Geek & Gorgeous Porefectly Clear Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives

From 6 Reddit threads · Updated October 8, 2026

2% salicylic acid BHA serum for blackheads, whiteheads, and milia-prone pores. The catch: can make barrier-wary skin hesitate. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.

Best Overall Alternative

20mentions

Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum

La Roche-Posay·Serum

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1.5% salicylic acid, not a wimpy wash-off

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Size: 29.6 ml
Price per ml: $1.15/ml (original $0.29/ml)

The why

A leave-on acne serum built around 1.5% salicylic acid, plus glycolic acid and niacinamide. Redditors use it for blackheads, texture, and stubborn clogged pores, and studies back the acne and pore-clearing angle. It can sting and dry people out.

One minus

Stings on first use for some people

The original, at a glance

Geek & Gorgeous Porefectly Clear

Why people love it: 2% BHA for clogged pores
Price: $8.60 · 29.6 ml · $0.29/ml

Other alternatives worth a look

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum
Glycolic + 1% BHA blend · 19 mentions
Glycolic Acid
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution
2% salicylic acid for whiteheads and blackheads · 15 mentions
Caudalie Vinopure Acne Serum
0.5% salicylic acid for clogged pores · 9 mentions
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense
Salicylic acid plus glycolic acid · 7 mentions
Texture / Pores

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