Our 1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel Toner delivers the pore-clearing benefits of BHA in a soothing gel formula designed for redness-prone skin.

This lightweight, leave-on exfoliant works both on the surface of your skin and inside your pores to dissolve buildup that can lead to congestion, dullness, and sensitivity. The salicylic acid-based toner is formulated with calming allantoin to ease visible redness, along with prebiotics to support a healthy skin microbiome.

Smooths bumpy, uneven texture
Targets clogged pores on sensitive skin
Visibly reduces redness
Soothes and calms with skin-soothing allantoin
Has an optimal pH range of 3.5-3.8

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.

When To Apply
Apply to clean skin in the AM and/or PM. For daytime, always finish with sunscreen. For nighttime, follow with the rest of your routine.

How To Apply
Apply to clean skin on face, neck & decollete using fingertips. Avoid eye area. Do not rinse.

If you have a salicylate allergy, check with your physician before using any products that contain salicylic acid.

Antioxidants, June 2025, pages 1–35
International Journal of Dermatology and Venereology, December 2021, pages 199–209
Journal of Global Health, July 2021, pages 1–15
Biomolecules, March 2021, pages 1–25
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International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, June 2020, pages 600–607
Natural Products and Bioprospecting, August 2019, pages 267–278
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2017, pages 379–385
Journal of Dermatological Treatment, July 2016, pages 173–180
Skin Research and Technology, May 2013, pages 125–130

Key Ingredients
Salicylic Acid (BHA) 1%, Allantoin & Mushroom Extract, Prebiotics

Product Ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Methylpropanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, C15-19 Alkane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Salicylic Acid, Propanediol, Inulin, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Tocopherol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Glycerin, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Albatrellus Confluens (Mushroom) Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Galactoarabinan, Citric Acid, Schizophyllan, Maltodextrin, Phenoxyethanol. [r0/iI353v1]

1. What makes this formula different from other Paula’s Choice leave-on exfoliants?

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.

2. Who is this gel toner ideal for?

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.

3. Does the 1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel Toner have a noticeable scent?

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.

4. Is the SKIN PERFECTING 1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel Toner the same formula as the CALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant?

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.

5. Is the 1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel Toner safe/suitable for acne-prone/breakout-prone 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.

6. Is the 1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel Toner safe/suitable for sensitive skin, rosacea-prone skin?

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.

7. Can I use this product if pregnant or breastfeeding?

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.

8. Does the 1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel Toner cause purging?

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.