Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 17 Reddit threads · Updated November 6, 2026
2% salicylic acid toner for smoother texture and smaller-looking pores; use sparingly. The catch: overuse can wreck the skin barrier. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall Alternative2% glycolic acid plus 0.5% salicylic acid in a watery toner · $12.60 · 150 ml
Best Cheaper Alternative7% glycolic acid for noticeable resurfacing · $13.50 · 239.5 ml vs $31.33 for the original
Same Active: Salicylic AcidSalicylic Acid targets sebaceous filaments and pore congestion · $16.80 · 149.9 ml
#1
Best Overall Alternative
- Size: 150 ml
- Price per ml: $0.08/ml (original $0.26/ml)
The why
A watery glycolic acid and salicylic acid toner for congested pores, rough texture, and occasional breakouts. It suits oily or combination skin using acids sparingly, but sensitive or barrier-damaged skin may sting and develop bumps.
One minus
Stings when the moisture barrier is compromised
Good forSensitive Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Oily Skin
Both recommended for Texture / Pores.
“i tried BOJ’s plum toner a while back.”
— Reddit, r/koreanskincare
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- 2% salicylic acid for smoother texture and smaller-looking pores
- Price
- $31.33 · 118.3 ml · $0.26/ml
#2
Best Cheaper Alternative
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The Ordinary·Toner
See alternatives7% glycolic acid for noticeable resurfacing
- Key actives: Glycolic Acid 7%
- Size: 239.5 ml
- Price per ml: $0.06/ml (original $0.26/ml)
The why
This 7% glycolic acid toner is a leave-on AHA for rough texture, clogged pores, and fading marks. Studies found acne benefits, and Redditors report smoother skin and brighter spots; sensitive, dry, rosacea-prone skin often gets burning, peeling, or barrier damage.
One minus
Burning, peeling, and redness can happen fast
Good forOily Skin
Both recommended for Texture / Pores.
“Not AB but TO glycolic acid 7% toner works wonders in making my blackheads and white heads look less visible.”
— Reddit, r/AsianBeauty
#3
Same Active: Salicylic Acid
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Some By Mi·Toner
See alternativesSalicylic Acid targets sebaceous filaments and pore congestion
- Size: 149.9 ml
- Price per ml: $0.11/ml (original $0.26/ml)
The why
This acid toner combines Salicylic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, and Niacinamide for occasional pore maintenance. Redditors report glow and fewer sebaceous filaments, while studies found 4% niacinamide can improve acne; sensitive or tretinoin-treated skin often finds it harsh.
One minus
Too harsh for sensitive skin; irritation can outlast the trial
Good forOily Skin
Both recommended for Texture / Pores.
“using Some by mi toner every other night has reduced my pore size.”
— Reddit, r/tretinoin
#4
Best for Texture / Pores
Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant
Paula's Choice·Toner
See alternatives8% glycolic acid for texture and glow
- Key actives: AHA 8%
- Size: 97.6 ml
- Price per ml: $0.38/ml (original $0.26/ml)
The why
This leave-on 8% glycolic acid gel targets rough texture, dullness, and lingering spots without a complicated routine. Redditors use it weekly for smoother skin, and studies support glycolic acid for acne; dry, eczema-prone, or over-exfoliated skin can peel and flare.
One minus
Daily use can peel skin and wreck the barrier
Good forDry Skin
Both recommended for Texture / Pores.
“Things that have worked for me are the Paula's Choice AHA Gel Exfoliant and BHA Liquid Exfoliant.”
— Reddit, r/30PlusSkinCare
Other alternatives worth a look
Beginner-friendly acid exfoliation at 1–3x weekly · 43 recs
GentleLightweight
2% salicylic acid acne toner; Reddit favorite · 13 recs
Dry SkinSensitive Skin
2% salicylic acid; studies found results comparable to adapalene · 3 recs
Texture / Pores
0.5% salicylic acid plus glycolic acid exfoliating blend · 1 rec
Glycolic Acid
Browse more
Reddit's best toners by concern, skin type or ingredient list
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