Paula's Choice · Mainstream consumer
BHA 2% Liquid Exfoliant
Unilever · acquired Paula's Choice 2021
$35 · 4 oz · $8.75/oz
StrongFDA-monograph active at proven concentration. Fairly priced. Use with care alongside other actives.
Claim verdicts
What the brand says · what the evidence says
Ingredients
FDA 21 CFR 701.3 · descending order by concentration
First 4 by INCI order
1.Water
2.Methylpropanediol
3.Butylene Glycol
4.Salicylic Acid 2%
What the brand foregrounds
Salicylic Acid 2%
Green Tea Extract
May not suit
Drawn from published dermatology literature
Concurrent retinoid use without professional spacing guidance
Active eczema or compromised barrier
Pregnancy (consult provider on salicylic acid use)
Observational, not medical advice. Your provider knows your skin.
What would change this score
Reproducible conditions, not opinions
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
The reasoning behind each pillar score
Ownership
ownership.
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
Back to guide