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8.9

Paula's Choice

BHA 2% Liquid Exfoliant

Unilever · acquired Paula's Choice 2021

$35 · 4 oz · $8.75/oz

Strong

FDA-monograph active at proven concentration. Fairly priced. Use with care alongside other actives.

Evidence
9
Honesty
9
Value
9

Claim verdicts

2% Salicylic Acid (FDA OTC monograph)Verified
pH ~3.2 within efficacy windowVerified
Non-abrasive chemical exfoliationVerified

Ingredients

FDA 21 CFR 701.3 · descending order

First 4 ingredients · INCI order

Water · Methylpropanediol · Butylene Glycol · Salicylic Acid 2%

What the brand foregrounds

Salicylic Acid 2% · Green Tea Extract

May not suit

Concurrent retinoid use without professional spacing guidance

Active eczema or compromised barrier

Pregnancy (consult provider on salicylic acid use)

Observational, drawn from published dermatology literature. Not medical advice. Your provider knows your skin.

What would change this score

Score would fall below 7 if reformulation raised pH outside the 3-4 efficacy window, or if Unilever substantially raised pricing without reformulation.

Methodology notes

Salicylic acid is an FDA OTC monograph ingredient at this concentration. Extensive peer-reviewed literature. pH ~3.2 per independent testing (BHA efficacy window is pH 3-4). Now Unilever ownership.

Last verified 2026-04-15 · v1.1

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