Paula’s Choice 2% BHA vs. Anua Heartleaf 77% vs. Glycolic 7%: Pore & Blackhead Toner Guide (2026)
Social media calls all three "pore-clearing miracle toners"—but one is an oil-soluble acid that dissolves blackheads, one is a water-soluble surface resurfacer, and one isn’t an acid at all.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA vs. Anua Heartleaf 77% vs. The Ordinary 7% Glycolic
1. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA: Why Only Salicylic Acid Dissolves Oil Plugs
Those tiny grey or tan dots across the bridge of your nose and chin are usually sebaceous filaments—natural tube-like linings that channel sebum to the surface. Water-based toners bounce right off oil, which is why splashing hydrating toners on your nose never clears them.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant uses oil-soluble Salicylic Acid at an optimal pH of 3.2–3.8 paired with soothing methylpropanediol and green tea antioxidants. It slips inside the oil-filled pore lining, dissolves the oxidized sebum plug, and shrinks the appearance of stretched pores without gritty physical scrubs.
Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Iconic leave-on exfoliant with 2% salicylic acid that unclogs enlarged pores, smooths texture, and brightens tone.
2. Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner: Why It Pairs With (Rather Than Replaces) BHA
Viral videos often pit Anua Heartleaf 77% against Paula’s Choice BHA, leading shoppers to think Heartleaf is an exfoliating acid. In reality, Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner is a pH 5.5–6.0 calming botanical essence rich in quercitrin flavonoids that reduce redness and regulate excess oil.
Because Anua contains zero exfoliating acids, you can actually layer Anua Heartleaf right after Paula’s Choice 2% BHA (or use BHA 3 nights a week and Anua every morning and evening) to keep your moisture barrier calm and bouncy.
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
Formulated with 77% heartleaf extract harvested in Korea to soothe redness, balance skin oil-moisture levels, and hydrate acne-prone skin.
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original Acne Pimple Patches
Medical-grade hydrocolloid pimple patches that absorb pus and shrink the look of blemishes overnight without popping.
3. The Ordinary 7% Glycolic Acid Toner & Acne Wash Pairings
Whereas Salicylic Acid (BHA) dives deep into oily pores, Glycolic Acid (AHA) has the smallest molecular weight of all alpha hydroxy acids and works on the outer surface to unglue dull, dead skin cells and fade hyperpigmentation. At $13 for a massive 8.0 oz (240ml) bottle, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner is one of the highest-value resurfacers in skincare—just remember never to layer it on the same night as BHA or Retinol.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner (240ml)
Offers mild chemical exfoliation with 7% glycolic acid to improve skin radiance, visible clarity, and even out tone across face and body.
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
Dermatologist-recommended maximum strength foaming wash that kills acne-causing bacteria on contact for face, chest, and back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I layer Paula’s Choice 2% BHA and Anua Heartleaf 77% Toner together?
Yes! Apply Paula’s Choice 2% BHA first onto clean dry skin, wait 60 seconds, and then pat Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner on top to hydrate and soothe redness.
Can I use Paula’s Choice 2% BHA and The Ordinary 7% Glycolic Toner on the same night?
No. Stacking a leave-on BHA and a 7% AHA in the same routine over-exfoliates the stratum corneum. Alternate them on different evenings or use BHA on your oily T-zone only.