Paula&#x27;s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Dupes &amp; Cheaper Alternatives

Key actives: AHA 30%, BHA 2%
Size: 29.6 ml
Price per ml: $0.32/ml (original $0.31/ml)

The why

A 10-minute wash-off acid peel with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and aloe. Redditors use it for clogged pores, texture, and post-acne marks, and studies back the acne-clearing part. The catch is obvious: it can sting, over-dry, and wreck a barrier.

One minus

Stings hard and can turn skin bright red

Good forOily Skin

Both recommended for Acne; discussed alongside Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant in 29 threads.

“the red mask serum ever so often when my acne gets bad”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

The original, at a glance

Why people love it: Clogs-and-blackheads killer
Price: $37.00 · 118.3 ml · $0.31/ml

#2

Best Cheaper Alternative

230mentions

Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

The Ordinary·Exfoliant

2% leave-on BHA for clogged pores

Key actives: Salicylic Acid 2%
Size: 29.6 ml
Price per ml: $0.23/ml (original $0.31/ml)

The why

A 2% leave-on BHA serum for oily, clog-prone skin and stubborn blackheads. Redditors use it as a maintenance exfoliant, and studies back the acne-clearing angle. Dry skin and irritated barriers usually hate it.

One minus

Can sting, dry out, and wreck a weak barrier

Both recommended for Texture / Pores; discussed alongside Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant in 26 threads.

“You will need salicylic acid to clean out those pores.”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction

#3

Same Active: Salicylic Acid

123mentions

Daily Microfoliant

Dermalogica·Exfoliant

Powder format — easy to control

The why

A powder exfoliant that foams with water and leans on salicylic acid, papain, and colloidal oatmeal. It suits people wanting smoother texture, fewer clogs, or a softer pass than acid pads. Sensitive or barrier-fried skin may still find it too much.

One minus

Fragranced, with grapefruit oil and limonene

Good forDry Skin, Oily Skin

Both recommended for Acne; discussed alongside Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant in 13 threads.

“the salicylic acid helps control my oily t zone and chin acne flare ups.”
— Reddit, r/30PlusSkinCare

BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

#4

Best for Acne

169mentions

COSRX·Exfoliant

Gentler pore-cleaner than most BHAs

Size: 100 ml
Price per ml: $0.19/ml (original $0.31/ml)

The why

Redditors use it as a mild leave-on exfoliant for blackheads, clogged pores, and rough texture. Studies found niacinamide can help acne, while community reports say this one is usually gentler than harsher BHAs. Overuse can sting, dry out, or set off redness.

One minus

Overuse can sting, redden, and wreck the barrier

Good forSensitive Skin

Both recommended for Texture / Pores; discussed alongside Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant in 34 threads.

“You could try something like CosRx, BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
— Reddit, r/koreanskincare