BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% — Reddit Reviews
by Naturium
Updated October 14, 2026
Studies support salicylic acid for acne; Redditors report modest pore gains, occasional breakouts.
What the community says
This 2% salicylic acid liquid targets clogged pores and mild acne; studies found 2% salicylic acid worked about as well as adapalene for mild-to-moderate acne. Redditors report modest blackhead improvement, though some develop fresh whiteheads after use.
What this means for you
What people love
- 2% salicylic acid for sebum-clogged pores
- Easy to schedule on non-tretinoin nights
- Under-$20 Target pricing
Watch out for
- New whiteheads or pimples after use
- Six weeks may barely shift clogged pores
- Irritation risk alongside tretinoin or other acids
Product details
Where to buy
What the science says
Acne
Some evidence
Salicylic Acid: 16 studies tested it on its own. See all 34 studies
What the studies found
- Most studies found salicylic acid helped clear acne
- It often reduced pimples, blackheads and whiteheads
- It usually worked about as well as other common acne treatments
- Used with other acne treatments, it sometimes cleared acne better than those treatments alone
- Side effect results were very uncertain in one large review
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 20 mentions across 12 threads
Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% on Reddit, in one place — 12 threads from r/tretinoin, r/30PlusSkinCare and 1 more, summarized.
“(Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% on wed/sun)Tretinoin 0.025% on the other days”
Positive
“Was able to work up to daily use besides the two nights where i exfoliate.”
Positive
“cleanser/tretinoin (exfoliate twice a week and on those days no tret)/moisturizer”
Positive
“Conclusion: I don't really see any change to clogged pores.”
Cautionary
“This is 6 weeks in using Naturium 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and weekly AHA glycolic acid.”
Cautionary
“The BHA seems to be mildly beneficial on sebaceous filaments and blackheads on my nose, but nothing drastic.”
Cautionary
“I have Natoriums BHA exfoliant liquid”
Positive
“the BHA you already have is exactly what you need for this”
Positive
“Start with like 2-3 times a week at night, after cleansing but before moisturizer”
Positive
“Apparently Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% is a dupe.”
Mentioned
“I’m looking for an alternative too.”
Mentioned
“Lately I’ve been waiting for sales”
Mentioned
“Try the Naturium or Paula’s Choice 2% BHA toner daily”
Mentioned
“and cut the glycolic down to once a week.”
Mentioned
“The salicylic acid (aka BHA) actually penetrates the sebum in the pore lining.”
Mentioned
“I recently bought Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant to just dab a little on my T zone on non Tret, non AA nights”
Mentioned
“I’ve only used it for the first time yesterday”
Mentioned
“obviously no results yet”
Mentioned
Dupes & Alternatives
Paula's Choice
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Better for Texture / Pores
4 shared traits
835 mentions
