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Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant vs AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid ExfoliantPaula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant8.6The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling SolutionThe OrdinaryAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution8.1vs

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant edges out The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, 8.6 to 8.1. It wins on results, formula and texture and feel, while the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is stronger on value.

Benefit fingerprints

What each one does.

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

Side by side

Every detail, compared.

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Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Paula's Choice

Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Highest score
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

The Ordinary

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Beauty score
8.6Excellent
8.1Great
Results30% of score
8.9
8.2
Formula & ingredients20% of score
8.7
7.6
Texture & experience15% of score
8.0
6.8
Value20% of score
8.0
9.3
Community love15% of score
9.3
8.2
Community
No ratings yet
No ratings yet
PriceTypical, checked by our editors
$37.00/ 4 fl oz / 118 mlMid-range
$9.50/ 1 fl oz / 30 mlDrugstore
Price per ounceLowest wins
$9.27 / oz
$9.36 / oz
What it does
  • Clogged pores
  • Blackheads
  • Pore refining
  • Oil control
  • Resurfacing
  • Smoothing
  • Clogged pores
  • Dullness
Made for
Oily skin, Combination skin, Acne-prone skin, Normal skin
Normal skin, Oily skin, Combination skin
Key ingredients
Salicylic acidGreen tea
Glycolic acidLactic acidSalicylic acidHyaluronic acidPanthenol
Format
Toner
Peel
Texture
Lightweight, watery liquid that absorbs quickly (brand description)
Red, water-based exfoliating serum applied with fingertips and rinsed off
Fragrance-free
Yes
—
Claims
Vegan, Cruelty-free (brand-stated), Fragrance-free
Vegan, Cruelty-free (brand-stated)
Brand origin
🇺🇸 American beauty
🇨🇦 Canadian beauty
Video reviews
5
5
Best for
  • • Blackheads and visible pores on oily or combination skin
  • • Daily leave-on exfoliation without scrubs
  • • Those wanting a fragrance-free BHA
  • • Rough texture and dullness on resilient skin
  • • Clogged pores on oily or combination skin
  • • Experienced exfoliant users wanting an at-home peel
Strengths
  • 2% salicylic acid at a low pH that reliably unclogs pores
  • Short, fragrance-free ingredient list
  • Fast-absorbing liquid suits daily use
  • Strong 32% combined AHA/BHA blend delivers visible smoothing
  • Weekly use makes a $9.50 bottle last a long time
  • Hyaluronic acid and panthenol support the acid load
Watch-outs
  • Can cause dryness or stinging, especially when combined with other acids or retinoids
  • Offers little hydration on its own
  • Only for experienced acid users; not for sensitive or compromised skin
  • Misuse or over-long contact can cause significant irritation
Where to buy

FAQ

Quick answers.

Which is better, Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant or AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution?

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant edges out The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, 8.6 to 8.1. It wins on results, formula and texture and feel, while the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is stronger on value.

Which is better value?

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant works out to about $9.27 / oz and The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution to about $9.36 / oz, based on typical non-Amazon retail prices when we last checked.

How do you score them?

Both are scored on the same five-factor rubric (results, formula & ingredients, texture & experience, value, community love), using the formula or specs, verified creator reviews, community consensus and value. Brands can’t pay for placement.