Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant
At a glance
Summary
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant scores 75/100. The lotion version of their cult 2% BHA exfoliant, designed for normal/dry skin types that find the original Liquid version too lightweight. Delivers 2% salicylic acid (BHA) — the gold-standard pore-clearing keratolytic — in a buffered lotion base with green tea, safflower oil, and oat extract for soothing. No fragrance, no essential oils, no parabens, no alcohol. Loses points compared to the Liquid version for additional PEG-derived emulsifiers (Methyl Gluceth-20, Trideceth-9 — possible 1,4-dioxane contamination) and trisodium NTA chelator. Acquired by Unilever in 2021; Paula Begoun retained the founder's strict 'No Fragrance, No Parabens, No Animal Testing' policy.
Key ingredients 17
Salicylic Acid (2%)Very Good
Beta-hydroxy acid; gold-standard pore-clearing exfoliant. Penetrates oil-filled pores (lipophilic) and dissolves the cellular cement holding dead skin cells together. Anti-inflammatory at this concentration. Decades of clinical evidence for acne, blackheads, and hyperkeratosis.
See more about Salicylic Acid (2%) →Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf ExtractVery Good
Rich in polyphenol antioxidants; calms inflammation and protects against UV oxidative stress.
See more about Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract →HydroxyethylcelluloseGood
Plant-derived thickener; biodegradable.
See more about Hydroxyethylcellulose →Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractGood
Soothing botanical for sensitive skin; anti-inflammatory.
See more about Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract →Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed OilGood
Plant oil rich in linoleic acid; supports skin barrier.
See more about Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil →GlycerinGood
Humectant that draws water into the skin. Safe, well-tolerated, biodegradable.
See more about Glycerin →WaterNeutral
Solvent base. Inert.
See more about Water →MethylpropanediolNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
See more about Methylpropanediol →Polysorbate 20
Ethoxylated emulsifier; possible 1,4-dioxane contamination depending on manufacturer.
See more about Polysorbate 20 →Methyl Gluceth-20
PEG-derived humectant; possible 1,4-dioxane contamination.
See more about Methyl Gluceth-20 →Phenoxyethanol
Synthetic preservative considered safer than parabens but can irritate sensitive skin at higher use levels. EU caps at 1%.
See more about Phenoxyethanol →Sodium HydroxideNeutral
pH adjuster.
See more about Sodium Hydroxide →Sorbitan TrioleateNeutral
Plant-derived emulsifier.
See more about Sorbitan Trioleate →Tetrasodium EDTA
Synthetic chelator; poorly biodegradable.
See more about Tetrasodium EDTA →Trideceth-9
PEG-derived surfactant; possible 1,4-dioxane contamination.
See more about Trideceth-9 →Trisodium NTA
Synthetic chelator. EU SCCS classified as potential category-2 carcinogen at high doses.
See more about Trisodium NTA →Hexylene GlycolBad
Propylene glycol-family solvent. Common contact allergen.
See more about Hexylene Glycol →Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping
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