Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Acts as the main solvent and base of the formula, helping dissolve and distribute the other ingredients evenly across the skin. It matters because it makes the product spreadable and supports a lightweight, face-friendly texture.

Generally very safe for face use, including sensitive skin, though any water-based formula can still irritate if other actives are strong. Fine near the eye area in principle, but the finished product may still sting if it migrates into eyes.

Также известен как: Water

Functions mainly as a humectant and solvent, helping the formula feel less drying while improving how salicylic acid and other ingredients are delivered. Users may notice a smoother, more hydrated feel compared with a purely watery product.

Generally safe for face use and usually well tolerated, including in leave-on products. Sensitive skin may still react if the overall formula is acidic or contains multiple penetration-enhancing solvents.

very sensitive or barrier-impaired skin

Adds humectant support and helps dissolve ingredients, improving slip and reducing the dry feel that acids can sometimes leave behind. Practically, it can make the product easier to apply and slightly more comfortable on skin.

Generally safe and common in facial skincare, including products used near the eye area, though it can occasionally irritate very reactive skin. In an acid formula, stinging is more likely from the overall system than from this ingredient alone.

very sensitive skin

This is the main active exfoliant, helping unclog pores, reduce excess oil, and smooth rough or bumpy texture. It matters most for acne-prone, oily, or congestion-prone skin that wants clearer-looking pores and fewer breakouts.

Use with caution on sensitive, dry, or compromised skin because it can cause dryness, peeling, or stinging; eye-area proximity is not ideal. Pregnancy caution is appropriate for leave-on use, especially if used frequently or over large areas; evidence is well-established for topical keratolytic effects, but tolerance varies by formula and skin type.

sensitive, dry, or pregnancy-conscious users

Также известен как: BHA

Acts as an emulsifier/solubilizer, helping keep the formula uniform and allowing small amounts of oil-soluble materials to stay dispersed in water. This matters because it improves product stability and helps the texture stay consistent during use.

Generally safe for face use and commonly used in rinse-off and leave-on products. The fragrance-related tag suggests it may be used to solubilize fragrance components, which can matter for very sensitive or fragrance-reactive skin.

fragrance-sensitive skin

This plant extract is typically included for antioxidant and soothing support, which may help offset some irritation from the acid base. In practical terms, it may add a mild calming or skin-conditioning benefit, though it is unlikely to be the main driver of results.

Usually safe for face use, including in products near the eye area, but any botanical extract can trigger sensitivity in a small subset of users. Evidence is limited for strong standalone effects in skincare, so expectations should be modest.

botanical-allergic or very reactive skin

Также известен как: green tea leaf extract

Used to adjust and stabilize the formula’s pH, which is especially important in an acid product like this. It matters because salicylic acid needs the right pH to perform as intended while keeping the formula manufacturable and stable.

Generally safe at the tiny amounts used for pH adjustment, but concentrated sodium hydroxide is highly caustic. In the finished product, the main concern is whether the final pH is comfortable for sensitive skin and eye-area proximity.

very sensitive skin or damaged skin barrier

Также известен как: Lye

Acts as a chelating agent, binding metal ions that can destabilize the formula or reduce preservative performance. Practically, it helps the product stay effective and stable over time.

Generally safe for face use at the low levels typically used in skincare. It is not usually a concern for sensitive skin or eye-area proximity in the finished product.

Также известен как: EDTA