Versus

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - US Versus COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner

Exfoliator
Toner
American Brand United States
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on December 05, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain BHA

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin and reducing pores

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol

When to use

5,467 Routines
25% use in am
75% use in pm
62% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
494 Routines
51% use in am
49% use in pm
89% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 8 ingredients

3.2 /5
from 74 ratings
Expensive (26) Works Well (21) Drying (13)
skinogre's avatar

skinogre

1 year ago
Review

The first night I used Paula’s choice exfoliant just once, it cleaned up my skin scraping it whole, I was left GLOWING but it felt kind of tight like I had been using corsx salicylic acid for 3 days straight, it takes some getting used to, to the extent that the instructions literally say to start off once a week and slowly build your usage up overtime, it’s really strong but does the job well. Show more

#strong scent
#works well
Vman's avatar

Wiesław Gierczak

10 months ago
Review

Blackheads? Gone. Dry flakes? Gone. Nose? Smooth. Clogged pores who? My skin tends to be sensitive at times but it could easily handle this product.

#great value
#expensive
#light
#absorbs well

COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 7 ratings
Light (6) Great Value (4) Absorbs Well (3)
sophiesmigiel's avatar

sophie

6 months ago
Review

Gentle but seems to be working. I’ve been using it for around 2 weeks and it seems to be good at drying out and minimising ccs. Super lightweight and absorbs fast. No irritation when applying more than 1 layer.

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#light scent
igapaulina's avatar

Iga Paulina

3 months ago
Review

It’s my every other day toner. Fungal acne safe and visibly reduces the look of large pores just after a few uses. Would probably purchase again

#great value
#light
#no scent