---
product_id: 1744072
title: "Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Leave-On Exfoliant"
brand: "paula's choice"
price: "R1644"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "Paula's Choice"
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/1744072-paulas-choice-skin-perfecting-2-bha-liquid-leave-on-exfoliant
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# Gentle, Non-Abrasive Formula Cruelty-Free & Fragrance-Free 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Leave-On Exfoliant

**Brand:** paula's choice
**Price:** R1644
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> ✨ Unlock radiant, poreless skin with science-backed exfoliation! ✨

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Leave-On Exfoliant by paula's choice
- **How much does it cost?** R1644 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/1744072-paulas-choice-skin-perfecting-2-bha-liquid-leave-on-exfoliant)

## Best For

- paula's choice enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted paula's choice brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Pore-Perfecting Power:** 2% BHA unclogs pores and smooths skin texture for a visibly refined complexion.
- • **Youthful Radiance Boost:** Brightens skin tone while reducing fine lines and wrinkles with daily gentle exfoliation.
- • **Clean & Conscious Beauty:** Formulated without fragrance, parabens, alcohol, dyes, or silicones—pure skincare you can trust.
- • **Effortless Leave-On Formula:** Non-abrasive liquid exfoliant that works while you go about your day—no rinsing needed.
- • **Top-Rated Skincare Essential:** Loved by over 116,000 users with a 4.5-star rating, making it a must-have for flawless skin.

## Overview

Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Leave-On Exfoliant is a gentle, daily-use chemical exfoliant featuring 2% salicylic acid that unclogs pores, smooths wrinkles, and evens skin tone. This cruelty-free, fragrance-free formula is designed for all skin types and delivers visible improvements in texture and clarity without irritation.

## Description

desertcart.com: Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Leave-On Exfoliant, 4 Fl Oz | Gentle Salicylic Acid Leave-On Facial Exfoliator for Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines : Paula's Choice: Beauty & Personal Care

Review: Must have esp if you’re dealing with little white pimples! - Will purchase this over and over! I swear this completely changed my skin. I was dealing with those tiny little white bumps/pimples, on my chin and after adding this into my routine (I used at night with moisturizer), my skin has become so much clearer and smoother. I’ve been really impressed with how much of a difference it’s made without making my routine complicated. My skin just looks more even and feels so much smoother when I use it consistently. This has officially become a must-have in my skincare routine, and I’ll absolutely keep repurchasing it
Review: If you actually understand how to use it, it's amazing. - 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.

## Features

- GENTLE NON-ABRASIVE LEAVE-ON EXFOLIANT: With 2% BHA (Beta hydroxy acid), to unclog & diminish enlarged pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, smooth wrinkles, and brighten and even out skin tone. Combats redness, wrinkles, aging, enlarged pores, and blackheads.
- Dramatically improves skin's texture for radiant youthful even-toned skin. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA, also known as salicylic acid) mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by helping it shed extra layers while unclogging and clearing pores.
- HYDRATE, BRIGHTEN & SMOOTH FINE LINES: Our unique, non-abrasive, leave-on exfoliant is gentle enough for daily use on all skin types. Exfoliates dead skin cells while clearing pores for a more even tone, plus it visibly reduces fine lines & wrinkles.
- Paula's Choice facial exfoliants are gentler on delicate skin of the face & neck than an abrasive face scrub, which can cause micro-tears. A BHA leave-on exfoliator delivers hydration & can exfoliate directly inside the pore & improve how the pore works.
- Paula's Choice Skincare makes products that work. No fragrance, no parabens, no fluff. Just effective, science-backed formulas that target any concern from wrinkles to breakouts.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B00949CTQQ |
| Active Ingredients | Salicylic Acid |
| Additional Features | Not Tested On Animals, Unscented |
| Best Sellers Rank | #54 in Beauty & Personal Care ( See Top 100 in Beauty & Personal Care ) #1 in Facial Polishes |
| Brand | Paula's Choice |
| Brand Name | Paula's Choice |
| Container Type | Bottle |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars 116,817 Reviews |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00655439020107 |
| Item Form | Drop |
| Item Highlight | Gentle Salicylic Acid Leave-On Facial Exfoliator for Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines |
| Item Volume | 118 ml |
| Item Weight | 4 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Paulas Choice |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 22010 |
| Material Feature | Cruelty Free, Exfoliating, Fragrance Free |
| Material Features | Cruelty Free, Exfoliating, Fragrance Free |
| Material Type Free | Alcohol Free, Dye Free, Oil Free, Silicone Free |
| Model Number | 22010 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Product Benefits | Noticeably unclogs & clears pore congestion, combats blemishes, improves clarity, and smooths rough, bumpy texture. Product Benefits Noticeably unclogs & clears pore congestion, combats blemishes, improves clarity, and smooths rough, bumpy texture. See more |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Exfoliating |
| Scent Name | Fresh |
| Size | 4 Fl Oz |
| Skin Exfoliant Type | Chemical |
| Skin Tone | All |
| Skin Type | All |
| Target Use Body Part | Face |
| Unit Count | 4 Fluid Ounces |

## Product Details

- **Active Ingredients:** Salicylic Acid
- **Brand:** Paula's Choice
- **Item Form:** Drop
- **Skin Type:** All

## Images

![Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Leave-On Exfoliant - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61RHq4MT34L.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Size** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: How does the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliating Toner help improve skin?**
A: It works within the pore lining to combat & prevent congestion, clogs, and blemishes, while visibly smoothing fine lines and improving dullness. Over time, the 2% BHA Liquid also helps control excess oil & minimize pores.

**Q: How often should I use the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliating Toner?**
A: Start by applying every other day, then increase up to 2x/day as tolerated. Reduce frequency if irritation occurs. Consult a physician before using if you have a salicylate allergy.

**Q: Is the 2% BHA Liquid both an exfoliant and a toner?**
A: Our 2% BHA is an exfoliating toner, meaning it has the lightweight, liquid texture of a hydrating toner, plus the benefits of a chemical exfoliant—which include removing dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and brightening a dull complexion.

**Q: My 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliating Toner smells different. Is it still okay to use?**
A: Yes. You may notice changes in color, texture, or scent due to our fragrance- and dye-free formulas; this is normal. For best results, replace the product after the marked PAO or expiration date as effectiveness may decline after that time.

**Q: Is the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliating Toner fragrance-free?**
A: Yes, though you may notice a mild, naturally occurring scent due to the product's ingredients.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Must have esp if you’re dealing with little white pimples!
*by T***N on September 24, 2026*

Will purchase this over and over! I swear this completely changed my skin. I was dealing with those tiny little white bumps/pimples, on my chin and after adding this into my routine (I used at night with moisturizer), my skin has become so much clearer and smoother. I’ve been really impressed with how much of a difference it’s made without making my routine complicated. My skin just looks more even and feels so much smoother when I use it consistently. This has officially become a must-have in my skincare routine, and I’ll absolutely keep repurchasing it

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you actually understand how to use it, it's amazing.
*by A***. on January 9, 2020*

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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My Favorite Skincare Product
*by T***A on September 25, 2026*

I’ve been using this exfoliant for three years now, and it’s my favorite Paula’s Choice product. I use it a couple of times a week, and it leaves my skin feeling so much smoother, cleaner, and refreshed. It cleans out my pores better than anything else I’ve ever tried, without leaving my face feeling irritated or overly dry. It’s powerful but gentle at the same time, which is so hard to find. My daughter uses it now too, and I wish I’d had it when I was a teen! A little goes a long way, and it has become a permanent part of my skincare routine. I’ll buy this on repeat forever. It’s the best!

## Frequently Bought Together

- Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant-Facial Exfoliant for Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines and Suitable for Blackhead-Prone Skin
- Paula's Choice CLINICAL 20% Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Concentrated Serum, Anti-Aging Treatment for Discoloration and Minimizing Large Pores, Fragrance-Free & Paraben-Free, 0.67 Ounce Dropper Bottle
- Paula's Choice RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser, Hyaluronic Acid & Aloe, Anti-Aging Face Wash, Large Pores & Oily Skin, 6.4 Fl Oz

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*Product available on Desertcart South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-09-30*