Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Exfoliant, Daily Leave-On Salicylic Acid Toner

Clear pores. Smoother skin. No scrubbing required. Physical exfoliants scratch the surface. This goes deeper. The 2% BHA formula is oil-soluble, which means it penetrates into the pore lining itself — dissolving the buildup that causes blackheads, congestion, and enlarged pores rather than just buffing away what’s on top. It’s why this product has become one of the most repurchased exfoliants in skincare worldwide.

What it does

• 2% salicylic acid (BHA) penetrates pores to clear blemish-causing buildup, shed dead skin cells, and reduce excess oil production from within the pore — not just at the surface
• Clinically shown to visibly reduce blackheads and whiteheads in one week and visibly reduce pore size in four weeks in independent studies
• Green tea extract soothes and calms redness while delivering antioxidant protection against environmental stressors
• Methylpropanediol hydrates and helps the formula penetrate more effectively for faster, more visible results
• Leave-on formula — no rinsing required; apply and move on to the rest of your routine

Why people use it

• Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free — a clean formula with only 8 ingredients, no filler
• Gentle enough for daily use on all skin types including sensitive and combination skin
• Improves the absorption and effectiveness of the rest of your skincare routine by removing the dead skin barrier that blocks products from penetrating
• Non-abrasive — does not cause the micro-tears that physical scrubs can leave on delicate facial skin

What to know

• Apply once or twice daily after cleansing, using clean fingers or a cotton pad — do not rinse
• Start with once-daily use and monitor your skin for the first few weeks — BHA is active and some users experience initial purging as congestion clears
• Always follow with SPF during the day — chemical exfoliants increase photosensitivity
• Not recommended for those with a compromised or severely disrupted skin barrier — repair the barrier before introducing active exfoliants

What to use it for

• Daily pore-clearing and blackhead reduction for oily and combination skin
• Smoothing rough, bumpy skin texture caused by clogged follicles (including keratosis pilaris on the body)
• Prepping skin for better absorption of serums, moisturizers, and active treatments