This Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant dupe is less than $20

Some products are so well-loved that they manage to reach a cult-status that’d rival the popularity of the very A-listers who swear by the stuff.

Case in point? Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. According to Vogue, Kaia Gerber can’t get enough of it for her “T-zone area or the places that I tend to break out”, and a bottle of the stuff sells every minute around the world for crying out loud – now that’s impressive. 

Our only real gripe is that it’s not the cheapest product in the world. Plus, it can also be a little harsh and end up irritating and drying out the complexion from time to time. 

That’s where COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (was $30, now $19.50 at Nudie Glow) comes in.

Formulated with pore-refining betaine salicylate (a gentler version of salicylic acid, which also kills acne-causing bacteria), exfoliating/brightening willow bark extract and niacinamide, plus hyaluronic acid for a touch of hydration – this Korean beauty find manages to strike the perfect balance between powerful and forgiving. 

With regular use you can expect a reduction in blackheads, pore size, oil production, and the appearance of acne and scarring. Your skin’s moisture barrier is probably going to thank you too, for going the gentler route when it comes to BHA.

We’re not the only ones singing its praises either. This budget buy has fans all over TikTok who love it just as much as we do…

Still not convinced BHAs are for you? It’s time you learned about PHAs. 

Main image credit: @sillaaa