Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
75nextscore· 469 verdictsnextscore is a 0–100 score built from verdicts: posts and comments that come down clearly for or against a product. Today those verdicts come from Reddit discussions. Thinly discussed products are pulled toward the catalog average, and below 5 verdicts there is no score at all. How nextscore works
What Reddit recommends instead — 30 products with similar benefits · Analyzed 834 threads · Updated October 5, 2026
Same active: salicylic acid
Showing 6 of 12
Other salicylic acid products Reddit recommends
- 117mentions
Dermalogica
Daily Microfoliant88nextscore9 shared traits·117 mentions
Powder format turns foamy with water
- 230mentions
The Ordinary
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution59nextscore6 shared traits·230 mentions
2% leave-on BHA for clogged pores
- 140mentions
Dr. Dennis Gross
Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel87nextscore6 shared traits·140 mentions
Texture-smoothing two-step peel
- 17mentions
- 7mentions
90nextscore3 shared traits·7 mentions
Heavy-hitter peel with real pore payoff
- 25mentions
92nextscore2 shared traits·25 mentions
2% BHA for clogged pores
Cheaper options
prices updated daily
Good Molecules
Overnight Exfoliating Treatment~$4 · ~$21 less
$0.15/ml vs $0.22/ml
82nextscore· 15 verdicts
Beauty of Joseon
Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel~$10 · ~$15 less
$0.10/ml vs $0.22/ml
88nextscore· 12 verdicts
~$11 · ~$13 less
$0.10/ml vs $0.22/ml
92nextscore· 10 verdicts
For Texture / Pores
- Best for Texture / Pores84nextscore
9 shared traits·47 recommendations
Niacinamide in this power liquid helps soften skin and tackles blackheads with gentle, hydrating exfoliation.
“I like it a lot!... it's very mild in nature... consistency is thin-watery like a toner... and it makes my skin soft and smooth the very next day.”
- 14recs86nextscore
6 shared traits·14 recommendations
Glycolic acid exfoliates dead cells, clearing whiteheads overnight when applied at the first red bump.
“CosRX 7 AHA White Power Liquid has made white heads disappear for me overnight multiple times.”
- 23recs
The Ordinary
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution59nextscore6 shared traits·23 recommendations
Salicylic acid 2% serum targets clogged skin on the nose with spot treatment and gentle exfoliation.
- 4recs90nextscore
3 shared traits·4 recommendations
Multiple exfoliating acids create a strong chemical peel effect for visibly clearer and glowier skin after weekly use.
- 34recs
Dr. Dennis Gross
Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel87nextscore6 shared traits·34 recommendations
Daily peel pads deliver exfoliation with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and witch hazel to smooth skin and reduce clogs.
- 5recs
Sunday Riley
Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment93nextscore4 shared traits·5 recommendations
Lactic acid visibly smooths rough skin patches with consistent use a few times weekly for clearer, softer results.
For Acne
- Best for Acne84nextscore
9 shared traits·23 recommendations
Betaine salicylate targets blackheads and closed comedones on chin and nose, reducing sebum and dead skin builds.
“BHA helps dissolve sebum and remove dead skin cell buildup; CC's are made up of sebum and dead skin cells trapped in the pore.”
- 42recs
The Ordinary
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution59nextscore6 shared traits·42 recommendations
2% concentration targets clogged pores and sebaceous filaments especially on the nose and forehead.
“You will need salicylic acid to clean out those pores.”
- 18recs86nextscore
6 shared traits·18 recommendations
Glycolic acid targets developing red bumps to clear pimples by morning without popping.
- 6recs
Dermalogica
Daily Microfoliant88nextscore9 shared traits·6 recommendations
Enzymatic exfoliation with rice starch powder smooths skin while salicylic acid targets breakouts and oily areas effectively at night.
- 13recs
Dr. Dennis Gross
Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel87nextscore6 shared traits·13 recommendations
Two-step peel pads visibly improve stubborn jawline breakouts within a week with glycolic acid and witch hazel.
- 4recs
The Ordinary
Lactic Acid 10% + HA81nextscore8 shared traits·4 recommendations
Lactic acid 10% targets stubborn glabella breakouts and helps prevent aftershave irritation on acne-prone skin.
For Redness / Irritation
- Best for Redness / Irritation86nextscore
6 shared traits·3 recommendations
Glycolic Acid targets forming red bumps, clearing most by morning before white heads develop.
“The moment I notice red bumps forming I use it and by the next morning the majority of them are gone before they can even form a white head.”
- 66recs
The Ordinary
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%72nextscore11 shared traits·66 recommendations
Azelaic acid 10% suspension calms rosacea and perioral dermatitis redness after consistent weeks of use.
“Azelaic acid in the evening, I have The Ordinary one”
- 15recs
La Roche-Posay
Cicaplast Gel B5 Skin Protectant94nextscore6 shared traits·15 recommendations
Panthenol-rich gel relieves dry patches and supports skin barrier recovery for sensitive faces after sun and tretinoin use.
- 28recs
De La Cruz
Sulfur Ointment92nextscore7 shared traits·28 recommendations
Sulfur ointment 10% serves as a quick anti-inflammatory mask for inflammatory skin flare-ups at night.
- 21recs
Differin
Adapalene Gel 0.1%78nextscore12 shared traits·21 recommendations
Adapalene gel offers mild skin soothing for sensitive users building tolerance over months in acne and rosacea care.
- 7recs
86nextscore4 shared traits·7 recommendations
Ibuprofen Piconol targets deep, cystic pimples for noticeable shrinkage overnight with repeated use.
For Hyperpigmentation
- Best for Hyperpigmentation
The Ordinary
Lactic Acid 10% + HA81nextscore8 shared traits·4 recommendations
Lactic Acid in 10% concentration speeds fading of PIE and hormonal acne marks with added hydration from hyaluronic acid.
“I love the Ordinary's 10% Lactic Acid. It smoothes the skin so well and truly brightens up my face.”
- 3recs86nextscore
6 shared traits·3 recommendations
Glycolic acid targets dark spots quickly, clearing most whiteheads overnight without marks.
“like 90% of them disappear overnight without popping or leaving a mark after”
- 3recs
Dermalogica
Daily Microfoliant88nextscore9 shared traits·3 recommendations
Powdered texture lets users gently exfoliate nightly for brightness and evening skin tone with colloidal oatmeal.
- 42recs
The Ordinary
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%72nextscore11 shared traits·42 recommendations
Azelaic acid suspension with 10% azelaic acid treats red marks and acne scars over months with consistent nightly use.
- 26recs
Differin
Adapalene Gel 0.1%78nextscore12 shared traits·26 recommendations
Adapalene gel helps fade acne marks while controlling breakouts with consistent nighttime use and sun protection.
- 4recs
89nextscore5 shared traits·4 recommendations
Lotion formulation targets redness and scarring for significant improvement in post-inflammatory erythema within months.
For Rosacea
- Best for Rosacea
The Ordinary
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%72nextscore11 shared traits·56 recommendations
Suspension texture suits daily morning use for calming persistent redness without washing first.
“4. The Ordinary azelaic acid 10%”
- 28recs
De La Cruz
Sulfur Ointment92nextscore7 shared traits·28 recommendations
Sulfur ointment with a 10% concentration soothes red pustules by applying a thin layer for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
“The De La Cruz mask is cheap & great but has a strong smell.”
- 14recs
Differin
Adapalene Gel 0.1%78nextscore12 shared traits·14 recommendations
Gentle adapalene gel avoids irritation while clearing acne and redness on sensitive cheeks and nose.
- 5recs
ISISPHARMA
Ruboril Metroruboril A.Z82nextscore1 shared trait·5 recommendations
15% concentration supports daily use by rosacea sufferers who notice less redness and pustules.
- 6recs89nextscore
5 shared traits·6 recommendations
20% lotion formulation suits Australians managing rosacea at night alongside tretinoin.
- 9recs
Good Molecules
10% Azelaic Acid Treatment85nextscore10 shared traits·9 recommendations
10% concentration suits users building tolerance with gritty texture better for night use in rosacea with pustules.
More alternatives
25mentions
Good Molecules
Overnight Exfoliating Treatment82nextscore
2 shared traits·25 mentions
Weekly exfoliant that people keep repurchasing
8mentions
83nextscore
2 shared traits·8 mentions
Gentle gommage texture
4mentions
2 shared traits·4 mentions
10% gluconolactone keeps exfoliation on the gentler side
6mentions
90nextscore
1 shared trait·6 mentions
10% mandelic acid, not a harsh peel
29mentions
85nextscore
4 shared traits·29 mentions
Retinal without prescription drama
125mentions
88nextscore
2 shared traits·125 mentions
Non-invasive forehead-line fix
8mentions
1 shared trait·8 mentions
2% salicylic acid in swipe-on pad form
Looking for a different product?