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BHA-guaranteed glow, vitamin C-enhanced sun protection.
Fights breakouts and blackheads
Removes built-up dead skin cells
5% vitamin C supercharges UV protection, minimises discolouration and prevents future dark spots
Brighten, hydrate & protect your skin with the global bestselling 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50. The iconic BHA exfoliant with salicylic acid quickly unclogs pores and controls oil for clear, glowing skin while the 5% Vitamin C Moisturizer delivers weightless sun protection, minimises discolouration and prevents future dark spots in one multi-active step.
Fast absorbing liquid formula removes built-up dead skin cells and fights blackheads.
Protect, brighten & hydrate skin in one multi-active step.
After cleansing and toning, apply the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant over face and neck with fingers or a cotton pad. Do not rinse. Next, apply your serums and treatments. Then, as the last step in your routine, apply the 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50 liberally to your face and neck 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply as needed throughout the day. Pro tip for exfoliating: Start slowly at first. Use the exfoliant every other day and note your skin's response, then increase usage up to twice a day.
It’s best to gradually build up use of a BHA exfoliant. Start by using your exfoliant once every other day and then increase usage up to once or twice daily, based on your skin’s response. You need to experiment a bit to see what suits your skin best. During the day, always use a moisturiser with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater. Your skin will in fact be slightly more sensitive to sunlight when using an exfoliant, so the chance of sunburn and sun damage is slightly higher so take care to spread SPF evenly and reapply every two hours.
Find out in our skin purging vs breakouts article.
Given 2% BHA Liquid’s fluid texture, many people think of it as a toner, but its formulation isn’t meant to do what traditional toners do; instead, the toner consistency of this liquid exfoliates built-up dead skin, unclogs pores and hydrates to boost glow. Paula’s Choice toners add vital skin-replenishing ingredients immediately after cleansing, before exfoliating, to hydrate, refresh and rebalance. Our toners also work to remove last traces of make-up and sunscreen that may have been missed during cleansing.
If 2% BHA Liquid feels sticky, you may be using too much product. Try using a grape-sized amount/ 2-3 bottle shakes applied in a thin layer. The greasy feel can be attributed to the high levels of glycol in this product (glycol helps the BHA penetrate the surface layers of skin and works as a water-binding agent).
While Paula's Choice products are fragrance-free, each product may have a unique scent due to its ingredients. The scent of the SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant that some may notice is from the combination of ingredients it contains. This scent dissipates quickly after application. The perception of smell can vary greatly between individuals, so what one person notices, another may not notice at all. Many customers find that they quickly get used to the unique scents of Paula's Choice products and that the benefits outweigh any potential drawbacks.
Yes, this ultra-light sunscreen is suitable for acne-prone skin. It contains vitamin C along with other potent antioxidants plus algae extract that can help calm and soothe redness and irritation, while also working to fade post-breakout marks. The formula is lightweight, so it won't clog pores or worsen breakouts.
Only copper peptides. Copper peptides can potentially oxidise vitamin C, making it less effective on skin. When using vitamin C and copper peptides in your routine, we recommend using one in the morning and the other at night to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Our 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50 is our only sunscreen that contains a unique combination of vitamin C, specialized algae extracts, and acetyl zingerone. This combination helps brighten skin, reduces oxidative stress and helps boost skin’s natural defences. It also helps to improve uneven skin tone and discolouration. Its fluid, lightweight texture is reminiscent of our bestselling RESIST Youth-Extending SPF 50 and the CLEAR Ultra-Light SPF 30. It absorbs faster and leaves a subtle glow from its sheer soft peach tint.
Research makes it clear that many of the best ingredients for skin – including antioxidants and anti-ageing champions like vitamin C – can break down in the presence of light and air. This sunscreen is housed in an opaque tube that does not allow any exposure to light or oxygen, ensuring it is stable and effective from first to last use.
Yes, and doing so may help increase overall results. To use both, you can apply the C5 Super Boost Eye Cream in the morning followed by the 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50. If you find that layering sensitises your skin, consider applying the C5 Super Boost Eye Cream at night. Experimentation is key, remember to start slow, see how your skin responds and work up to increasing use over time as needed/desired. If the combination of C5 Eye Cream and SPF 50 does not work for you during the day, try another Paula’s Choice eye cream in the morning. Remember to apply skincare products around the orbital bone, avoiding the eye and lash line area.
Vitamin C enhances sunscreen by boosting antioxidant protection, improving sunscreen efficacy, reducing UV-induced damage and helping to brighten skin tone. This combination provides added defence against UV damage, promotes skin health and maintains a healthy-looking appearance.