Beauty
That you can snag for less.
If you’re the type of beauty devotee that scours Reddit threads and pages of product reviews to find the most game-changing skin care elixirs for your routine, chances are you know about the famous beta-hydroxy acid (BHA)-based exfoliant by Paula’s Choice. The toner is renowned for effectively combatting breakouts — but you can also turn to a number of Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% Liquid dupes for the same effect... at a smaller price tag.
People love the cult-favorite liquid exfoliant — which costs about $29 — because of its potent pore-clearing powers. The magic’s in the formula: salicylic acid (a BHA) stars as its MVP, which is one of the most dermatologist-recommended acne fighters you can get. “Salicylic acid works as a keratolytic agent, meaning it dissolves keratin — the protein dead skin cells are primarily made of,” says Dr. Rachel E. Maiman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic and general dermatologist. So the salicylic in the toner “prevents pores from getting clogged,” she explains. Translation: Those prone to comedonal acne — whiteheads and blackheads — will benefit from the product.
While some acid-based exfoliants can be irritating or drying for some skin types, the Paula’s Choice formula balances the BHA with more nourishing ingredients. “It mitigates [irritation and dryness] since it contains green tea, an antioxidant that soothes and minimizes irritation,” says Maiman. Dr. Muneeb Shah, MD, a dermatology resident physician, adds that green tea also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties — which basically means the exfoliant in the toner has a slim chance of causing any adverse reactions.
That said, you don’t necessarily have to snag the fan-favorite product to reap these skin-clearing benefits. Below are five Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Liquid dupes that’ll bestow you with a glowing, breakout-free glow for less.
1
The Glow Giver
A few swipes of this salicylic acid-based toner will bring you similar results as the Paula’s Choice product. It’s super gentle thanks to its microencapsulated form of the BHA — which is an effective way to deliver the ingredient deep into the skin — while keeping your complexion (and microbiome) pH-balanced, and the hydrating glycerin within the formula restores moisture.
2
The Extra-Hydrating Option
This baby is a cult-fave K-Beauty product for a reason: It contains the skin-boosting trifecta of willow bark extract (a natural form of salicylic acid), niacinamide (which calms and banishes redness), and betaine salicylate (another salicylic acid-adjacent ingredient that quashes acne-causing bacteria), all of which work to unclog congested pores.
3
The Drugstore Buy
All you have to do is stroll into a drugstore to snag this Paula’s Choice dupe, which delivers a just-as-good-radiance to breakout-prone skin. Besides the star salicylic acid, this toner-serum hybrid also has cica, an ingredient renowned for its inflammation-quelling prowess. The zinc PCA in the formula balances oil production, and the niacinamide helps keep acne at bay.
4
The Soothing Option
Though the other dupes have a soothing effect, this one contains marshmallow extract — an anti-inflammatory all-star that helps reduce puffiness, redness, irritation, and other skin woes. So if you’re dealing with a particularly inflamed complexion, this BHA tonic is for you.
5
The Multitasking Buy
According to one person’s review of this Clarity Tonic, it’s “magic in a bottle.” Use it as a toner and reap the benefits of pore-clearing salicylic acid (of course), soothing aloe vera, skin-balancing probiotics, and moisturizing sodium hyaluronate. You also get extra exfoliation, since it contains lactic and glycolic acids, so the end result will be a brighter, more even glow.
Studies referenced:
Bylka, W. (2013). Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Advancements in Dermatology and Allergology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834700/
Kim, H.K. (2012). Human Skin Safety Test of Green Tea Cell Extracts in Condition of Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Toxicol Res. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834413/
Shalita, A.R. (1981). Treatment of mild and moderate acne vulgaris with salicylic acid in an alcohol-detergent vehicle. Cutis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6458457/
Tang, S-C. (2018). Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6017965/
Woo, J. (2014). Development of a Controlled Release of Salicylic Acid Loaded Stearic Acid-Oleic Acid Nanoparticles in Cream for Topical Delivery. The Scientific World Journal. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3918866/
