Gentle Yet Powerful Formulas for Clearer, Brighter, Balanced Skin
If you’re serious about achieving smoother skin, unclogging pores, and fading dark spots — without sacrificing skin barrier health — Paula’s Choice delivers professional-grade results at home. Backed by research, loved by dermatologists, and respected in the skincare community, Paula’s Choice products are known for fragrance-free, science-driven formulations that actually work.
This expanded guide dives deep into the best Paula’s Choice exfoliants and serums to target acne, signs of aging, dullness, clogged pores, and discoloration. We’ll cover how to use each product effectively, who it’s best for, and what combinations deliver the fastest results.
Contents
- 1 Why Paula’s Choice Is a Gold Standard in Active Skincare
- 2 Paula’s Choice Top Exfoliants & Serums (Editor Picks)
- 3 Routine Guide: Layering Paula’s Choice Actives for Maximum Results
- 4 Paula’s Choice Product Comparison Table
- 5 Where to Buy Paula’s Choice Exfoliants & Serums
- 6 FAQs About Paula’s Choice Serums and Exfoliants
Why Paula’s Choice Is a Gold Standard in Active Skincare
Paula Begoun launched Paula’s Choice to create honest, results-focused skincare that ditches marketing hype. Every formula is supported by clinical studies:
- Backed by peer-reviewed clinical research
- Fragrance-free and alcohol-free
- Transparent in ingredients and concentrations
- Suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, and aging skin
Key Benefits of Paula’s Choice Products:
- Potent actives like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, retinol, and peptides
- Formulas at optimal pH levels for maximum efficacy
- Non-comedogenic, cruelty-free, and clinically tested
- Targeted products for concerns like acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles
If you’re new to actives, Paula’s Choice makes it easy to start slow and build a powerful skincare routine that fits your goals and tolerance level.
Paula’s Choice Top Exfoliants & Serums (Editor Picks)
1. Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Holy grail for clearing blackheads, smoothing pores, and calming breakouts.
- Main concern: Clogged pores, blackheads, acne, uneven texture
- Hero ingredient: 2% salicylic acid (BHA)
- Best for: Oily, acne-prone, combo skin
- Use: 1x daily after cleansing (PM or AM)
Why it works: BHA is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate deep into pores to dissolve excess sebum and debris. This cult-favorite exfoliant is one of the best-selling salicylic acid treatments worldwide, with hundreds of thousands of five-star reviews.
Bonus: It helps fade post-acne marks, reduce redness, and prevent future breakouts.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
A cult classic exfoliant that delivers clearer, smoother skin fast. Formulated with salicylic acid (BHA), it unclogs pores, reduces blackheads, and improves texture without harsh scrubbing. Gentle enough for daily use and suitable for all skin types — especially oily and acne-prone.
- Exfoliates inside pores to clear congestion
- Helps fade post-acne marks and refine texture
- Lightweight, leave-on formula
- Fragrance-free and non-irritating
Consistently rated one of the best exfoliants — for good reason.
2. 10% Niacinamide Booster
Pore-minimizing, skin-brightening, barrier-strengthening multitasker.
- Main concern: Large pores, redness, uneven tone
- Hero ingredient: 10% Niacinamide
- Best for: All skin types, especially combo/oily
- Use: Daily AM or PM (alone or mixed with serum/moisturizer)
Why it works: Niacinamide regulates oil, boosts hydration, fades dark spots, and helps reduce the appearance of pores. This booster is perfect for layering and gentle enough to use with almost any active.
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
Ultra-light pore refiner that evens tone, smooths texture, and controls shine
This silky, water-light booster floods skin with 10% niacinamide (vitamin B3) to visibly tighten enlarged pores, fade discoloration, and strengthen the moisture barrier. Layer it on its own or mix a few drops into your favorite serum or moisturizer for a customized glow-up—without heaviness or irritation.
Key Benefits & Features:
High-Dose Niacinamide (10%) – Minimizes pores, balances oil, and refines uneven texture
Tone-Brightening Support – Helps fade blotchiness and post-blemish marks for clearer skin
Barrier-Strengthening Formula – Soothes and fortifies to reduce redness and sensitivity over time
Featherweight, Mixable Fluid – Blends seamlessly into any routine without pilling
Fragrance-Free & Non-Comedogenic – Gentle enough for daily use on all skin types
3. Resist Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA
Gently resurfaces skin to reveal a smooth, radiant glow.
- Main concern: Dullness, fine lines, texture
- Hero ingredients: 8.4% Glycolic Acid, Lactic, Malic & Tartaric Acids
- Best for: Dry, aging, sun-damaged skin
- Use: 2–3x per week at night
Why it works: This blend of four alpha hydroxy acids targets multiple layers of dead skin cells, promoting renewal without stinging. Ideal for users who want a radiant glow without harsh scrubs.
Pro tip: Use in the evening, followed by moisturizer. Always apply SPF the next morning.
Paula’s Choice RESIST Smoothing AHA Treatment (10% AHA Blend)
Leave-on exfoliant that smooths fine lines, refines pores, and brightens dull, uneven skin
This lightweight, pH-optimized treatment combines a 10% blend of glycolic, lactic, malic, and tartaric acids to gently dissolve dead skin cells and reveal a softer, more radiant complexion. Antioxidants, peptides, and barrier-supporting hydrators keep skin calm and comfortable—so you wake up to visibly smoother texture and improved tone without irritation.
Key Benefits & Features:
Multi-Acid Exfoliation (10%) – Resurfaces rough texture and softens the look of fine lines
Pore & Tone Refining – Helps clear buildup, minimize enlarged pores, and fade discoloration
Antioxidants + Peptides – Defend against environmental stress and support firmness
Barrier-Friendly Hydration – Ceramides and humectants reduce dryness and tightness
Fragrance-Free, Layer-Friendly – Silky fluid absorbs fast and mixes easily with serums or moisturizer
4. Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
Powerful anti-aging retinol without the typical side effects.
- Main concern: Fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, loss of firmness
- Hero ingredient: 1% Retinol + Peptides + Vitamin C
- Best for: Normal to aging, textured, or sun-damaged skin
- Use: 2–3x per week at night (start slow)
Why it works: Encapsulated retinol is slowly released, making this formula effective yet tolerable. Added peptides and licorice extract calm redness and support collagen production.
Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment
High-strength retinol lotion to smooth deep wrinkles, firm skin, and even tone
This pro-level treatment packs 1% stabilized retinol with supportive antioxidants, peptides, and soothing agents to deliver dramatic anti-aging results without a prescription. The silky, lotion-like formula works overnight to refine texture, fade discoloration, and boost firmness—while emollients help minimize dryness so experienced retinol users can glow, not peel.
Key Benefits & Features:
1% Stabilized Retinol – Visibly softens deep lines, refines pores, and speeds cell turnover
Peptides + Vitamin C – Support collagen, brighten dullness, and enhance firmness
Soothing Extracts – Licorice, allantoin, and oat-derived ingredients help calm irritation
Barrier-Supporting Hydrators – Lightweight emollients cushion skin to reduce flaking
Fragrance-Free & Non-Comedogenic – Gentle, layer-friendly formula for most skin types
5. C15 Super Booster
Brightens, protects, and supports collagen with triple antioxidant power.
- Main concern: Dark spots, uneven tone, loss of firmness
- Hero ingredients: 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid
- Best for: All skin types, especially dull or sun-damaged
- Use: AM before moisturizer and SPF
Why it works: This potent Vitamin C booster defends against free radical damage while brightening dull skin and supporting collagen production. Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and works well under makeup.
Routine Guide: Layering Paula’s Choice Actives for Maximum Results
Morning Routine:
- Cleanser (Gentle Hydrating Cleanser or Pore Normalizing Cleanser)
- C15 Super Booster
- 10% Niacinamide Booster
- Lightweight moisturizer (like CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer)
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30+
Evening Routine:
- Cleanser
- 2% BHA Liquid or 10% AHA Exfoliant (alternate nights)
- Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment (on non-AHA nights)
- Barrier-repairing moisturizer
Pro tip: Always patch test new actives, especially exfoliants and retinol.
Paula’s Choice Product Comparison Table
| Product | Concern | Active | Use | Skin Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2% BHA | Acne, pores | Salicylic Acid | Daily PM | Oily/combo |
| 10% Niacinamide | Tone, pores | Niacinamide | AM/PM | All types |
| 10% AHA | Texture, glow | Glycolic Acid + AHAs | 2–3x/week PM | Dry, aging |
| 1% Retinol | Wrinkles, firmness | Encapsulated Retinol | 2–3x/week PM | Normal/aging |
| C15 Booster | Spots, dullness | Vitamin C + E + Ferulic | Daily AM | All types |
Where to Buy Paula’s Choice Exfoliants & Serums
To ensure freshness and formula authenticity, buy directly from verified retailers:
Shop our hand-picked Paula’s Choice routine: Shop BestLuxurySkincare Paula’s Choice Picks on Amazon Storefront
FAQs About Paula’s Choice Serums and Exfoliants
Yes. The brand offers low-strength options like their Calm line, and products like 2% BHA and 10% Niacinamide are gentle enough to start with.
Some people notice smoother skin and fewer breakouts within 1–2 weeks. Dark spot fading and wrinkle reduction may take 6–8 weeks with consistent use.
Yes! Modern research shows they work well together and even enhance each other’s brightening effects.
Use BHA if you have clogged pores or acne. Use AHA if your skin is dry, rough, or sun-damaged. Many people alternate between both.
Clinical 1% Retinol for deep lines, and C15 Booster for antioxidant protection and firmness.
Avoid high-strength retinol and salicylic acid during pregnancy. Niacinamide and Vitamin C are generally considered safe, but always consult your doctor.
