Allergen & irritant analysis
2 flaggedThis exfoliator from Paula's Choice lists 25 ingredients. AllerNote's analysis flags 1 known contact allergen and 1 common irritant in the INCI list. No added fragrance, parabens, MI / MCI (isothiazolinones), formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, SLS / SLES sulfates were detected in the listed ingredients.
- Cetyl alcoholKnown allergen (emollient): Cetyl Alcohol
- Sodium hydroxideStrong alkaline substance that can be highly corrosive and irritating in high concentrations; used safely in cosmetics only in neutralized, low concentrations for pH adjustment.
Not detected: added fragrance, parabens, MI / MCI (isothiazolinones), formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, SLS / SLES sulfates.
Generated from this product's ingredient list and AllerNote's allergen database — educational, not medical advice or a substitute for patch testing.
Benefits
Key Ingredients
- 1AntioxidantsShields skin from free radical damage.
- 2BHAUnclogs pores and reduces excess oil.
- 3ExfoliatorsRemoves dead skin cells to smoothe texture.
Full Ingredient List
25INCI (full list, INCI order): water, butylene glycol, polysorbate 20, cetyl alcohol, salicylic acid, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, cyclopentasiloxane, sorbitan stearate, camellia sinensis leaf extract, lauric acid, allantoin, glycerin, glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, avena sativa kernel extract, epilobium angustifolium extract, dimethicone, xanthan gum, magnesium aluminum silicate, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, sodium hydroxide, hexylene glycol, disodium edta, ethylhexylglycerin, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol
Tap any ingredient to see details
Potential Concerns
- May Trigger AcneCan clog pores or trigger breakouts.
- May Worsen DrynessCan strip moisture and worsen dryness.
- May Worsen EczemaMay worsen itching or irritation for eczema.
- May Worsen Oily SkinMay increase shine or excess oil.
- May Worsen RosaceaCan trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant fragrance-free?
No added fragrance or EU-labelled fragrance allergens were detected in 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant's listed ingredients. "Not detected" isn't an absolute guarantee, but it's a good sign for fragrance-sensitive skin — confirm against the current pack and your own triggers.
Is 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant paraben-free?
No parabens were detected in 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant's listed ingredients. Worth keeping in perspective: parabens are among the least common cosmetic allergens, so "paraben-free" matters far less for reactive skin than avoiding fragrance or the preservative MI/MCI.
Is 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant suitable for sensitive or allergy-prone skin?
It depends on your specific triggers. 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant contains 1 flagged allergen and 1 irritant (listed in the analysis above). If none are on your personal allergen list it may suit you, but patch test first — add your allergens to AllerNote to check 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant against your own profile.

