Paula’s Choice is a highly renowned beauty brand that has gained legendary status. Even before the transparency movement became popular, the brand’s founder, Paula Begoun, was known as the Cosmetics Cop due to her work as an investigative journalist. She held the beauty industry accountable for its marketing myths and gained recognition for her efforts. Today, she continues to critique the industry through her website, Beautypedia.com, which features reviews of products from other brands.
Paula Begoun launched Paula’s Choice back in 1995, which was one of the earliest beauty brands to be sold online. Over 25 years later, the brand’s dedicated following has only grown stronger. Nowadays, it’s impossible to scroll through social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok without coming across someone raving about the impressive before-and-after results achieved by Paula’s Choice products. Among these, Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid is a highly acclaimed exfoliating solution that has won over editors, dermatologists, and bloggers with its gentle yet effective skin-smoothing benefits.
According to Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC, Paula’s Choice has gained immense popularity for several reasons. The brand employs scientifically-proven ingredients in its products, making them both affordable and easily accessible to the public. Additionally, the brand places a strong emphasis on transparency and education, ensuring that customers are aware of the ingredients contained within each product. Furthermore, Paula’s Choice offers a diverse range of skincare products to cater to various skin types and address different skin concerns.
It is a fact that Paula’s Choice skin care products do not contain a long list of ingredients that are potentially harmful. However, the brand’s marketing strategy is not based on scare tactics or dubious claims. Each product is designed to address specific skin types and concerns, with a focus on being cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and non-irritating. Most notably, all Paula’s Choice products are priced below $60, making them accessible and affordable to a wide range of consumers.
Despite providing extensive information about their products, the sheer variety of formulations and collections offered by Paula’s Choice can be overwhelming for some customers. With eight different lines to choose from, including Resist, Clinical, and Defense, it can be challenging to understand the specific benefits and purposes of each. Additionally, the brand offers a whopping 17 different types of sunscreen, which can make it difficult for consumers to determine which option is best suited for their skin type and concerns. To provide clarity, several TheWebPath staffers with varying skin types and concerns tested out the products and provided their honest reviews. Below, you’ll find their reviews of Paula’s Choice products that are truly worth the money.
Best Paula’s Choice Products
1. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
The Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a popular product offered by the brand. This liquid exfoliant is formulated with 2% salicylic acid (BHA) to gently exfoliate the skin and promote a smoother, brighter complexion. It is suitable for all skin types, but particularly beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly into the skin and is designed to unclog pores, reduce blackheads, and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This product has received rave reviews from editors, derms, and bloggers alike, making it a cult favorite within the skincare community.
- What we like: Gentle yet effective formula
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid
2. Paula’s Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Paula’s Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment is a skincare product that is designed to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and dullness. It is formulated with a high concentration of niacinamide, which is a form of vitamin B3 that is known to improve the texture and tone of the skin.
This treatment also contains other beneficial ingredients such as licorice root extract and vitamin C, which work together to brighten the complexion and improve the overall appearance of the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and can be used both morning and night after cleansing and toning.
Users of the Paula’s Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment have reported a noticeable improvement in the appearance of their skin, with many stating that their pores appeared smaller and their complexion looked brighter and more even. The product has also been praised for its non-irritating formula and easy absorption into the skin.
- What we like: Great for hyperpigmentation
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide
3. Paula’s Choice Resist Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA
The Paula’s Choice Resist Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA is a body lotion that contains 10% glycolic acid (AHA) to gently exfoliate and reveal smoother, more radiant skin. It is designed to help improve the appearance of uneven skin texture, dryness, and roughness on the body. The lightweight formula is non-greasy and absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling soft and moisturized. This body lotion is suitable for all skin types, but particularly beneficial for those with rough, bumpy, or dry skin. With regular use, it can help improve the overall texture and tone of the skin.
- What we like: Great for addressing fine lines and acne
- What we don’t like: Formula can be too strong for some
- Key ingredients: Retinol, antioxidants
4. Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is a skincare product designed to reduce the signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. The treatment contains 1% retinol, a powerful form of vitamin A that is known to help stimulate collagen production, increase cell turnover, and reduce hyperpigmentation. It also includes a range of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients that help soothe and protect the skin while the retinol works to improve its texture and appearance. The product is designed to be used at night, and users are advised to start with a lower concentration of retinol and gradually build up to avoid skin irritation.
- What we like: Great for brightening and mature skin
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, licorice root, retinol
5. Paula’s Choice Clear Purifying Clay Face Mask
The Paula’s Choice Clear Purifying Clay Face Mask is a mask designed to purify and detoxify the skin. It is formulated with natural clay and salicylic acid to help unclog pores and remove excess oil and impurities from the skin. The mask is suitable for all skin types, but is particularly beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The gentle formula helps to soothe and calm irritated skin while promoting a clearer, more balanced complexion. This mask can be used once or twice a week to help improve the overall clarity and texture of the skin.
- What we like: Great for calming redness and clearing skin
- Key ingredients: Clay, green tea, willowherb
6. Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
The Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA is a leave-on exfoliant designed to help improve the appearance of rough, bumpy skin and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. It contains 2% salicylic acid (BHA) which helps to unclog pores, reduce redness, and smooth the skin’s surface. The lightweight lotion formula is easy to apply and absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving any residue. It also contains antioxidants and soothing ingredients like green tea and chamomile to help protect and calm the skin. This product is suitable for all skin types and can be used on the body, including the arms, legs, and back. It is recommended to use it once or twice daily after cleansing and toning the skin.
- What we like: Great for exfoliating, hydrating, and soothing skin on the body
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, vitamin E, chamomile, and green tea
7. Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner
The Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner is a toner that is formulated to address the signs of aging and repair damaged skin. It contains a blend of antioxidants, amino acids, and hydrating ingredients to help improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. The lightweight formula is designed to absorb quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and revitalized. This toner is suitable for all skin types, but is particularly beneficial for those with mature or sun-damaged skin. With regular use, it can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging while improving the overall texture and tone of the skin.
- What we like: Brightens skin and helps even tone
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide and peptides
8. Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster is a skincare product designed to brighten and firm the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It contains 15% vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and other antioxidants to help protect the skin from environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV rays. The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula is suitable for all skin types and can be used alone or mixed with a moisturizer or serum. The C15 Super Booster can be applied in the morning and/or evening after cleansing and toning the skin. Regular use is said to help improve the overall texture and tone of the skin, leaving it looking more youthful and radiant.
- What we like: Brightens skin and provides antioxidant protection
- Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid
9. Paula’s Choice Resist Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
The Paula’s Choice Resist Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum is a lightweight serum that is designed to provide intense antioxidant protection for the skin. It contains a blend of potent antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, green tea extract, and resveratrol, to help protect the skin against environmental stressors that can lead to signs of aging. The fast-absorbing formula is suitable for all skin types, including oily and combination skin, and can be used alone or layered with other products. This serum helps to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With regular use, it can help to enhance the skin’s natural radiance and promote a more youthful, glowing complexion.
- What we like: Very hydrating
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
10. Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster is a skincare product designed to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of blemishes, redness, and discoloration. It contains 10% azelaic acid, a naturally occurring acid that is found in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. Azelaic acid has been shown to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in treating acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. The booster also includes other skin-nourishing ingredients such as licorice root extract, salicylic acid, and vitamin C, which work together to brighten and even out skin tone. The product is designed to be used as a leave-on treatment, applied after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing.
- What we like: Great for fading dark spots and calming redness
- Key ingredients: Azelaic acid
11. Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum
The Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum is a product designed to soothe and repair skin that is prone to redness and sensitivity. It contains a combination of skin-nourishing ingredients, such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants, that work together to strengthen the skin barrier, hydrate the skin, and protect against environmental stressors.
In addition to these ingredients, the Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum also contains a unique blend of plant extracts, such as willow bark, green tea, and chamomile, that help to soothe and calm irritated skin. This formula is free of fragrances, essential oils, and other potential irritants, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
Users of the Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum report that it is effective at reducing redness and inflammation, improving overall skin texture and tone, and providing long-lasting hydration. The lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
- What we like: Gentle enough for sensitive skin types, include those with rosacea
- Key ingredients: Antioxidant-enriched plant extracts and hyaluronic acid
12. Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser
The Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser is a gentle cleanser that is formulated to cleanse the skin while reducing excess oil and shine. It is designed to be used by those with combination to oily skin types and can be used daily. The formula contains a blend of gentle cleansing agents, such as coco-betaine and sodium lauroamphoacetate, to effectively remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. The cleanser also contains soothing ingredients like chamomile extract and aloe vera to help calm irritated skin. With regular use, this cleanser can help to balance oil production and leave the skin feeling clean, refreshed, and balanced.
- What we like: Great for all skin types, doesn’t dry you out, gentle formula, soap-free
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
13. Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster
Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster is a facial oil formulated with nine plant-based oils, including jojoba, apricot, and argan oils. It is designed to nourish and hydrate dry, dehydrated skin, leaving it looking smoother and more radiant. This oil booster is also enriched with antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which help to protect the skin from environmental stressors and improve its overall texture and tone. It can be used alone or mixed with your favorite moisturizer or serum to give your skin an extra boost of hydration.
- What we like: Super hydrating, especially for dry, eczema-prone skin
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, blend of nine plant-based oils
14. Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel
The Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel is a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer designed to hydrate oily and combination skin types without leaving a greasy residue. The gel formula contains ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to help soothe and protect the skin while minimizing the appearance of pores. It’s also free from fragrance, dyes, and other potential irritants, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin. The moisturizer can be used both morning and night, and is suitable for layering under sunscreen or makeup.
- What we like: Lightweight, doesn’t clog pores
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide
15. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
The Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel is a leave-on chemical peel designed to exfoliate and improve the texture and tone of the skin. It contains a combination of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), including glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and mandelic acid, to help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. The formula also includes soothing and hydrating ingredients like chamomile and green tea extracts to help calm and nourish the skin. The peel is intended for use 1-2 times per week and is suitable for all skin types, especially those with uneven skin tone, fine lines, and acne-prone skin.
- What we like: Improves texture
- Key ingredients: AHAs and BHAs
