# Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel for sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for sensitive skin.**
Normal Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/sensitive-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Australia.

Brand: [Paula's Choice](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/paula-s-choice)
Category: [Exfoliants](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/best/exfoliators)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with sensitive skin: redness, stinging, and reactions to new products. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

One of the best products for sensitive skin.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for your normal skin due to the presence of glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid, which help smooth texture and decongest pores, while bisabolol and allantoin provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
- While the formula is safe for your sensitive skin and free of harsh ingredients, its primary benefits are general skincare rather than directly addressing your redness and irritation.
- The product is safe for your sensitive skin as it lacks harsh ingredients and includes soothing components like bisabolol and allantoin.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/sensitive-skin): High (this page)
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/acne-prone-skin): Low
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Aha Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Bha Beta Hydroxy Acid, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate

## What the research says

- Topical application of 1-1.5% glycolic acid suppresses UVB-induced inflammation by modulating NF-κB signaling pathways in human keratinocytes and mouse dorsal skin. ([Journal of Dermatological Science, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28330776/))
- A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo. ([Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/))
- SD-101 6% cream showed no statistically significant difference compared to vehicle in time to target wound closure or the proportion of patients achieving complete target wound closure within 3 months in patients with epidermolysis bullosa. ([Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32576219/))
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients. ([CMAJ, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase. ([BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))
- Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks. ([International Journal of Dermatology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11095203/))
- Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28114204/))
- Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))

## What reviewers say

Users with dull, aging, or congested skin frequently report that this peel delivers a "glass-like" finish, significantly smoothing rough texture and minimizing pores.

- Liked: Smoother skin texture (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Instant glow (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle for a peel (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Pore reduction (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Lack of results (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Stinging or tingling (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your exfoliant PM once a week to help with redness and irritation. Start slowly and only increase frequency if your skin feels happy and comfortable.
- Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toner , but always before your moisturizer . This ensures the product absorbs properly into the skin.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin without rubbing . Let it absorb for a minute before moving on.
- Since your skin is sensitive , apply the exfoliant on completely dry skin for the best tolerance. This helps prevent any extra stinging or discomfort.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/028e5e793422a3b665c02ff502cf5a68.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes Paula's Choice 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel a great fit for sensitive skin?

This exfoliant peel is a great fit because it is safe for sensitive skin, lacking harsh ingredients while including soothing components like bisabolol and allantoin. It also helps smooth texture and decongest pores.
Sources: [Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/)

### Which ingredients make this exfoliant a good fit for sensitive skin?

Bisabolol and allantoin make this exfoliant a great fit for sensitive skin by helping calm irritation. The formula is safe and free of harsh ingredients, ensuring a gentle experience.
Sources: [Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/)

### What does Alpha Hydroxy Acid do for sensitive skin?

Alpha hydroxy acids help smooth and brighten sensitive skin when you choose gentler forms like polyhydroxy acids or carefully formulated derivatives that are less likely to cause irritation. They improve hydration and soften lines while keeping the skin calm.
Sources: [Clinics in Dermatology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19695482/), [Cutis, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15002656/)

### What does Bha do for sensitive skin?

BHA helps clear pores and calm breakouts, but because sensitive skin can easily get irritated by strong acids, it is unlikely to suit you unless it is part of a very gentle, well-tolerated formula. Sensitive skin needs hydrating ingredients and calming agents to keep the skin barrier strong and comfortable while treating blemishes.
Sources: [Clinics in Dermatology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19695482/)

### Where does this exfoliant go in a skincare routine for sensitive skin?

This exfoliant goes in your evening routine, starting just once a week as part of Lovi's routine steps for sensitive skin. You can carefully use it more often if your skin tolerates it well and sees good results.

### Can I use this exfoliant with retinol, and in what order?

It is best to avoid using this strong exfoliant on the same night as your retinol, as alternating them on different nights helps prevent severe dryness and irritation. Using them together is likely to overwhelm sensitive skin.

### How often should I use this exfoliant?

Use this exfoliant once a week in your evening routine, and if your skin feels comfortable and you see good results, you may carefully use it more often. The formula is safe for your sensitive skin because it lacks harsh ingredients and includes soothing components like bisabolol and allantoin.

### Can this exfoliant clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for sensitive skin?

This exfoliant is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts because it contains salicylic acid and glycolic acid to help decongest pores and smooth texture. It may cause mild purging when you first start using it as dead skin cells clear away, but soothing ingredients like bisabolol and allantoin help calm the skin.
Sources: [Journal of Dermatological Science, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28330776/), [Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/)

### Is this exfoliant fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for sensitive skin

- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — A$50.60 at Amazon
- [COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/the-vitamin-c-23-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — A$27.50 at Amazon
- [Skin1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/skin1004/probio-cica-intensive-ampoule/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — A$34.41 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$73.61 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$54.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [Bioderma Bioderma Photoderm Mineral SPF 50+](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/bioderma/photoderm-mineral-fluide-spf50/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$24.49 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com.au: A$72.00 (https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B089973QWM?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 2 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Aminomethyl Propanol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Isoamyl Laurate, Tartaric Acid, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Malic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891, Mica, Phenoxyethanol
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/sensitive-skin (this page)
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-25-aha-2-bha-exfoliant-peel/for/sensitive-skin