Is Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant fungal acne safe?
Based on its published ingredient list, Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is best used with caution for fungal-acne-prone skin. It contains 1 ingredient on the fungal-acne watchlist: Polysorbate 20.
Flagged ingredients
Safer swaps
Fungal-acne-safe alternatives for the flagged ingredients above:
Full ingredient breakdown
- Polysorbate 20 Caution
- Aqua Safe
- Methylpropanediol Safe
- Butylene Glycol Safe
- Salicylic Acid Safe
- Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract Safe
- Sodium Hydroxide Safe
- Tetrasodium EDTA Safe
Based on the published ingredient list for Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant as of August 2026 (US formulation). Formulations change and vary by region, so scan your actual product to confirm.
Frequently asked questions
Is Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant fungal acne safe?
Based on its published ingredient list, Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is best used with caution for fungal-acne-prone skin. It contains 1 ingredient on the fungal-acne watchlist: Polysorbate 20.
Which ingredients in Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant can trigger fungal acne?
On the fungal-acne watchlist: Polysorbate 20. C12 laurate ester; debated FA bioavailability. Other ingredients in the product may be perfectly fine; it is the presence of any trigger that sets the overall verdict.
Can I use Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant if I have fungal acne?
That is a personal call, and tolerance varies. This page reflects a published ingredient list snapshot, not your specific bottle, and it is informational rather than medical advice. The most reliable check is to scan your actual product with Fungalscan, since formulations change and vary by region.
Browse the product checks index, the ingredient index, or read the trigger list and safer swaps.
Informational only, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a product endorsement. Verdicts reflect a published ingredient list snapshot and malassezia lipid research, not a guarantee for your skin or your specific product. Always patch test and consult a qualified clinician.