Paula's Choice BHA vs. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid vs. Cosrx BHA: Which is Best for You?

• The Claims

| Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

($29.50, up to 7% cashback at Paula's Choice)

When the breakout hits, this Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant from Paula's Choice is essential in your skincare armory. Treat and minimise blackheads, areas of redness and breakouts with 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, a skincare fluid that is gentle on the complexion.

| The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 

($8.70, up to 4% cashback at Sephora)

Source:sephora.com

Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxyl acid that exfoliates the skin. This 7% toning solution offers mild exfoliation for improved skin radiance and visible clarity. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture with continued use.

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| COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

($17.23, up to 5% cashback at iHerb)

This COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a gentle yet effective exfoliant. Say bye to blackheads with the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, an exfoliating solution that helps to un-clog and clear your pores. 

• The Ingredients & Benefits

| Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

This non-abrasive formula is laced with BHA salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells both on the skin's surface and within the pore. Combined with its anti-inflammatory properties, this helps to reduce blemishes and blackheads for a more clarified complexion. 

Aiding salicylic acid in its blemish-clearing mission, methylpropanediol enhances absorption so you can get the most out of each and every ingredient, while simultaneously boosting hydration levels, and green tea extract delivers a hefty dose of antioxidants to soothe and protect. 

Ideal for blemish-prone, oily or combination skin types. 

How to use: Apply once or twice daily after cleansing and/or toning skin. Lightly soak a cotton pad and apply all over the entire face, including your eye area. Avoid your lashlines and eyelids. Do not rinse. For daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

| The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

The concentrated formula boasts a 7% solution of Glycolic Acid, an alpha hydroxyl acid that gently exfoliates the surface layer to restore clarity and visibly improve uneven textures with a balanced pH for maximum efficacy. 

The additions of plant-derived Tasmanian Pepperberry and Aloe Vera help to soothe any irritations or redness, while Ginseng Root boosts radiance for a healthier looking visage. 

How to use: After cleaning, saturate a cotton pad with the formula and sweep across the face and neck. Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes. This formula should not be used on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin. 

| COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 

Infused with 4% natural BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid), COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid helps decongest pores and reduce blackhead formation. Clinically proven to reduce blackheads and excess sebum, the formula combines hydrating Sodium Hyaluronate with White Willow Bark and Niacinamide to brighten and clarify whilst gently eliminating impurities and dead skin cells. Its purifying properties leave skin feeling renewed, refreshed and healthier.

For all skin types, especially oily and acne-prone skin types.

How to use: After cleansing, soak a cotton pad in the liquid and swipe over the skin, avoiding the eye and mouth area.

• Reviews

The products both claim to exfoliate the skin's surface as well as insides of clogged pores, and to improve the skin's texture and appearance in this way. 

While the Paula's Choice BHA product is formulated with a number of additional soothing agents and antioxidants, COSRX contains far fewer additional ingredients. However, COSRX will be slightly more hydrating than Paula's Choice.

The biggest difference between the two products is the main active ingredients they contain. Paula's Choice uses 2 % BHA. However, that same ingredient is heavily regulated in South Korea. COSRX, which is from South Korea, therefore sidesteps this problem by using 4 % Betaine Salicylate, a commonly used alternative to BHA. 4 % is widely thought to be the equivalent to 2 % BHA in terms of effectiveness. 

If you are looking for something that reliably clears up your acne-prone problem skin, Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant is a safe and effective choice. But once you have your skin under control, it's better to switch to the milder and less expensive COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, which will make sure you maintain your skin's clarity.

For the price point, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is great value for the money, especially if you are looking for anything that will help you get smoother skin texture or get rid of bumps on your forehead or just work against general skin congestion. 

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