Paula's Choice 2% BHA vs. ZO Acne Treatment Pads
The viral "Grey Bottle" vs. the Medical-Grade Titan. One is a leave-on liquid, the other is a physical texturized treatment. If you are fighting acne or clogged pores, the delivery method matters just as much as the acid.
- ✓ Paula's Choice: 2% Salicylic liquid (Chemical exfoliation only).
- ✓ ZO Skin Health: 2% Salicylic + Mandelic + Glycolic (The Cocktail).
- ✓ The Texture Factor: Why a physical pad changes the game.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Why does one cost $45 and the other $90? It comes down to ingredients and the mechanism of action.
| Feature | Paula's Choice 2% BHA | ZO Acne Treatment Pads | The Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients |
2% Salicylic Acid Plus Green Tea extract to soothe. A simple, effective single-acid formula. |
Salicylic + Glycolic + Mandelic A powerhouse "cocktail." Salicylic dives deep into oil, while Glycolic and Mandelic polish the surface. |
ZO Wins Multi-acid > Single acid. |
| Delivery System |
Liquid Toner Applied with fingers or a cotton round. It sits on top of the skin and absorbs slowly. |
Textured Pad A pre-soaked, abrasive pad that physically "de-roofs" the pore, removing the dead skin cap so the acid can penetrate instantly. |
ZO Wins Mechanical + Chemical action. |
| Sensation |
Slightly Oily Often leaves a "slip" or residue on the skin that takes time to dry down. |
Squeaky Clean Contains alcohol to instantly degrease the skin. Feels cool, tight, and completely dry. |
Skin Type Dry skin prefers PC. Oily skin prefers ZO. |
| Best For |
Maintenance / Teens Great for mild blackheads and sensitive skin that cannot tolerate alcohol or glycolic acid. |
Correction / Acne Essential for active acne, very oily T-zones, and "glass skin" texture seekers. |
Level up to ZO for results. |
Scroll table right to see more →
Why the "Pad" makes the difference
Reality Check: Viral Hype vs. Clinical Results
Social media loves Paula's Choice because it's accessible and "gentle." But gentle doesn't always clear severe acne.
Viral products are designed for mass appeal—meaning they must be weak enough that 10 million people won't have a reaction. They are formulated for safety, not maximum correction. If you have been using the "Grey Bottle" for months with no change in your blackheads, this is why.
ZO Skin Health is not designed to be "gentle." It is designed to wake up your cells. The Acne Treatment Pads use a precise pH and alcohol base to shock the pore into clearing. It’s a workout for your skin, not a spa day.
How to use ZO Pads correctly
Because they are strong, you treat them as a "mini-treatment," not just a toner.
- Cleanser
- Exfoliating Polish
- ZO Acne Treatment Pad (Focus on T-Zone)
- Daily Power Defense
- SPF
ZO pads are very saturated. To make your jar last 4 months instead of 2, cut the pads in half with sanitized scissors. Half a pad is plenty for the entire face.
Upgrade Your Exfoliation
Swipe to find the right medical-grade option →
