Step 3 Exfoliants

Exfoliants: an essential part of your skincare routine

When studying the science behind skincare, it is clear that exfoliation needs to be in everyone's routine. Even if you're getting results from skincare without AHA and BHA products, you will see a big difference as soon as you add this step. This is because chemical exfoliation. works to gently slough off dead skin cells that otherwise build up on the surface of the skin and inside pores. Our skin did this very efficiently when we were younger but over time and with added environmental factors, our skin gradually gets slower at shedding dead skin cells. Gentle exfoliation is essential because it's a helping hand in this natural process. Not to mention that AHAs and BHA also help other skincare formulas to absorb into the skin better, maximising how effective they are and so increasing your chance of seeing good results.

AHA and BHA products, which one is right for me?

As chemical exfoliants for the face, AHA / BHA exfoliants work in the same way – they both gently "unglue" the bonds that hold dead cells to the skin. The difference between AHA and BHA is that AHAs are water soluble, they exfoliate on the surface of the skin, whereas BHA is oil soluble and can work on the surface but also deep inside pores. This means that AHA exfoliants are a fit for normal to dry, sun-damaged skin and BHA exfoliants are perfect for normal to oily skin that's prone to breakouts and enlarged pores. To check if an exfoliant is suitable for your skin, first know which concern you want to tackle. The best exfoliant to tackle uneven skin tone and rough texture is AHA. The best exfoliant to clear up breakouts and blackheads is BHA. The good news is that both of our AHA and BHA formulas can also work to smooth fine lines and support the skin barrier.

What acid concentration should I exfoliate with?

The right acid concentration depends on whether you're exfoliating with AHA or BHA. Our 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner is gentle enough for all skin types, specifically because it has an optimal pH range (3.2-3.8) for maximum efficacy without irritation. However, we have formulated a BHA chemical exfoliant for sensitive skin called the CALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant. Choose this option if you have sensitive skin because it has 1% BHA and many skin-soothing ingredients, all working together to gently remove dead skin cells while targeting the underlying causes of sensitivity. For AHA, our 6% Mandelic + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant is one of our gentlest exfoliants and it has a good acid concentration for all skin types. It also has an optimal pH range of 3.0-4.0 but the key here is that we formulated this AHA with larger-molecule mandelic acid and time-released lactic acid. This allows for very slow, gentle penetration into the skin.

Which Paula's Choice exfoliant should I use?

To break it down: Choose BHA if you have clogged pores. The best exfoliant for oily skin is the 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner. It can give great results for everyone, but if you prefer different textures then you can opt for the Lotion or Gel formulas. If you have sensitive skin and clogged pores, choose CALM 1% BHA. Choose AHA if you have uneven tone and texture. The best exfoliant for dry or sensitive skin is the 6% Mandelic + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant.

What is the best chemical exfoliant for sensitive skin?

Our Paula's Choice exfoliant for sensitive skin is the CALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant. It gives you all the benefits of a BHA exfoliant while preserving the skin barrier. The added ingredients of northern truffle (Albatrellus Confluens Mushroom Extract), prickly pear and 2x the skin-healing allantoin work to tackle the underlying causes of sensitive and reactive skin. Thanks to this formula, rosacea-prone skin can now get the iconic BHA glow!

Chemical exfoliant or scrub – which is better?

Most face scrubs are way too harsh and abrasive on the skin. Trust us, we've evaluated hundreds over the history of our brand. If you choose an exfoliator for dry skin or an exfoliator for oily skin and it is a scrub with large or differently-shaped particles – it can damage your skin by causing micro-tears on the skin surface. These micro-tears weaken the skin barrier over time and make your skin more likely to develop redness and dry, flaky patches. Abrasive scrubs are also problematic for the skin when they contain fragrance. That's why we choose AHA and BHA toners, leave-on chemical exfoliants with the hydrating properties of a toner that are able to gently remove dead skin cells.

Is Paula's Choice Exfoliant pregnancy safe?

Yes, gentle skincare exfoliation is safe during pregnancy. For BHA skincare, low percentages are typically thought to be low risk during pregnancy. Just be sure to choose 1-2% BHA and apply in small areas, like the face, as you need. So yes, our 2% BHA is safe to use while pregnant. For AHA skincare, these formulas are also considered safe during pregnancy. For in-clinic treatments using BHA or AHA peels, it is often best to choose AHA peels if you are having full body treatments while pregnant.

Can I use the same exfoliant on my face and body?

Yes, body exfoliation with AHA and BHA can give the same results as on your face. For breakouts on your body, choose the 2% BHA Body Spot Exfoliant. For uneven texture and tone on your body, choose the Skin Revealing Body Lotion with 10% AHA.

Since 1995, we’ve broken down the science of skincare, busted beauty myths and made products with ingredients that research proves can transform skin. Established by beauty expert Paula Begoun, the brand is deeply rooted in our founder’s commitment to education and customer advocacy. Our clinical-grade, science-backed products are designed to maximise the potential of every ingredient, delivering optimal efficacy while minimising irritation. Our formulations are non-irritating, never tested on animals and work exactly as promised.

For any questions about our products or for help on building a skincare routine, please contact our Customer Care team. Our skincare experts are on hand to help you find the best products for your skin.