Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel Review

Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Ingredients

Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Ethoxydiglycol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydroquinone, Glycerin, Superoxide Dismutase, Allantoin, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyquaternium-10, Phytic Acid, Phenoxyethanol
Review

Does Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
✅ Soothing: Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel:
 

🔵 Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Ethoxydiglycol (est. ≈65.0%), Butylene Glycol (est. ≈22.0%) and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

📌 Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈2.0%), Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract (est. ≈2.0%) and Hydroquinone (est. ≈2.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Salicylic Acid (est. ≈2.0%), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈2.0%) and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (est. ≈2.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants
   

Summary: Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
Rich in antioxidants, Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation. This product is also formulated with a high concentration of soothing ingredients, offering the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
That said, there are some things about Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2 BHA Gel worth noting.
 
Looking at its moisturizing profile, we found that it doesn’t contain any occlusive ingredients, potentially allowing the moisture attracted to the skin by humectants to evaporate. Therefore, if it’s used as the only moisturizer in a routine, it’s recommended to pair it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
22
2
2
2
2
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Ethoxydiglycol
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroquinone
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Superoxide Dismutase
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metabisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Sulfite
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Polyquaternium-10
Function:
Origin:
Phytic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
93.1
65
22
2
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 93.1 10
10.0
65
22
2
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
65
22
2
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
All humectants 93.1 10
10
All humectants
93.1
65
22
2
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
2
2
1
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 7.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7.6
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
2
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
2
Hydroquinone
2
Superoxide Dismutase
1
Sodium Metabisulfite
0.3
Sodium Sulfite
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
2
2
0.3
All soothing 6.3 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
6.3
2
2
2
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Ethoxydiglycol
Est. %65
Function
Origin
EthoxydiglycolA type of alcohol with humectant moisturizing properties. It also acts as a solvent, since it mixes well with a variety of other compounds, including water and even some oils.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Salicylic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem ExtractAn extract from a plant known in North America as Fireweed and in Europe as Willowherb. It is commonly used in traditional herbal medicine. Due to its abundant content of tannins and flavonoids, it has great astringent and antioxidant properties.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Hydroquinone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Hydroquinone

Description is coming soon

Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Superoxide Dismutase
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Superoxide Dismutase
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
Sodium Metabisulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium MetabisulfiteA preservative that is especially effective at preventing fungus and mold growth. It is normally combined with a strong bactericidal preservative in order to achieve broad-spectrum protection. Sodium metabisulfite is also used as an antioxidant.
Sodium Sulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium SulfiteAn inorganic salt that defends against oxidation.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Polyquaternium-10
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyquaternium-10A cellulose-based film former.
Phytic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytic AcidPhytic acid is found in rice and is seen as a cousin of alpha-hydroxy acids. As a chelator, it can bind to certain metals that may cause discoloration in products or reduce the efficacy of other ingredients.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.