Paula's Choice 9% BHA Solution
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free skin care · Fri Sep 14, 2012 6:00 am

Paula's Choice has just released a 9% BHA (salicylic acid) solution meant "for stubborn imperfections."

http://www.paulaschoice.com/product/resist-bha-9/bha-aha-exfoliants

I thought that 2% was the safest concentration?

Fri Sep 14, 2012 6:17 am

On the website it says "The technology behind BHA 9 is indeed unique, allowing for a controlled, SUSTAINED release of salicylic acid without diminishing any of its effectiveness." I would love to try it. I use 2%BHA (Neutrogena 3 in 1 hydrating acne treatment, recommended by P. Begoun), it's so light and doesn't leave any shine, whereas her own 2%BHA feels oily and leaves my skin shiny. I would really love to try the 9% BHA (it'a rather expensive - $37 for 8 ml) but I wonder if it would be cheaper or just as good to try MUArtists choice BHAs. Two weeks before, she released RESIST skin brightening treatment with niacinamide and glucosamine and it's $27 for 1 oz. I use NCN formula 5-5-5 ($26 for 2.5 oz)with the same main ingredients but Paula's product has many other antioxidants, incl. vitamin C.

free skin care · Sun Sep 16, 2012 2:28 pm

It is quite expensive, but a little goes a very long way. Just one pump is enough to cover my entire face... something about the formulation allows it to spread very easily.

free skin care · Sun Sep 16, 2012 2:58 pm

oasisjc wrote:

It is quite expensive, but a little goes a very long way. Just one pump is enough to cover my entire face... something about the formulation allows it to spread very easily.

Oasisjc,

How long have you been using this product?

Tue Sep 18, 2012 12:23 pm

I just ordered this on the weekend. I am excited to get started, can't wait until it arrives.

Wed Oct 03, 2012 11:32 pm

I have been using this now for almost a week. The only problem is how fast the stuff goes, I am already halfway done the bottle... But then again , i do apply to my entire face. I have been experiencing breakouts for the last week, not large ones but small zits in certain areas. I am attributing this to skin care switchover breakout , which usually happens for me. I have also been using oatmeal oats for a cleanser.

When i was using Skin Biologys copper peptides and AHA my pores were huge. Since i have started the BHA and Paulas Choice products my skin has become extremely smoother and the large pores ( under the skin plugs) have greatly diminished. I am going to order more of the BHA 9% and continue using.

There is literally no irritation after application, it is surprising that there is actually 9% salicylic acid in this product. Aside from the breakouts I am extremely happy with my current progress.

free skin care · Thu Oct 04, 2012 5:40 am

gouldbergvariations - how many pumps are needed to cover your entire face?

free skin care · Thu Oct 04, 2012 9:45 am

gouldbergvariations wrote:

I have been using this now for almost a week. The only problem is how fast the stuff goes, I am already halfway done the bottle... But then again , i do apply to my entire face. I have been experiencing breakouts for the last week, not large ones but small zits in certain areas. I am attributing this to skin care switchover breakout , which usually happens for me. I have also been using oatmeal oats for a cleanser.

When i was using Skin Biologys copper peptides and AHA my pores were huge. Since i have started the BHA and Paulas Choice products my skin has become extremely smoother and the large pores ( under the skin plugs) have greatly diminished. I am going to order more of the BHA 9% and continue using.

There is literally no irritation after application, it is surprising that there is actually 9% salicylic acid in this product. Aside from the breakouts I am extremely happy with my current progress.

I'm still amazed that a product with 9% salicylic acid can be so gentle.

Thu Oct 04, 2012 9:57 am

VeronicaM wrote:

gouldbergvariations wrote:

I have been using this now for almost a week. The only problem is how fast the stuff goes, I am already halfway done the bottle... But then again , i do apply to my entire face. I have been experiencing breakouts for the last week, not large ones but small zits in certain areas. I am attributing this to skin care switchover breakout , which usually happens for me. I have also been using oatmeal oats for a cleanser.

When i was using Skin Biologys copper peptides and AHA my pores were huge. Since i have started the BHA and Paulas Choice products my skin has become extremely smoother and the large pores ( under the skin plugs) have greatly diminished. I am going to order more of the BHA 9% and continue using.

There is literally no irritation after application, it is surprising that there is actually 9% salicylic acid in this product. Aside from the breakouts I am extremely happy with my current progress.

I'm still amazed that a product with 9% salicylic acid can be so gentle.

Yes , it's extremely gentle for its concentration. Are you using it? What has your observations been for far?

free skin care · Thu Oct 04, 2012 10:08 am

No, I'm not using it, but I always have my eye out for good products.

free skin care · Tue Oct 16, 2012 10:36 am

I just ordered a sample of BHA9... I wonder how we know for sure that it has 9% BHA? It is not listed as an active ingredient. I think if it were, it would be considered a drug, and the couldn't sell it without a prescription...
I tried it last night for the first time. Too soon to comment on results, but it is surprisingly gentle.

free skin care · Tue Oct 16, 2012 10:41 am

I believe it's called BHA 9 because of the 9 claims on the website:

BHA 9 can do all of the following:
Unclog pores with the first use
Diminish white bumps
Minimize enlarged pores
Smooth wrinkles
Minimize sebaceous hyperplasia
Smooth and soften dry, rough patches
Help balance oily skin
Fade red marks from breakouts
Reduce breakouts

free skin care · Tue Oct 16, 2012 10:50 am

Here are the product's FAQs:

Question: Is RESIST BHA 9 just a spot treatment or can I use it all over my face?
Answer: A thin layer of RESIST BHA 9 may be applied all over your face if needed, but you would want to use it first over smaller areas where stubborn imperfections (for example, blackheads that have not responded to a BHA exfoliant with 2% salicylic acid) are an issue to see how your skin responds.

Question: How often can I use RESIST BHA 9?
Answer: We recommend applying RESIST BHA 9 once a day preferably in the evening, after cleansing and toning. Many will find that their imperfections respond favorably with less frequent usage, such as 2-3 times per week. For best results, experiment to determine the frequency of application that works best for you.

Question: Is it OK to use RESIST BHA 9 if I am also using a skin lightening product that contains hydroquinone?
Answer: Yes. Apply the RESIST BHA 9 to affected areas first and follow with the skin lightening product where needed. Finish with your Paula's Choice serum and moisturizer. During the day, follow with a product rated SPF 15 or greater.

Question: Can RESIST BHA 9 be applied at the same time as my retinol or prescription tretinoin product?
Answer: Yes, but for use with prescription retinoids, check with your doctor first. If you decide to try the RESIST BHA 9 use it as part of your evening skin-care routine. Apply a thin layer of RESIST BHA 9 first, as either a spot treatment or all over your face and then follow with your retinol or prescription retinoid product, and finish with serum and/or moisturizer. Pay close attention to how your skin responds.

Question: Can I use the RESIST BHA 9 at the same time as one of Paula's Choice BHA or AHA products?
Answer: Yes, though for some skin types applying two exfoliants at the same time increases the risk of irritation and that is never the goal. It is also fine to apply any of our BHA or AHA products to areas of your face where you are not applying the RESIST BHA 9 exfoliant, or you can alternate by applying your regular exfoliant in the morning and RESIST BHA 9 at night. RESIST BHA 9 was designed to be a spot treatment though lots of people are having great success using it all over their face and chest.

Question: Is RESIST BHA 9 recommended for use around the eyes?
Answer: Yes, but only up to the orbital bone area (the bony ridge that stops just before the immediate undereye area). Do not apply RESIST BHA 9 to the eyelid or underbrow area.

Question: Can RESIST BHA 9 be used on the body?
Answer: Yes. RESIST BHA 9 is excellent for treating stubborn imperfections on the body, too, especially white bumps, breakouts, and stubborn blackheads or patches of persistent keratosis pilaris. It is slippery so you would want to be careful what you wore to go to bed.

Question: Will RESIST BHA 9 help fade acne scars?
Answer: Regular use of RESIST BHA 9 will help fade pink, red, or brown marks (known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) from acne breakouts, but will not affect deep or pitted scars such as those that can occur from cystic acne.

Question: I have eczema. Can I use RESIST BHA 9?
Answer: Yes, but to start, apply this treatment to stubborn imperfections only, once daily or a few times per week, morning or evening. If applying over patches of eczema, pay close attention to how your skin responds. If signs of flaking or dryness occur, do not continue applying RESIST BHA 9 to these areas or reduce frequency of application. Follow with an emollient moisturizer.

Question: I have rosacea and sensitive skin. Can I use RESIST BHA 9?
Answer: Yes, but to start, apply this treatment to stubborn imperfections only, 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, do not continue to apply RESIST BHA 9 to these areas or reduce frequency of application.

Question: Is RESIST BHA 9 better than the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid exfoliant?
Answer: Not necessarily better, but it is stronger and designed to be a targeted treatment. RESIST BHA 9 is designed for stubborn imperfections (blackheads, white bumps, red marks from acne, sebaceous hyperplasia) that have not responded well (or at all) to one of our Skin Perfecting BHA exfoliants with 2% salicylic acid. RESIST 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 on other parts of your face, neck, and chest.

Question: How come RESIST BHA 9 is not part of the CLEAR line of anti-acne products?
Answer: Paula feels strongly that the benefits of RESIST BHA 9 are great enough to extend it beyond keeping acne breakouts under control. It is an excellent spot treatment for many types of skin issues such as sebaceous hyperplasia which primarily affects women over 40 who have oily skin and that wouldn't fall under the category of acne. Without question, RESIST BHA 9 can benefit acne-prone skin and can be used as part of a CLEAR routine if a stronger exfoliant to treat areas with stubborn imperfections, including resistant blackheads and white bumps (milia) is needed.

free skin care · Tue Oct 16, 2012 10:53 am

I've already read those.... That's why I said there is no way to know that it's actually 9%. It doesn't specify.

Tue Oct 16, 2012 5:30 pm

fitgineer wrote:

I've already read those.... That's why I said there is no way to know that it's actually 9%. It doesn't specify.

This is what it says on their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/notes/paulas-choice-inc/your-top-12-questions-answered-resist-bha9-spot-treatment/10151145413984004

Quote:

Question: What’s the strength of BHA9, are you just being cute with the name or is that the percentage?

BHA9 is a higher concentration of salicylic acid, as high as we could go and still get amazing results without any down side, and yes, the answer is in the product’s name! It has a double-meaning, as this spot treatment is also formulated to address nine of the toughest skin-care concerns many people have. Extensive panel testing revealed virtually no reactions, just tremendously positive feedback (and it passed a stringent sensitivity test, too). We guarantee you’ll love it or we’ll refund your money, no questions asked.

Question: I love Paula Begoun and her products but the price of her new BHA product makes me look at things differently. Why is it so expensive? I know that the percentage is in the name, but I have seen salicylic acid peels for around $25 for an ounce online. I thought Paula tried to keep her products affordable. Even if it worked miracles, I'd have a hard time paying for this on my budget.

We understand your questions and concerns, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! We can’t account for other companies’ products that contain higher percentages of BHA (or the fact that they have an alcohol base, something we would never use) as is the case of BHA peels. Higher concentrations of salicylic acid (typically above 12%, which is the category of wart medications) runs the risk of burning skin, meaning the risks outweigh the benefits—which is why we kept the strength of BHA9 in a lower yet still potent range.

free skin care · Tue Oct 16, 2012 5:39 pm

Thanks for the link, havana8. That answers several of my questions.

I had previously assumed that one would need a prescription with higher strengths of salicylic acid. I learn so much here on EDS.

free skin care · Tue Oct 16, 2012 7:33 pm

The 9 in the name must mean the 9 things it can tackle, not that it has a 9% forumla of BHA in it.

I have a 6% BHA and it is prescription strength. And, that one gave me some serious damage to spots on my face.

Someone should ask Paula exactly what percentage of BHA is in this formula. She says it's the highest percentage they offer, but doesn't give the exact amount. Knowing what pH it is offered at would also be helpful as the lower the pH, the stronger the formula.

free skin care · Tue Oct 16, 2012 8:39 pm

I have an 8% bha form makeup artist choice that is a ph of 2.3. It is in an alcohol base that Paula doesn't like. So I don't think you need a prescription for that strength. I don't think it worked that great for me but it might for someone else.

http://www.makeupartistschoice.com/products/8_Beta_Hydroxy_Serum-279-54.html

free skin care · Tue Oct 16, 2012 8:50 pm

foxe wrote:

The 9 in the name must mean the 9 things it can tackle, not that it has a 9% forumla of BHA in it.

I have a 6% BHA and it is prescription strength. And, that one gave me some serious damage to spots on my face.

Someone should ask Paula exactly what percentage of BHA is in this formula. She says it's the highest percentage they offer, but doesn't give the exact amount. Knowing what pH it is offered at would also be helpful as the lower the pH, the stronger the formula.

Here's one of questions that she answered:

Question: What’s the strength of BHA9, are you just being cute with the name or is that the percentage?

BHA9 is a higher concentration of salicylic acid, as high as we could go and still get amazing results without any down side, and yes, the answer is in the product’s name! It has a double-meaning, as this spot treatment is also formulated to address nine of the toughest skin-care concerns many people have. Extensive panel testing revealed virtually no reactions, just tremendously positive feedback (and it passed a stringent sensitivity test, too). We guarantee you’ll love it or we’ll refund your money, no questions asked.

free skin care · Wed Oct 17, 2012 4:33 am

The fact that they don't actually name "9% BHA/SA" as an active ingredient just seems odd to me. It actually seems to go against what Paula has preached IMO if this is truly 9%.

Wed Oct 17, 2012 8:25 am

foxe wrote:

Knowing what pH it is offered at would also be helpful as the lower the pH, the stronger the formula.

On the Facebook FAQ link above it says:

Quote:

Question: What is the pH?

RESIST BHA9 has a pH of 3.1-3.6, like all of our BHA formulas!

On the product page it says:

Quote:

BHA 9 for Stubborn Imperfections has a pH range of 3.2-3.5.

free skin care · Wed Oct 17, 2012 12:50 pm

foxe wrote:

The 9 in the name must mean the 9 things it can tackle, not that it has a 9% formula of BHA in it.

My guess is it's 2% BHA; that's the maximum concentration of Salicylic Acid allowed in an over-the-counter, leave-on product, according to recent FDA guidelines:

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=333.310

In Europe the maximum concentration allowed is 3% in rinse-off hair products, and 2% in all other formulations. In Canada, the maximum is 2%. Since the Resist 9 product will be/is available for sale in Europe and Canada, this further suggests that the BHA is at 2%.

http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient_details.php?ingredient_id=361

I am sure the manufacturer of Paula's Choice products is well aware of FDA and foreign guidelines/laws. I would ignore what is said (or what you think was said) on the Facebook page by the marketing representative of Paula's Choice; it's vague and misleading IMO.

Paula's Choice has many exfoliating products which include either BHAs or glycolic acid. However, those seem to all contain Sodium Hydroxide as a pH adjuster. The new Resist BHA 9 doesn't include it on the ingredients list. Perhaps that is one of the reasons they claim it is stronger and more effective than their other exfoliating products.

Ingredients: Propylene Glycol (solvent/penetration enhancer), PEG-75, PEG-8 (thickeners), Water, Salicylic Acid (beta hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Glycerin (skin-repairing ingredient), Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract (anti-irritant), Butylene Glycol (slip agent), Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract (antioxidant plant extract), Sea Whip Extract, Arginine (amino acid/skin-conditioning agent), Polysorbate 20 (stabilizer), Disodium EDTA (chelating agent).

free skin care · Mon Oct 22, 2012 5:35 pm

Lacy,

I do agree that the wording is very unclear. I'm surprised because Paula Begoun is known for her frankness.

free skin care · Tue Oct 23, 2012 1:13 pm

Straight from the horses mouth.

free skin care · Tue Oct 23, 2012 1:42 pm

Hmmm... I wonder if the "time released" terminology implies a compounded effect... i.e., what if it's really only 2% actual concentration, but because of the time release aspect, it adds up to 9% over a period of time, say 8 hours?
Not sure if that's possible, but it's a thought.

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