Haruharu Wonder Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 8 Reddit threads · Updated November 11, 2026
3% PHA delivers conservative exfoliation with centella support; watery toner texture. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall AlternativeFeatherlight, watery texture; layers cleanly under makeup · $6.00 · 30 ml
Same Active: Centella10% EAA derivative; gentler vitamin C starting point · $11.90 · 30 ml
#1
Best Overall Alternative
- Size: 30 ml
- Price per ml: $0.20/ml (original $0.16/ml)
The why
A watery centella-and-glycerin ampoule for calming redness and adding light hydration around tretinoin or acids. It suits sensitive, oily, or combination skin, but dry skin may need moisturizer and acne-prone users report closed comedones.
One minus
Closed comedones and cystic breakouts hit some users
Good forSensitive Skin, Dry Skin
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- 3% PHA is gentler than AHA or BHA
- Price
- $19.60 · 120 ml · $0.16/ml
#2
Same Active: Centella
Light On Serum : Centella + Vita C
Beauty of Joseon·Serum
See alternatives10% EAA derivative; gentler vitamin C starting point
- Size: 30 ml
- Price per ml: $0.40/ml (original $0.16/ml)
The why
A 10% 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid serum with Centella Asiatica Extract, aimed at sensitive skin wanting gradual brightening without a harsh vitamin C step. It layers well under makeup for many users, but stubborn pigmentation and pilling complaints limit its appeal.
One minus
Too mild for stubborn dark spots; gradual payoff
Good forSensitive Skin
Other alternatives worth a look
Lightweight hydration without greasy shine · 18 recs
Niacinamide-FreeTexture / Pores
Lightweight, non-oily finish · 9 recs
Dry SkinNiacinamide-Free
Watery toner-like texture that layers smoothly under other products · 92 recs
Dry SkinDewy Finish
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