BHA 9 Treatment

BHA 9 Treatment is an absolutely unique one-of-a-kind targeted formula for stubborn imperfections. It is your go-to solution when nothing else has worked. Impressive results are often visible after only one use. This exfoliant has an optimal pH of 3.2–3.6.

Delivers 9% BHA in a controlled-release formula for maximum skin smoothing with noticeable results. This serum visibly and quickly minimizes stubborn bumps, redness, enlarged pores and clarifies skin’s surface. Soothing plant extracts allow the formula to work without causing dryness.

At night, apply as a leave-on spot treatment for stubborn imperfections. Dispense a very small amount of BHA 9 onto a clean fingertip, and massage a thin layer over affected areas. Suitable for use around the eyes, but avoid contact with eyelids and do not apply along the lower lashline. Experiment to see which method works best for your skin concerns. May be applied over larger areas if needed. Reduce frequency of usage if irritation or flaking occurs.

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

Key Ingredients: Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Glycerin, Arginine, Sea Whip Extract, Salicylic Acid

All Ingredients: Propylene Glycol (Humectant, Solvent, Texture Enhancer | Good), PEG-75 Stearate (Cleansing Agent | Good), PEG-8 (Humectant, Solvent | Good), Water (Solvent | Good), Salicylic Acid (Exfoliant, Humectant | Best), Glycerin (Humectant, Texture Enhancer, Solvent | Best), Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract (Plant Extracts, Antioxidant | Best), Butylene Glycol (Humectant, Texture Enhancer | Good), Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract (Plant Extracts, Antioxidant | Best), Sea Whip Extract (Plant Extracts | Best), Arginine (Antioxidant, Humectant | Best), Polysorbate 20 (Cleansing Agent, Emulsifier | Good), Disodium EDTA (Chelating Agent | Good)

Ingredient Spotlight:

• Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract: Skin-soothing antioxidant that delivers additional beneficial compounds, such as amino acids. May also help visibly correct uneven skin tone. Delivers skin-soothing, antioxidant properties; Shows promise for improving the look of discolorations; Source of skin-beneficial amino acids
• Avena Sativa Kernel Extract: This extract from oats has antioxidant benefits for skin and is well-known for its potent soothing properties. Good source of antioxidants; Exhibits impressive skin-soothing abilities; Suitable for even the most sensitive skin
• Glycerin: A naturally occurring substance in skin that helps retain moisture. It is used in skin care products to help defend against dryness. Found naturally in skin; Helps skin retain moisture; Encourages a healthy look and feel
• Arginine: Amino acid with antioxidant and hydration properties. Amino acid naturally present in the body; Offers antioxidant benefits; Has hydrating properties
• Sea Whip Extract: Powerful soothing ingredient with the ability to halt skin-irritating triggers preventatively, especially beneficial for those with sensitive or redness-prone skin. Powerful soothing ingredient, especially beneficial for those with sensitive/redness-prone skin; Has the ability to halt skin-irritating triggers preventatively; Derived from Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae, naturally found in coral reefs
• 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

Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology, September 2016, issue 9, pages 1480-1490

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, March-April 2012, issue 2, pages 142-5

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2000, issue 1, pages 21-52

Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015, volume 8, pages 455-461

Marine Drugs, 2004, issue 2, pages 73-82

Is Paula’s Choice BHA 9 just a spot treatment or can I use it all over my face?

You can apply a thin layer of BHA 9 all over your face if needed, but start with a smaller, targeted area where you have stubborn concerns (like stubborn blackheads) to see how your skin responds.

How often can I use Paula’s Choice BHA 9?

You can use the BHA 9 Treatment as much as your skin tolerates. We recommend starting slowly and working your way up if your skin does well. For daytime, always finish with SPF 30+. For nighttime, follow with the rest of your routine.

Can I use BHA 9 Treatment at the same time as another Paula's Choice BHA or AHA exfoliant?

Yes, though for some skin types applying twoexfoliantsat the same time increases the risk of irritation. We recommend alternating the days or time of day you use this treatment with your regular exfoliant or applying each to different parts of your face.

Is BHA 9 Treatment recommended for use around the eyes?

Yes, but only up to the orbital bone area (the bony ridge that stops just before the immediate undereye area). Do not apply BHA 9 Treatment to the eyelid or under brow area.

Can BHA 9 Treatment be used on the body?

Yes, BHA 9 Treatment is excellent for treating stubborn concerns on your body too, especially bumps, breakouts and persistent blackheads or patches of hard, red bumps.

Will BHA 9 Treatment help fade acne marks?

Regular use of BHA 9 Treatment can help fade pink, red or brown marks (known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) from acne breakouts but will not affect deep or pitted scars marks since those are from cystic acne.

I have sensitive skin. Can I use BHA 9 Treatment?

Yes, but to start, only apply it to stubborn areas once daily or a few times per week, in the evening. Pay close attention to how your skin responds. If signs of flaking or dryness occur, reduce or completely stop application of BHA 9 Treatment.

Is BHA 9 Treatment better than the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant?

BHA 9 Treatment isn’t necessarily better than2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, but it is stronger and designed to be a targeted treatment. It’s designed for stubborn concerns (blackheads, bumps, leftover acne marks) that have not responded well (or at all) to 2% BHA. BHA 9 is a potent treatment that for most will work best when applied to problem areas. For routine daily exfoliation, continue to use one of our other BHA exfoliants.

Why isn’t BHA 9 Treatment part of the CLEAR anti-acne line?

Our founder Paula feels strongly that although it’s suitable for acne-prone skin, BHA 9 is also an excellent spot treatment for other stubborn concerns that aren’t necessarily related to acne. Without question, acne-prone skin can benefit from using BHA 9 to treat stubborn imperfections, including blackheads and white bumps.

Is it safe to use BHA 9 Treatment during the daytime?

Yes, you can use BHA 9 Treatment during the daytime. As always, just be sure to liberally apply a sunscreen ratedSPF 30+during the daytime.

Can I use BHA 9 Treatment with retinol?

Yes, you can use BHA 9 withretinol products. Because this is a highly concentrated product, we recommend starting slow when using these ingredients together for the first time by patch testing.

Can you use BHA 9 on textured bumps around your eye?

Yes, BHA 9 Treatment can be used on bumps around your eye area, even if you’re prone to milia. Just be sure to avoid your eyelids and under-brow areas.

Will Paula’s Choice BHA 9 Treatment help clear skin and target blackheads?

Yes, BHA 9 Treatment is made with 9% salicylic acid, an ingredient that is suitable for blackhead-prone skin. It’s oil soluble, so it works deep within pores to help reduce the size and appearance of blackheads.