Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Intensive Exfoliating Treatment Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 11 Reddit threads · Updated October 17, 2026
Lactic acid smooths texture and brightens quickly; two-minute weekly treatment. The catch: cinnamon oil can trigger severe allergic reactions. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall AlternativeReddit’s high-strength congestion reset; studies support glycolic acid for acne · $9.50 · 29.6 ml
Best Cheaper Alternative10% AHA visibly smooths rough texture · $9.20 · 29.6 ml vs $85.00 for the original
Best for Texture / Pores2% salicylic acid targets clogged pores and blackheads · $37.00 · 118.3 ml
#1
Best Overall Alternative
- Size: 29.6 ml
- Price per ml: $0.32/ml (original $1.44/ml)
The why
One minus
Reddit reports stinging and redness escalating quickly
Both recommended for Texture / Pores.
“the red mask serum ever so often when my acne gets bad”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- Two-minute treatment window
- Price
- $85.00 · 59.1 ml · $1.44/ml
#2
Best Cheaper Alternative
- Size: 29.6 ml
- Price per ml: $0.31/ml (original $1.44/ml)
The why
A 10% lactic acid exfoliating serum with sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer targets rough texture, dullness, and occasional breakouts. Use it a few nights weekly on non-retinoid nights; sensitive or compromised skin can sting and flare.
One minus
Stings or worsens irritation on compromised barriers
Good forSensitive Skin, Oily Skin, Dry Skin
Both recommended for Acne.
“lactic acid 5% and 10 % ... it really made a difference first time ever in my life.”
— Reddit, r/acne
#3
Best for Texture / Pores
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula's Choice·Exfoliant
See alternatives2% salicylic acid targets clogged pores and blackheads
- Size: 118.3 ml
- Price per ml: $0.31/ml (original $1.44/ml)
The why
A leave-on 2% salicylic acid exfoliant for oily, congested skin, especially blackheads and rough texture. Redditors call it an HG, and studies found 2% salicylic acid worked about as well as adapalene; sensitive or dry skin can peel or sting.
One minus
Daily use can wreck the barrier: redness, peeling, and tightness
Both recommended for Texture / Pores.
“I have been using the Paula’s Choice bha for a month now”
— Reddit, r/30PlusSkinCare
#4
Best for Acne
- Size: 100 ml
- Price per ml: $0.16/ml (original $1.44/ml)
The why
A thin, leave-on betaine salicylate exfoliant for blackheads, closed comedones, and rough texture. Redditors often find it gentler and less drying, while research supports niacinamide for acne; frequent use still triggers redness, peeling, or breakouts for some.
One minus
Overuse can leave skin red, sensitive, peeling, and breaking out
Both recommended for Texture / Pores.
“You could try something like CosRx, BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
— Reddit, r/koreanskincare
Other alternatives worth a look
Leave-on BHA for clogged pores and sebum buildup · 244 mentions
Combination SkinOily Skin
Fast texture smoothing; makeup and skincare layer better · 145 mentions
Dry SkinBlackheads
Salicylic acid plus powder exfoliation for clogged pores · 134 mentions
Oily SkinSensitive Skin
Texture-smoothing lactic acid · 82 mentions
Sensitive SkinDewy Finish
7% glycolic acid spot treatment for whiteheads · 59 mentions
Dry SkinK-Beauty
2% salicylic acid formula — direct BHA · 20 mentions
Sensitive SkinLightweight
27.98% AHA blend plus 2% salicylic acid · 7 mentions
Dewy FinishK-Beauty
2% leave-on BHA for clogged pores · 31 mentions
Browse more
Reddit's best exfoliants by concern
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