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An ultra-gentle, leave-on BHA exfoliating gel-toner that unclogs pores, smooths texture, refines tone — even suitable for rosacea-prone skin.
Coming soon
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Clinically proven to soothe & reduce discomfort
Unclogs pores & smooths texture
Visibly reduces redness
Exfoliating acids are no longer off-limits for sensitive and redness-prone skin
This low-dose BHA clears surface and pore build-up, while soothing allantoin and mushroom extracts calm visible redness — for clearer, healthier-looking skin.
Because skincare works best when it suits your skin type.
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and wait 15-30 minutes. Select what you see and how you feel.
Salicylic Acid (BHA) 1% Gently removes buildup to clear pores and smooth skin.
Allantoin & Mushroom Extract Helps calm visible redness and restore hydration and comfort.
PrebioticsSupport skin’s microbiome to reduce visible sensitivity over time .
How to use an exfoliant
Apply to clean skin in AM and/or PM on face, neck & décolleté using fingertips. Avoid eye area. Do not rinse. Follow with treatment and/or moisturiser. In absence of irritation, use up to twice daily. For daytime, always follow with sunscreen. For nighttime, follow with the rest of your routine. If you have a salicylate allergy, check with your doctor before using any products that contain salicylic acid.
Like all Paula’s Choice BHAs, the 1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel Toner is non‑abrasive and works on skin’s surface; the difference is that it was specifically formulated with redness and reactivity in mind. It has a lightweight, liquid-gel texture that’s more hydrating plus it contains a broader array of soothing ingredients that work together to target the underlying and outward causes of sensitive/reactive skin, while removing dulling buildup and decongesting clogged, enlarged pores.
This exclusive formula is suitable for everyone with sensitive/reactive skin looking to gently exfoliate while also reducing redness and irritation. It is suitable for teens and adults.
While Paula's Choice products are fragrance-free, each product may have a unique scent due to its ingredients. Any noticeable scent dissipates quickly after application.
Yes — it’s the same gentle, skin‑soothing formula you know and love. The only thing that’s changed is the name and packaging. We’ve moved it into our Skin Perfecting line to make it easier to find and to better guide you to the exfoliant that’s right for your skin.
Yes. This gentle formula is suitable for acne‑ and breakout‑prone skin. Its oil‑soluble salicylic acid works inside pores to help clear congestion and prevent breakouts, while the lower strength is designed to be well‑tolerated for routine use.
Yes. The formula was specifically designed for sensitive skin. Its barrier-supporting ingredients help reinforce skin resilience, which can benefit sensitive or redness-prone skin with consistent use. The formula’s prebiotic ingredients help support a healthy skin microbiome, what some researchers refer to as skin’s invisible barrier — its first line of defence.
The formula does not contain ingredients typically restricted during pregnancy. However, if you have questions about starting a new product while pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your healthcare professional.
It can but not for everyone, and when it does happen, it’s temporary. BHA (salicylic acid) can sometimes temporarily cause skin purging due to its oil solubility, which allows it to penetrate deep into pores and break up trapped skin cells, sebum (oil) plugs and follicular debris. This speeds up cell turnover, bringing clogs to the surface, indicating the exfoliant is working properly.