Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant vs Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One AHA Lactic Acid Treatment: what the experts say

Across independent expert reviews, Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant earns a Guru Score of 89% from 32 experts, and Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One AHA Lactic Acid Treatment earns 65% from 17. On the gurus' verdict Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant comes out ahead. Here is how the two compare, in the experts' own words.

89% Yay
Guru Score from 32 independent experts
Mid-rangeLiquid
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65% Mixed
Guru Score from 17 independent experts
LuxuryLiquid
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Which scores higher with the experts?

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant holds a Guru Score of 89%, ahead of Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One AHA Lactic Acid Treatment at 65%. The first draws on 32 independent expert reviews, the second on 17. On the experts' own numbers that puts 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant in Yay territory and Good Genes All-In-One AHA Lactic Acid Treatment in Mixed.

What do the experts say about 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant?

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant carries a Guru Score of 89% from 32 independent experts. Salicylic acid that dives into pores anchors this liquid, and experts keep returning to it for congestion. Many fans say it suits oily and acne-prone skin, even alongside tretinoin, while two experts see it more as an add-on than a cure for acne. One thing to watch: it is strong, so two or three times a week may be plenty, and skin of color may want it at night only.

What do the experts say about Good Genes All-In-One AHA Lactic Acid Treatment?

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One AHA Lactic Acid Treatment carries a Guru Score of 65% from 17 independent experts. This lactic acid treatment earns consistent praise for delivering visible smoothness and smaller-looking pores, especially for those new to exfoliating acids or with sensitive skin. Gurus repeatedly note its gentleness compared to stronger exfoliants, though several flag the lemongrass essential oil as potentially irritating and caution against daily use despite the label's claim, most who had issues dialed back to three or four times weekly. The price draws pushback from multiple reviewers as steep for what is essentially a straightforward lactic acid serum.

Which should you choose?

On the experts' scores Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant comes out ahead, 89% to 65%, a gap of 24 points. It has 32 experts behind it against 17 for Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One AHA Lactic Acid Treatment. Both are independently verified on the Guru Index, so either is a sound pick; let the use case and your budget settle it.

Common questions

Which has the higher Guru Score, 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant or Good Genes All-In-One AHA Lactic Acid Treatment?

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant does, with a Guru Score of 89% from 32 experts. Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One AHA Lactic Acid Treatment sits at 65% from 17 experts.

How many experts reviewed each product?

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant has 32 independent expert reviews on the Guru Index; Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One AHA Lactic Acid Treatment has 17.

Are these scores based on sponsored reviews?

No. Both products are independently verified, so the Guru Score reflects the experts' own verdicts rather than paid placements.

Keep comparing: build your own side by side or browse all reviewed products.