Salicylic Acid BHA

Salicylic acid (BHA) is a must have ingredient in your skincare routine. It's the fastest way to smoother, healthier, and glowing skin!

BHA (salicylic acid): the fastest way to smoother skin

Salicylic acid products for healthier skin

Exfoliation is an essential step in your skincare routine. Exfoliants gently remove the top layer of dead skin cells, helping to reveal the healthy layer of skin underneath. Salicylic acid (BHA) is an exfoliating ingredient which penetrates deep inside the skin's pores, helping to unclog any excess oil and impurities to prevent breakouts and blackheads. Salicylic acid skincare products are also anti-inflammatory, helping to calm and minimize redness.

Are you considering a salicylic acid peel? You may want to first add a BHA exfoliant to your skincare routine. Daily use of an exfoliant will enhance the effectiveness of the other products in your routine as they will be absorbed faster because they don't have to penetrate a layer of dead skin cells first.

How does a BHA (salicylic acid) exfoliant work? Find Out Here

How to use and buy salicylic acid products

How should you exfoliate?

If you are new to using salicylic acid products, we recommend initially using one twice a week and then gradually build up usage to once or twice daily. Apply after cleansing and toning. A liquid BHA exfoliant is best applied with a cotton pad. Apply BHA gel or BHA lotion the same way you would a day or night cream. Apply over the entire face, including the eye area (avoid the lower lash line and eyelids). Do not rinse. Then simply follow the rest of your skincare routine. For daytime, follow a moisturizer that contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater as the last step in your routine.

FAQ's

1. What is Salicylic Acid (BHA), and how does it benefit my skin?

Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid or BHA) is an oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve excess sebum, dead skin cells, and debris. It helps treat acne, blackheads, enlarged pores, and uneven texture while soothing inflammation.

2. Which Paula’s Choice BHA product is best for my skin type?

• Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Try the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (lightweight, best for breakouts).

• Dry/Sensitive Skin: The 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant offers hydration with exfoliation.

• Combination Skin: The 1% BHA Lotion Exfoliant provides gentle yet effective pore-clearing.

3. How often should I use a BHA exfoliant?

Start with 2–3 times per week, gradually increasing to daily use if tolerated. Overuse can cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin. Always follow with sunscreen, as BHA increases sun sensitivity.

4. Can I use BHA with other active ingredients like retinol or vitamin C?

Yes, but avoid combining BHA with other strong exfoliants (like AHAs) in the same routine. For example:

• AM: Vitamin C + BHA (if tolerated)

• PM: BHA + Retinol (space them out or alternate nights to prevent irritation).

5. Is Paula’s Choice BHA safe for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin?

The Calm 1% BHA Lotion Exfoliant is specifically formulated for sensitive/rosacea-prone skin. Patch-test first and use sparingly (1–2x weekly) to avoid redness or dryness.