What it is: An ultra-gentle, leave-on BHA exfoliating gel-cream that diminishes the look of pores, smooths texture, refines tone, and is suitable for sensitive skin.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, and Combination
Skincare Concerns: Acne and Blemishes, Pores, and Redness
Formulation: Gel
Highlighted Ingredients: - Salicylic Acid (BHA) 1%: Gently removes buildup to visibly clear pores and smooth bumpy skin. - Allantoin and Mushroom Extract: Soothe, hydrate, and nourish. - Prebiotics: Support skin’s microbiome to calm sensitivity over time.
Ingredient Callouts: Free of parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, sulfates SLS & SLES, triclocarban, triclosan, and contains less than one percent synthetic fragrance. It is also cruelty-free.
What Else You Need to Know: Exfoliating acids are no longer off limits for sensitive and redness-prone skin. This low-dose, pH-optimized BHA visibly clears surface and pore buildup, while soothing allantoin and mushroom extracts soothe—for clearer, smoother, healthier-looking skin.
[I received this product in exchange for my honest review]
This is my favourite exfoliator. It does its job without causing skin sensitivities or irritations. It feels just like a normal toner or serum. I use it on alternate days currently, with my nighttime routine. Once it dries off, it turns into a sheer layer that just falls off with a couple gentle rubs. You can also wash it off in the morning if you feel like there's residue left. No fragrance as far as I can tell. I make sure to use it when I have any important events the next day, because then I can wake up with clear glowy skin. It's just so wonderful, I love it a lot!
Read more
Sherins
Dry skin
Incentivized
3d ago
Recommended
Great product for your skin!!!
[I received this product in exchange for my honest review] Love this product. I have very textured skin and this product has helped smooth my skin and its thickness and absorption works great under makeup. I like what it’s done to my skin so far and would highly recommend it to others with sensitive skin that normally reacts to any exfoliating product.
Read more
margs121
Combination skin
Incentivized
3d ago
Recommended
It’s so light!
[I received this product in exchange for my honest review] This product goes on so light! It feels clean and refreshing, and gives my skin a subtle but noteable glow. It doesn’t dry out my skin, but leaves it feeling hydrated and healthy.
Read more
hsusoeuz2728200
Sensitive skin
Incentivized
3d ago
Not for me
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Exfoliating Gel Toner did not meet my expectations. The product resulted in a duller, more aged skin appearance and compromised the longevity of my makeup, causing it to settle into fine lines. While the scent is subtle and the product caused no irritation, I observed an increase in acne breakouts during use. Due to the light, creamy texture leaving a slightly tacky finish, it may be more suitable for evening application.
Read more
kbutler86
Combination skin
Incentivized
4d ago
Recommended
Great exfoliation & smoother skin
[I received this product in exchange for my honest review] Love this product! I’ve been using some Paula’s Choice skincare products for a while and after trying this toner, I’m definitely adding it to my favs. My skin is combined and it gets bumpy and flaky pretty often, so I need to exfoliate on a regular basis. This gel toner is perfect solution for me, because it’s not harsh on skin and I can use it couple of times per week. Since it’s a toner & leave on - it’s pretty easy to integrate the product into your routine, and after regular usage I see the difference with my skin. It helps me with redness and small bumps (happening due to the buildup I guess ), my skin also feels smoother and fresh, not greasy at all. I usually apply the toner before going to sleep, it absorbs pretty fast though.
Read more
LisaVeta5
Combination skin
Incentivized
5d ago
Recommended
A must try
[I received this product in exchange for my honest review] This gel toner is an amazing / fantastic option if your looking for simple pore-cleaning benefits, without the dryness or irritation from the salicylic acid that with other different formulas has been alot stronger, this formula is so nice and gentle on my face, it has been one of the many items ive added into my skincare routine products!
My absolute favorite part is the fact it glides on so easily and absorbs so quickly, thats a huge check / win in my book because I really dislike things that sit ontop of the skin, feel heavy and take forever absorb into the skin! It doesnt burn or sting like alot of other products I have used have done in the past.. no peeling either!!
It has literally been a cleaner for my skin, pores and blemishes. I absolutely love this tiny formula packed bottle.
Read more
curvyflawless
Combination skin
Incentivized
5d ago
Recommended
Leaves my skin looking clearer!
[I received this product in exchange for my honest review]
Paula’s choice gel exfoliate spreads easily and a small amount is needed to cover my skin. It’s much gentler than a physical scrub and leaves my skin feeling noticeably smoother and more refreshed. With consistent use for 3 weeks, my pores look less congested and my skin appears clearer and more even.
I also like that it doesn’t leave my skin feeling overly dry. I introduced it gradually and always follow with moisturizer.
Overall, it’s an effective and easy to use product that fits into my skin care routine. 
Read more
LanaMariie
Combination skin
Incentivized
6d ago
Recommended
Great for sensitive skin!
[I received this product in exchange for my honest review] I had previously tried the exfoliating toner from this line and it was a little too strong for my sensitive skin. This on the other hand, perfect! My skin loved this, and the bottle is so easy to use!
Read more
zaineb96
Combination skin
Incentivized
6d ago
Recommended
Great gel tonerr
I really enjoyed this product. I noticed a difference in the feel of my skin immediately, it left me feeling so smooth. I love the application of this product being gel it’s much less messy than traditional toners.
Read more
krystlerae
Dry skin
Incentivized
6d ago
Recommended
Must have in skin care routine
[I received this product in exchange for my honest review] Tried this for a month and can feel the difference already. It has a very easy to use pump to avoid any mess. Price point is bery competitive and it makes your skin look fresh and vibrant. Highly recommend.
Read more
ctr787
Combination skin
Incentivized
What it is: An ultra-gentle, leave-on BHA exfoliating gel-cream that diminishes the look of pores, smooths texture, refines tone, and is suitable for sensitive skin.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, and Combination
Skincare Concerns: Acne and Blemishes, Pores, and Redness
Formulation: Gel
Highlighted Ingredients: - Salicylic Acid (BHA) 1%: Gently removes buildup to visibly clear pores and smooth bumpy skin. - Allantoin and Mushroom Extract: Soothe, hydrate, and nourish. - Prebiotics: Support skin’s microbiome to calm sensitivity over time.
Ingredient Callouts: Free of parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, sulfates SLS & SLES, triclocarban, triclosan, and contains less than one percent synthetic fragrance. It is also cruelty-free.
What Else You Need to Know: Exfoliating acids are no longer off limits for sensitive and redness-prone skin. This low-dose, pH-optimized BHA visibly clears surface and pore buildup, while soothing allantoin and mushroom extracts soothe—for clearer, smoother, healthier-looking skin.
-Salicylic Acid (BHA) 1%: Gently removes buildup to clear pores and smooth bumpy skin. -Allantoin and Mushroom Extract: Calm visible redness and restore hydration and comfort. -Prebiotics: Support skin’s microbiome to reduce visible sensitivity over time.
Suggested Usage: -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 moisturizer. -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 physician before using any products that contain salicylic acid.
Summary
5
4
3
2
1
4.7★
856 Reviews*
97%
Recommended
*Some reviewers received something in exchange for a review (free product, payment, sweeps entry).