With premium formulas from the pore-reducing toner to the moisturizing oil booster.
In the world of various skincare brands, Paula’s Choice is truly unique. Mainstream enough that you or someone you know has probably dabbled with their various offerings, it’s still somewhat niche and with an under-the-radar cult-like following.
Originally founded in 1995, the Seattle-based company was created by Paula Begoun—yes, there is a Paula—who set out to create effective skincare with scientifically-backed ingredients…without questionable ingredients known to cause irritation. Ingredients are truly at the heart of this brand, both when it comes to what’s in the products and what isn’t (everything is free of dyes, fragrances, phthalates, just to name a few). In fact, the brand’s website even has a helpful ingredient dictionary. (Insider secret: Beauty editors rely on it all the time.) And if you check out the ingredients listed for any of their products, there’s a helpful parenthetical that denotes the exact function of each one. The line is also all about inclusivity, catering to pretty much every skin type and concern, with offerings that range from mega-gentle exfoliators to power-packed pollution shields to standout serums.
Clearly, Paula’s Choice isn’t lacking when it comes to high-quality, high-demand products. And in case your friend “dabbling” in the brand hasn’t tried out the whole catalog themselves—allow us to guide you through your next purchase(s). Our team of product testers, editors, and dermatologists tested out dozens of products for weeks at a time to give you this definitive list of the most effective Paula’s Choice products for every skincare need.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This is the brand’s number one product worldwide, and if we absolutely had to choose, ours too. Why, you ask? It’s a unique leave-on exfoliator, made with a 2% concentration of salicylic acid, to unclog pores and clear your complexion and it really, really works.1 Still, it’s gentle enough that it can be used twice daily and also absorbs super quickly thanks to a lightweight, lotion texture.
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
Given the quality of Paula’s Choice products, we say that the Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster lives up to its gold standard in how it hydrates and brightens skin. And there’s no denying that vitamin C gets an A+ in the skincare world, offering everything from antioxidant protection to collagen-boosting properties to spot-fading abilities.2 Here, you get it in an impressive 15% concentration, but of a stabilized vitamin C that will remain active (the vitamin is notoriously unstable and tricky to formulate with as a result).
Paula’s Choice RESIST Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA
This product hits the perfect balance of effectively and efficiently exfoliating—all without ever stressing out your complexion. Its formula, which contains a combo of salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, and four alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, malic, and tartaric, to be exact), is designed to dissolve dead cells that leave your skin looking lackluster and uneven.4 At the same time, the product, which features other ingredients such as allantoin, oat extract, and licorice, keeps irritation at bay.567
Paula’s Choice Smoothing Primer Serum SPF 30
You’ll be hard-pressed to determine what you like most about this multi-tasker. Is it the silky texture that creates the perfect canvas for foundation? The built-in SPF 30? The protective antioxidants it contains? Happily, there’s no need to choose, since you get all three. It’s a morning routine must-use, whether or not you’re applying makeup over it.
Paula’s Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Niacinamide gets major points for its laundry list of benefits, including but not limited to: evening skin tone, combatting redness, improving the look of stretched-out pores, and more.8 Not to mention that, unlike many other powerful ingredients, it is generally very well-tolerated by most. This newbie touts the highest concentration to date of the superstar, in a featherweight serum that’s choice for helping to improve both the texture and tone of your skin.
Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Lightweight Face Moisturizer
Another top-seller, this serum is a great universal pick, particularly for anyone dealing with dryness. Rich in Omega 3, 6, and 9 oils for extra hydration, it also touts ceramides, an essential ingredient for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.9 It’s moisturizing enough to use alone, though lightweight enough to layer under a moisturizer as well (try doing the former in the summer, the latter in the winter).
Paula’s Choice Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol
Anyone who knows their skincare stuff will tell you that the name of this product sounds oxymoronic; retinol and barrier repair usually don’t go hand-in-hand. Yet somehow in this formulation they do. You get the proven wrinkle-smoothing benefits of retinol, but without the likelihood of irksome side effects (think redness and flaking), thanks to hydrating, barrier-protecting ingredients such as shea butter and ceramides.
Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
Oh yeah, did we forget to mention that Paula’s Choice has some awesome body products, too? To take care of the skin below your chin, we especially like this lotion. Like the 2% BHA treatment for face, this also has salicylic acid. Here, it helps to remove dead, dry skin and leave it silky soft. It’s a great pick for anyone, including those trying to get rid of keratosis pilaris aka KP aka those bumps that can pop up on the backs of your arms.
Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster
Say peace out to parched skin. Formulated with, you guessed it, hyaluronic acid, one of the best moisturizing ingredients out there, this almost instantly hydrates skin.10 Dab on the gel solo, or mix a few drops into any moisturizer or serum to up the hydrating benefits. And here’s the really nice thing: Hyaluronic acid also has an immediate plumping effect, so this is great for using to help quickly fill in fine lines and wrinkles, like crows’ feet around your eyes.10
Paula’s Choice CALM Redness Relief Repairing Serum
No matter whether you’re dealing with a condition such as eczema or rosacea, or are just having a temporary redness flare-up, reach for this skin savior. Made with an effective combo of both hydrating and soothing ingredients (lots of antioxidant-rich plant extracts), this option goes to town to quickly tamp down ruddiness and soothe stressed skin. For the best results, use it twice a day, pre-moisturizer.
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
If you’re a niacinamide lover like us, don’t sleep on this product—the fan-favorite ingredient stars alongside hyaluronic acid, chamomile, burdock root extract, and ceramide in this powerhouse formula. And when we tested the hydrating, lightweight product on combination skin, we found that once-daily application caused zero irritation (which is saying a lot for a toner). Even better: Our active breakouts started to calm down, hyperpigmentation evened, and the appearance of pores minimized.
This impressive product is great at balancing oils and hydrating to diminish dry, flaky patches of skin. And it should work for most skin types, not just combination skin. Honestly, it’s an all-around win-win-win product.
Paula’s Choice Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment with 2 Percent BHA
Alleviating sun damage, smoothing textured skin, and clearing enlarged, clogged pores sound like a multi-product job—but Paula’s Choice Daily Pore-Refining Treatment With 2% BHA has it covered in one fell swoop. And we can speak from experience. Yes, we put this product to the test and aren’t exaggerating when we say we noticed results after just one use. Right away, we saw a change in pore size and an added glazed-donut-like glow to our skin. After a while, we didn’t experience irritation (speaking from the POV of combination skin), and we experienced smoother skin texture.
We could really sing this product’s praises all day, but just make sure to check with your dermatologists before giving it a try yourself. Chemical exfoliants aren’t for everyone, so just check to see if you fall under that category before pressing purchase.
Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster
If you can’t take your dry, flaky skin anymore, Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster may be the holy grail you’ve been looking for. You can use it alone, or easily pair it with your favorite products—like the moisturizer or serum you refuse to leave on the sidelines—to help hydrate and soothe your skin.
We put the product to the test and love how its lightweight formula absorbs into the skin quickly. After repeated use, we noticed how well this booster calms redness and flakiness. Our tip: a little goes a long way. Apply a few drops to freshly-cleansed skin to protect your skin barrier from everyday drying agents.
Final Verdict
With so many premium products to choose from, it’s hard to pick one overall best—but we have to go with the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant thanks to its gentle yet super effective pore-clearing recipe. Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA is a close second overall but comes in first place for best of budget.
What to Look For in Paula’s Choice Products
Skin Type
Knowing your skin type helps determine which types of Paula’s Choice products you should look for. Choose those created for your skin type, whether you have oily, acne-prone, dry, balanced, sensitive, or combination skin. If you have aging skin, products that combat effects such as fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and thinness may be best for you (Check out the Choice C15 Super Booster). Avoid aggravating ingredients or ones that may clog your pores if your skin is sensitive or prone to breakouts.
Active Ingredients
When choosing your ideal Paula’s Choice products, look for active ingredients known to provide the benefits you seek. Some of these tried and true ingredients include salicylic acid, AHAs, retinol, ferulic acid, vitamin C, antioxidants, niacinamide, plant oils, ceramides, and algae. If you are interested in any of the active ingredients you see on Paula’s Choice labels, research them to find out if they can benefit your skin.
Benefits
When looking for Paula’s Choice products, search for those that provide multiple benefits that appeal to you and suit your needs, skincare routine, and that you know you’ll actually use. Multipurpose formulas, like the Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment or the Resist Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA, are packed with several highly effective ingredients, saving you money and time.
FAQ
Is Paula’s Choice dermatologist-approved?
Paula’s Choice is dermatologist approved, being recommended for many years by skin experts and beauty editors alike. The effective, science-backed ingredients used in Paula’s Choice products have helped create a reputable, positive view of the brand.
What is Paula’s Choice good for?
Paula’s Choice is good for all skin types. The wide range of highly effective products can serve everyone in all parts of a skincare routine. Paula’s Choice products can even skin tone, protect against free-radical damage, cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, boost radiance, and smooth.
