PRODUCT REVIEW: NATURIUM BHA LIQUID EXFOLIANT 2% - What Is BHA? What Does BHA Do to Your Skin? Is BHA the Same as Salicylic Acid?
NATURIUM | BHA LIQUID EXFOLIANT 2%
Over the past year, Naturium has become one of the go-to skincare brands for my regular, day-to-day routine.
People ask me all the time which products I use and which brands I think offer the best skincare products for them. Along with Paula’s Choice, The Inkey List and The Ordinary, I’d have to say that Naturium has taken its place among my faves.
I discovered and have become slightly obsessed with Naturium products on my own. The brand has never sent me a single thing for my “honest” evaluation.
The first Naturium product I ever reviewed on the blog was the Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% almost two years ago now. With its brilliant pairing of Niacinamide and Zinc PCA, the brand’s Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% is one of the best Niacinamide serums for oily skin. And even though I haven’t considered my skin to be oily in decades, I’m a huge fan of the stuff. In fact, it’s my go-to Niacinamide serum during the humid summer months!
You can catch my Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% review on the blog here.
I followed that first Naturium discovery with what also became a fave, Naturium’s Vitamin C Complex Serum – at $20, one of the best Vitamin C serums for dry skin, oily skin and every skin in between. I’ve used it a few times a week since the very first drop. Catch my Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum review on the blog here.
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Last month, in the depths of winter here in Brooklyn, I had the pleasure of trying the new Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer. Packed with skin-replenishing peptides, it’s just $19! In my review of it here, I raved about its potential for promoting overall skin health:
“I haven’t come across many $20 face creams that are this loaded with pro-skin health actives. I’m super impressed with its infusion of three peptides, Niacinamide, and one of the most potent forms of Vitamin C.”
Seriously, Naturium is on a roll!
Back when I first discovered the affordable skincare brand and their $17 Niacinamide Serum, the brand offered just a handful of products. As I recall, the majority of the catalogue was comprised of inexpensive face serums with popular skincare actives like Vitamin C, Tranexamic Acid and, of course, Niacinamide.
The Naturium I see today offers more skincare products than most conventional skincare brands do. They offer an extensive range of well-formulated face creams and face serums for sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin and acne-prone skin – just about covering every skin concern imaginable. The only product missing is a face serum for people overwhelmed with options!
Best Naturium Products
One of their newest ranges is a collection of products with Salicylic Acid – the most popular of the class of beta-hydroxy acids, or BHAs. Understandably, the products are generally targeted to those with acne-prone skin or a concern for oiliness.
Among the six new product offerings in the collection are the $20 Salicylic Acid Serum 2%, the $16.50 Salicylic Acid Body Spray 2% and my favorite product in the range (and subject of today’s blog!), the Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% – a superb BHA exfoliating toner with Salicylic Acid. It’s just $19.
While Salicylic Acid is great for addressing the specific skin concerns of oily skin, it shouldn’t be thought of as exclusively for those who struggle with oiliness – or the acne breakouts that are often a concern of an oily skin type.
Salicylic Acid is for everyone!
But I get it. It’s one of the few skincare actives that can have real benefits for oily and acne-prone skin.
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Have you ever wondered, Why is Salicylic Acid good for oily skin?
Well, it really has to do with the molecular structure of Salicylic Acid itself. Salicylic Acid is the best ingredient for oily skin because it is oil-soluble and can penetrate deep into pores to break down fatty compounds, specifically the skin’s natural oils, or sebum. This is a particular concern of an oily skin type.
Salicylic Acid also helps reduce the production of sebum to begin with – the root cause of oily skin. It can also help to dissolve existing oils, dirt, and debris that can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts.
But guess what! Unclogging pores is something all of us need to be concerned with. It’s essential for attaining and maintaining your skin health. That’s the reason that I use both Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid every day, in both my AM and PM skincare routines – despite the fact that I have neither oily nor acne-prone skin.
Additionally, Salicylic Acid is an effective exfoliant, which helps to speed up the natural skin cell turnover process, leaving skin feeling smoother and looking brighter. And my long-time go-to BHA treatment is also considered the best Paula’s Choice product and a global bestseller from the brand – the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.
PRODUCT REVIEW: PAULA’S CHOICE SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA LIQUID EXFOLIANT – BEST TONER FOR OILY SKIN
Not a single PM skincare routine of mine begins without this product. Immediately after cleansing in the evening, I splash some into my palms and gently massage it into my skin. No cotton – just my clean, bare hands!
I rely on this popular BHA toner to get deep into my pores at the end of each day and clear out any dirt, debris, pollutants – and whatever else has been embedded in them. Hey, I live in NYC; there’s a lot going on in the air around me!
Paired with a Niacinamide serum, I’ve got a one-two punch against clogged pores – and a highly effective pore maintenance strategy. You can catch my full Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant review on the blog here.
But wait.
What’s the difference between the $34 Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and the $19 Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%? You could be forgiven for thinking they’re the same thing from the name alone.
2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant vs. BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%. Huh?!
I’m not gonna lie, that bothers me. I’ve been a copywriter in beauty for two decades and have named hundreds of products, many of them likely familiar to you. Among the most notable are the Kiehl's Since 1851 Facial Fuel™ Energizing Moisturizer, the Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Camo Drops™ and the OLEHENRIKSEN Find Your Balance™ Oil Control Cleanser.
I’ve never once plagiarized the name of another skincare product as my own. So yeah, if I had worked on the Paula’s Choice product and another brand copied the name, I’d be pissed. The issue here is that the two names are what’s termed descriptive. Descriptive product names, which simply define (or describe!) what a product does, are not protected by trademark. Do you see the ™ symbols in my product names above? They’re protected and cannot be copied.
It’s such a low blow, and a bit tacky, on the part of the Naturium marketers. Ugh.
But all that aside, at $19, Naturium’s BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% is super affordable and superbly pro-skin health.
Before I get deep into my Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% review, I wanted to explore all things Salicylic Acid. As I love doing, I sought out insights from the artificial intelligence technology at you.com for answers to my questions and concerns related to skincare, skincare actives, and the skin. This time, I posed questions to the AI about BHAs, Salicylic Acid – and its effects on the skin.
Here’s how the artificial intelligence responded to the following queries:
What is BHA, also known as beta hydroxy acid?
Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) is an organic compound commonly used as an exfoliant in skin care products [1]. BHA is a lipid-soluble acid that helps to break down oil and dirt that can clog pores, making it ideal for treating acne and other skin conditions. BHA is also known as salicylic acid, and it is the only BHA used in skin care products.
BHA is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that can help to improve skin conditions. In addition to its exfoliating effects, BHA can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, and discoloration.
Sources: [1] https://www.healthline.com/health/beta-hydroxy-acid [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5819082/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19004830 [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4278181/
What does BHA do to your skin?
BHA (beta hydroxy acid) is a type of acid used in skincare products to exfoliate the skin and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It can also help reduce acne and improve the skin's overall texture. Research shows that BHA can be an effective skin care ingredient, with one study finding that a 2% BHA solution used twice daily for 12 weeks reduced wrinkles, improved skin hydration, and increased collagen production in the skin. [1]
Sources: [1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17009530/
Is BHA the same as Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is a type of BHA and is the most common BHA used in skin care products. Salicylic acid is a colorless, bitter-tasting solid with the chemical formula HOC6H4COOH. It is a precursor to and a metabolite of aspirin. [1] There are other forms of BHAs, but salicylic acid is the most commonly used form of BHA in skin care products. [2]
Sources: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4958920/ [2] https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/bha-vs-aha
Is it safe to use salicylic acid every day?
According to The American Academy of Dermatology, salicylic acid-based products are safe to use daily if used as directed and tolerated by your skin [1]. However, it is important to start with a small amount and increase the frequency of use if needed. If irritation occurs, then it is best to reduce the frequency of use, or discontinue use entirely. In general, products containing salicylic acid should be applied to the affected area only and not used on the entire face. It is also important to avoid contact with the eyes and other sensitive areas. Additionally, it is important to use a sunscreen when using salicylic acid-based products.
Source: [1] The American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/salicylic-acid-topical
Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% Review
The plagiarized name aside, Naturium’s BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% is actually a solid formula and one I would certainly incorporate into my daily skincare routine if I weren’t already such a die-hard fan of the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. I use the product every day, twice a day – and go through a bottle of it about every two months.
And I always have it in back stock in my product stash. The #fomo is real!
But I’ve found the Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% as effective an exfoliating toner with Salicylic Acid – though it’s not as pleasurable. Both are relatively tight formulas with 18 ingredients in the INCI of the Naturium BHA toner compared to just 8 in the iconic Paula’s Choice BHA toner.
Both products are what I would describe as “watery,” but the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a bit thicker and feels silkier and softer on the skin. The dry-down is slightly different as well. After 20 seconds, the Naturium toner has a dry, powdery feel with no surface oils left behind; the Paula’s Choice toner leaves a more elegant and hydrated feel on your skin.
How the Product INCI’s Compare
The INCI of the Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Diglycerin, Citrus Glauca Fruit Extract, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Microcitrus Australis Fruit Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Carrageenan, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Phytate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenylpropanol, Tocopherol.
The INCI of the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant:
Water (Aqua), Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA.
SKINCARMA ON TIKTOK
In order to truly evaluate the efficacy and experience of Naturium’s BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%, I put down my go-to Paula’s Choice Salicylic Acid toner for two weeks.
I consider my skin relatively balanced with little to no irritation or sensitivity. From time to time, I will get a blemish – perhaps once a month.
Again, I make a habit of using both an exfoliating BHA toner and a Niacinamide face serum every day as part of my daily pore maintenance. So, clogged pores aren’t usually an issue for me. When I get a blemish, it’s usually hormonal or as a result of beard growth. Ahem, I get lazy and don’t feel like shaving. TBH, that’s the usual culprit!
Over the course of the two weeks, I’d say the Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% did the job of keeping my skin smooth, fresh and clear. I applied it with my palms, no cotton, twice daily and saw no signs of irritation. Of course, my skin is accustomed to daily Salicylic Acid treatments and I wasn’t expecting to see any additional sensitivity.
Besides the Salicylic Acid, what does the Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% have going for it?
Well, there’s healthy levels of humectants Glycerin and Butylene Glycol which help to keep skin hydrated. Interestingly, Salicylic Acid also has hydrating properties. Which is yet another reason that it’s great for all skins, not just oily skins and those with a concern for acne.
In addition to these pro-skin health actives, Naturium calls out the addition of “bioactive fruit acids” that help to supplement the pore-unclogging properties of the Salicylic Acid. Entirely unnecessary, but welcome nonetheless.
These fruit-based botanical extracts certainly possess some antioxidant activity on the skin, though none of them can equate to the antioxidant potency of the Green Tea Leaf Extract in Paula’s iconic bottle of liquid gold.
In this respect, at least, the catfishing marketers at Naturium skipped a beat!
What I like about it: Naturium’s new BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% is quite a solid exfoliating toner with Salicylic Acid. It dries down really quickly, making it super easy to layer before the application of your face serums. And at just $19, it’s relatively affordable and accessible to more people. I love that about Naturium. Good skin health for all!
What I don’t like about it: I loathe the fact that Naturium plagiarized the name of the Paula’s Choice icon. It’s just tacky and unforgivable. Fortunately, the formula itself isn’t tacky.
Who it’s for: All skin types, especially oily, very oily, or acne-prone.
SHOP THE BLOG: Purchase the Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% for $19 here.
The Ingredient List of the Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%:
exf|aacne|so|pres, Sodium Polyacrylate vc, Citric Acid buff, Glycerin sii|h 0 0, Diglycerin 
sii|h, Citrus Glauca Fruit Extract h, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract exf, Microcitrus Australis Fruit Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone aox, Carrageenan vc, Phenoxyethanol pres, Sodium Phytate chel, Caprylyl Glycol h|emo, Phenylpropanol perf|solv, Tocopherol aox 0-3 0-3
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