Learn more about Water →Methylpropanediol
Solvent
2-Methyl-1,3-propanediol
Learn more about Methylpropanediol →Butylene Glycol
Fragrance, Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
Learn more about Butylene Glycol →Polysorbate 20
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20 →Salicylic Acid
Anti-seborrheic, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Keratolytic, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid is a BHA.
Learn more about Salicylic Acid →Phytosphingosine
Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Phytosphingosine →Hydroxyethylcellulose
Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming, Light Stabilizer, Viscosity Controlling
Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl ether
Learn more about Hydroxyethylcellulose →Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Anti-seborrheic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Oral Care, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract is an extract of the seeds of the Red Grape, Vitis Vinifera L., Vitaceae
Learn more about Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract →Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Astringent, Skin Conditioning
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract is the extract of the leaves of Camellia Oleifera, Theaceae
Learn more about Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract →Epilobium Angustifolium Extract
Skin Conditioning
Epilobium Angustifolium Extract is an extract of the aerial parts of the Rose Bay, Epilobium angustifolium L., Onagraceae
Learn more about Epilobium Angustifolium Extract →
Dupes
- Paula's Choice Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution With 2% Salicylic Acid79% match
- Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant76% match
- Paula's Choice 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner Pads71% match
- Paula's Choice Regular Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution With 2% Salicylic Acid65% match
- Paula's Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant63% match
- Paula's Choice BHA 9 Treatment62% match