Paula's Choice

2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

ExfoliantPremiumEvening only
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The reference-standard 2% salicylic acid exfoliant — formulated at the pH range where BHA actually works (3.2–4.0), with green tea for antioxidant support. Unclogs pores, softens blackheads and smooths texture. The reason so many other BHA products are compared to this one.
The verdict

What this is good for

✓ Great forAcneRough TextureOiliness
⚠ Skip ifPregnancySensitive skinDamaged barrierVery dry skin
The formulation

Ingredient stack

Each ingredient is listed in descending concentration. Above the 1% line the order is regulated — below it, brands can list in any order.

Ingredients above the dashed gold line are dosed above 1% (the regulatory threshold) — these are what the formulation is really built on.

~50–80%Water
~5–25%Methylpropaned…
~3–10%Butylene Glycol
2%Salicylic Acid
~1.5–4%Polysorbate 20
~1–2%Camellia Oleif…
≤ 1% each2 more ingredients below 1%
position-estimated %★ brand-disclosed %1% regulatory line
Hero actives

What's actually doing the work

Salicylic Acid
BHA / Beta Hydroxy Acid
Acid
The only BHA widely used in skincare and the gold standard for acne and congested skin. Oil-soluble — penetrates sebum-filled pores to dissolve plugs and exfoliate pore walls. Dual surface + pore-level action uniquely effective for blackheads, whiteheads and inflammatory acne. At 0.5–1% in cleansers it provides daily maintenance without irritation.
Full glossary entry →
Green Tea Extract
EGCG / Epigallocatechin Gallate / Camellia Sinensis
Botanical
Rich in catechins, primarily EGCG — a potent free-radical scavenger, anti-inflammatory, and mild androgen receptor inhibitor relevant to sebum reduction. Topical EGCG reduces sebum, calms inflammatory acne, provides UV photoprotection, and inhibits MMP activity that degrades the dermal matrix.
Full glossary entry →
When to use

Routine placement

Evening only
Cheaper alternatives

Looking for a dupe?

The closest active-matched alternative is the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (70% active overlap). We found 2 options that share this product’s hero actives.

Dupe guide
See all exfoliant dupes for this product
Ranked by ingredient overlap, with an honest note on what’s different in each.
Related products

Similar on the shelf

The Ordinary
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Exfoliant
COSRX
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Exfoliant
Byoma
Moisturising Gel Cream
Moisturiser
Versed
Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream
Moisturiser
Next steps

Put this in context

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Reverse dupe

What this is a dupe for

Pricier same-category picks this stands in for — it shares at least one hero active with each. Tap any for the full ingredient breakdown.

dupesPaula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel66% active overlapdupesDrunk ElephantT.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum66% active overlapdupesGlow RecipeWatermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner66% active overlapdupesMedicubeZero Pore Pad 2.066% active overlap
See the full breakdown (4) →
Head-to-head

Compare this with…

Same-category picks that share at least one hero active — see ingredients, price and who each suits, side by side.

vsCOSRXBHA Blackhead Power Liquid70% active overlapvsThe OrdinarySalicylic Acid 2% Solution70% active overlapvsDrunk ElephantT.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum66% active overlapvsGlow RecipeWatermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner66% active overlapvsMedicubeZero Pore Pad 2.066% active overlapvsPaula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel66% active overlap

Showing the 6 closest of 7 comparisons.

Browse every comparison →

Skin Stacker is independent and receives no payment from any brand. Ingredient analysis is based on publicly disclosed INCI lists and the peer-reviewed literature. Formulations change — always re-check the label on your specific batch before using.