Unlike harsh scrubs that can cause microtears (ouch), I swapped in a chemical exfoliant—and my skin has never looked better. The Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant works by dissolving all the gunk inside your pores (yes, really), which is why it’s such a game-changer for blackheads, clogged pores, and oily skin. I just apply a few drops after cleansing and let it do its thing—no rinsing required.

One thing I learned the hard way? Start slow. If you have sensitive skin like me, use it once or twice a week before building up. A few weeks in, my pores looked smaller, my skin felt smoother, and the glow was very real.

Right now, you can shop it for under $30 during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale—along with other Paula’s Choice skincare favorites worth the hype.