Both methods are allowed by Paula's Choice, so the cotton pad is an option, not an admission ticket. The UK product is called 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner and the German product is called 2% BHA Liquid Peeling; both give you the same choice of applicator.12

How should I apply it?

  1. 1Cleanse your face. If you use a separate toner, apply it before BHA.
  2. 2Dispense a small amount into your hands or onto a cotton pad. The UK directions specify one to two gentle shakes of the bottle.
  3. 3Gently spread the liquid over your face and neck. Keep it away from the eye area, following the more cautious German directions.
  4. 4Leave it on. Do not rinse it off.
  5. 5Continue with treatments, then moisturiser. You can apply moisturiser directly after BHA if you do not use treatments.
  6. 6For daytime use, finish with broad spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher.
12

Do I need to rub it in with the pad?

No scrubbing is needed. BHA means beta hydroxy acid, a chemical exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells; salicylic acid also works within pores. A pad used to physically remove skin cells adds mechanical exfoliation. That extra rubbing can be too irritating for dry, sensitive or acne prone skin. Use the pad to spread the liquid gently, not to polish your face.13

What if it feels sticky or oily?

If the liquid feels sticky, try using less and spreading it thinly. The German directions link stickiness to applying too much, and explain that the oily feeling comes from the formula's glycols, which help bind water. Despite the liquid format, BHA belongs in the exfoliating step, because being pourable is not a job description.2

How often should I use it?

Start every other day, in the morning or evening, and watch how your skin responds. Paula's Choice allows an increase up to twice daily depending on tolerance; that is a maximum, not a target. Exfoliating too often can leave skin red and irritated. Visible blackhead and whitehead improvements have been measured after one week, and pore appearance and oil control after three weeks.13

When should I be careful?

Do not exfoliate sunburned skin or areas with open cuts or wounds. Avoid further exfoliation if your skin becomes red or irritated. Retinol, prescription retinoid creams and benzoyl peroxide can make skin more sensitive or cause peeling, so adding BHA can worsen dryness. If you are unsure whether exfoliation suits your skin or current routine, ask a dermatologist.3

If you have a salicylate allergy, check with your doctor before using salicylic acid. During pregnancy, Paula's Choice advises checking with your GP before use and limiting application to small areas such as the face, neck and chest.1

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Exfoliating Tonerpaulaschoice.co.uk
  2. 2‌Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Peelingpaulaschoice.de
  3. 3How to safely exfoliate at homeaad.org