1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel Toner

Our 1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel Toner delivers the pore-clearing benefits of BHA in a soothing gel formula designed for sensitive 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 and mushroom extract to ease visible redness, along with prebiotics to support a healthy skin microbiome.

At a glance:

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

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.

Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Allantoin, Inulin, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Albatrellus Confluens (Mushroom) Extract

All Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau (Solvent | Good), Methylpropanediol (Solvent, Humectant | Good), Dicaprylyl Carbonate (Emollient, Solvent | Good), C15-19 Alkane (Solvent, Emollient | Good), Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (Suspending/Dispersing Agent, Texture Enhancer, Polymer | Good), Salicylic Acid (Exfoliant, Humectant | Best), Propanediol (Solvent, Texture Enhancer | Good), Inulin (Humectant, Texture Enhancer, Prebiotic/Probiotic/Postbiotic | Best), Caprylyl Glycol (Preservative, Plant Extracts | Good), Allantoin (Plant Extracts | Best), Tocopherol (Antioxidant | Best), Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster/Stabilizer | Average), Ethylhexylglycerin (Preservative, Humectant | Good), Hexylene Glycol (Solvent, Texture Enhancer | Good), Sorbitan Isostearate (Cleansing Agent, Emulsifier | Good), Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide (Emollient, Plant Extracts, Antioxidant | Best), Glycerin (Humectant, Texture Enhancer, Solvent | Best), Laminaria Digitata Extract (Plant Extracts, Antioxidant | Best), Albatrellus Confluens (Mushroom) Extract (Plant Extracts, Antioxidant | Best), Glycine Soja Oil (Antioxidant, Plant Extracts, Emollient | Best), Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract (Antioxidant, Plant Extracts | Best), Galactoarabinan (Plant Extracts, Antioxidant | Good), Citric Acid (pH Adjuster/Stabilizer, Chelating Agent | Good), Schizophyllan (Polymer, Plant Extracts, Antioxidant, Humectant | Best), Maltodextrin (Absorbent, Film-Forming Agent, Humectant | Good), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative | Good)

Ingredient Spotlight:

• Salicylic Acid: Oil-soluble exfoliating ingredient that gently helps slough off dead skin cells and unclogs pores, for softer, smoother texture and tone. Also known as beta hydroxy acid (BHA); Best known for exfoliating properties; Oil solubility lets it exfoliate inside pores
• Allantoin: An ingredient that can be naturally derived or made synthetically. It has skin-soothing and moisturizing properties, making it an excellent inclusion in products designed for sensitive skin. Can soothe skin; Has skin moisturizing properties; Helps mitigate skin’s response to active ingredients
• Inulin: Derived from chicory root or sugarcane, this complex carbohydrate is also a resistant starch (fiber) that has prebiotic, hydrating and soothing benefits on skin. A prebiotic, plant-derived polysaccharide fiber; Helps support a healthy skin microbiome; Offers water-binding properties to hydrate and softens skin
• Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide: This natural prebiotic helps reinforce and support a healthy microbiome while helping skin become less likely to show signs of irritation. Natural prebiotic typically synthesized from sugars; Helps support a healthy microbiome; Can reduce signs of sensitive skin
• Albatrellus Confluens (Mushroom) Extract: Also known as Northern Truffle, this wild mushroom is proving to be very helpful for soothing reddened, sensitized skin. Source of antioxidants that promote youthful-looking skin; Has a pronounced soothing effect on skin; Excellent for sensitive, redness-prone, reactive skin

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
Microorganisms,January 2021, pages 1–14; and December 2020, pages 1–14
Cosmetics,October 2020, pages 1–10; and October 2017, pages 1–16
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

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.

What makes the 1% BHA different from other Paula’s Choice BHA exfoliants?

Like all Paula’s Choice BHAs, the 1% BHA is nonabrasive 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.

Who is 1% BHA 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.

Does the 1% BHA contain fragrance, dyes, or parabens? Is it vegan?

No, the 1% BHA does not contain fragrance, dyes, or parabens, and yes, it is vegan.

Does the 1% BHA 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.

Why is 1% BHA called a toner?

While 1% BHA is an exfoliant, many people search for exfoliants as “clarifying toners” or “exfoliating toners” because toners and exfoliants are often used interchangeably by customers (after cleansing and before treatments). Using the term toner helps make it easier to find. The formula and how you use it haven’t changed—it’s still a leave-on exfoliant applied after cleansing and your hydrating toner (if applicable).

Is the 1% BHA suitable for all skin types?

Yes, this formula is suitable for all skin types. The lightweight, liquid-gel absorbs rapidly, quickly calming visible redness for clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Is the 1% BHA 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.

Is the 1% BHA safe/suitable for sensitive skin or 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 defense.

Can I use 1% BHA during pregnancy or while 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 provider.

Does the 1% BHA 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.

If I have sensitive skin, should I use the 1% BHA or can I use a higher strength?

Which BHA strength you opt to use should be based on your skin type and severity of your concerns. The Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel Toner is ideal for extra-sensitive skin and likely will be all you need to improve any surface texture or pore congestion issues you may be experiencing.