17 of Our Favorite Exfoliating Products With AHAs and BHAs
November 06, 2024
Skincare enthusiasts know that exfoliating products are a game-changer when it comes to maintaining a glowy, healthy-looking complexion. For the uninitiated, exfoliating helps remove dead surface skin cells, which can help improve skin tone and texture, both immediately and over time. While there are a couple of different ways to exfoliate, using chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) tends to be the gentlest approach. These versatile ingredients can help diminish the appearance of enlarged pores, address the visible signs of aging, and diminish dullness—and they can be found in a wide range of skincare products, from daily cleansers and moisturizers to targeted at-home peels.
If you’re looking to level up your routine but aren’t sure where to start, keep reading. Ahead, we’ll explain the differences between AHAs and BHAs and introduce you to some of our favorite products featuring these powerhouse ingredients.
What Are AHAs and What Do They Do For Your Skin?
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a group of naturally occurring acids used in skincare products to help gently remove dead skin cells, brighten the skin, and address some visible signs of aging. There are many different types of AHAs; glycolic acid and lactic acid are among the most well-known and commonly used in cosmetics.
You can find AHAs in a wide array of products, including cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), their strengths can vary greatly from product to product. Keep in mind that while AHAs can be a useful addition to your skincare routine, they may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. When using an AHA product, you’ll want to be extra diligent about your sun protection to help shield your skin from sunburns and sun damage.
Our Favorite Skincare Products with AHAs
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when seeking out the best AHA product to add to your routine—you’ll want to select a formula that aligns with your skin type and concerns. To help get you started on your search, here are five AHA products that we love.
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Glycolic Acid Serum
If large, visible pores rank among your top skin concerns, consider adding this powerful facial serum to your routine. It contains 10% glycolic acid and helps refine skin texture, boost hydration, and diminishes the appearance of pores in as little as one week. The non-comedogenic formula is suitable for all skin types and can be used daily for smoother, more supple-feeling skin.
SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight
If you prefer your exfoliants in cream form, try this overnight treatment. It contains 10% glycolic acid and helps encourage skin cell turnover to improve the appearance of skin texture and tone—all while supporting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Use it nightly (or, if you’re new to exfoliants, every other night) to help reveal a brighter-looking complexion over time.
L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 3.5% Pure Glycolic Acid Cleanser
If you have sensitive skin or are wary of adding a high-potency AHA serum into your routine, try swapping out your current cleanser for this gentle exfoliating face wash. It’s made with 3.5% glycolic acid helps remove oil, makeup, and other impurities without drying out the skin.
Kiehl’s Ferlic Brew Antioxidant Facial Treatment With Lactic Acid
Using an AHA toner or essence is a great way to incorporate exfoliation into your regular routine—and this antioxidant-packed essence is one of our favorite ones to use. It’s made with ferulic acid and lactic acid and helps improve skin texture and tone, minimize the appearance of fine lines, and boost radiance in as little as one week. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to use—just press a few drops of the fast-absorbing formula onto your face after cleansing, then apply your serum, moisturizer, and SPF as usual.
Youth to the People 10% AHA + Yerba Mate Smoothing Energy Body Scrub
AHAs aren’t only useful for your face—they can also be a useful addition to your body care routine, particularly if you’re prone to bumps on your arms and legs. We’re big fans of this body scrub, which contains both AHAs and gentle physical exfoliants and helps buff away dead skin cells to leave your skin feeling silky smooth.
What Are BHAs and What Are They Used For?
Like AHAs, beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are naturally occurring acids used to help exfoliate the skin. What makes them unique is that they’re oil-soluble, which means they’re able to penetrate your pores more effectively than water-soluble AHAs. As such, they’re often used in products designed for those with oily skin and may help target concerns such as clogged pores, blackheads, and some types of acne. There are a few different types of BHAs, but salicylic acid is the one you’ll see most frequently in skincare products.
Our Favorite Skincare Products with BHAs
To find the best BHA products for your skin type, approach it like you would AHAs. Take into account your skin type, goals, and texture preferences (for instance, cream vs. gel cleansers). This will help you put together an exfoliating routine you’ll stick to. And as always, consulting with a trusted healthcare provider is an option for picking BHA skin products. With that in mind, here are a few options worth considering.
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser
If you have acne-prone skin, consider adding this cleanser to your wishlist. It’s made with 2% salicylic acid and hectorite clay and helps reduce blackheads, improves the appearance of pores, and diminishes shine without leaving the skin feeling dry or tight. You can use it morning and night as the first step in your skincare routine.
L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 12% Pure [Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Salicylic Acid] Serum
Target the visible signs of aging and brighten your skin with this powerful serum, which contains a potent blend of pure vitamin C, vitamin E, and salicylic acid in its formula. The non-greasy formula absorbs easily and helps diminish the appearance of fine lines, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture and tone over time. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, so you don’t have to worry about it clogging your pores.
SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF
Vitamin C, salicylic acid, and ferulic acid join forces in this powerful oil-free serum, which is designed specifically for oily and blemish-prone skin types. Add it to your morning routine to help reduce oiliness and refine your skin’s texture and tone for a clearer-looking complexion over time.
Kiehl’s Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner
If you’re looking for an ultra-mild BHA product suitable for sensitive skin, this milky toner is a great option to consider. The non-irritating formula provides gentle exfoliation and helps dissolve impurities without causing discomfort. The unique formula, which contains 23% emollients, also helps replenish the skin’s moisture levels to promote a soft, smooth-feeling skin complexion.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Mattifying Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Sometimes you just need a mattifying moisturizer to help calm down oily skin and make pores appear tighter. This daily face cream, which contains lipo-hydroxy acid (a salicylic acid derivative), does just that. Use it in the morning as the final step of your skincare routine alone or under makeup for a smooth, shine-free finish.
The Differences Between AHAs and BHA Exfoliants
While both AHAs and BHAs are used to help exfoliate the skin, they do have some key differences. The first is their solubility: AHAs are water soluble, while BHAs, as mentioned above, are oil soluble.
How they’re used differs slightly, too. AHAs are typically used to help target age-related skin concerns, like fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. Some evidence suggests they can also help improve skin hydration. BHAs, on the other hand, are mostly used in products designed to address oily skin concerns, such as clogged pores. They can also help dissolve your skin’s natural oils to help minimize unwanted shine. Some products with BHAs, according to the FDA, may also help improve the appearance of fine lines and skin texture without the occasional irritation some experience when using AHAs.
Can You Use AHAs and BHAs Together?
You may be able to use AHAs and BHAs together, depending on your skin type and how well your skin tolerates exfoliation. Sometimes these ingredients can be found in the same bottle, and other times you can use them in separate formulas. That said, you don’t have to use both—some skin types benefit best from just AHAs or just BHAs. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to review your skin goals and sensitivities.
If you do decide to use AHAs and BHAs together, we advise you against playing bathroom chemist and mixing up your own exfoliating concoctions. Instead, opt for a formula that contains both ingredients (more on our faves shortly), or use the ingredients at different points in your routine to avoid over-exfoliating your skin. Again, always check in with a dermatologist if you have specific questions or aren’t sure how to build a routine that works for your needs.
7 of Our Favorite Products With AHAs and BHAs
The best AHA and BHA products are those that provide gentle exfoliation without drying out your skin or leaving it feeling irritated. Keep scrolling to see seven options we love.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum
Target existing breakouts and help keep future blemishes at bay with this lightweight serum, which is formulated with a potent (but still gentle) blend of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lipo-hydroxy acid. With regular use, you’ll notice smoother skin, fewer blemishes, and a visible reduction in the appearance of post-acne marks.
The Best Skincare Products That Contain BHAs
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Body Overnight Cream
If you have crepey, rough, or uneven skin on your arms, legs, or chest, consider adding this overnight moisturizer to your body care routine. It’s formulated with salicylic acid, niacinamide, and AlphaRet (an AHA/retinoid hybrid) and helps resurface the skin while tackling dryness and flaking. Apply a thin layer to problem areas before hitting the sheets—within a few weeks, your skin will appear firmer and smoother.
CeraVe Salicylic Acid Acne Control Gel
Although salicylic acid is the star ingredient in this gel, it also contains AHAs (specifically, glycolic acid and lactic acid) for a one-two exfoliating punch. The lightweight treatment helps minimize the appearance of pores without drying out the skin, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion after just a few days’ time. Note that while this gel treatment is designed to be applied to your whole face, it’s not a moisturizer—so don’t forget to apply your favorite cream or lotion afterward to keep your skin feeling hydrated.
Youth to the People Superfruit Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
The cleanser you wash your face with can set the tone for the rest of your skincare routine. We’re big fans of this brightly-colored option, which contains four exfoliating acids (salicylic, glycolic, lactic, and phytic) alongside vitamin C and superfood antioxidants. Lather up with it up to three times per week to help promote smooth, glowy skin.
L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliating Peel
If heading to the dermatologist for a professional peel isn’t in the cards, stop by the drugstore and pick up this at-home peel. It features a potent combination of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) and helps gently but effectively resurface the skin. Use the oil-free formula up to four times (at night) a week to help fade dark spots, diminish dullness, and refine your skin’s texture and tone.
SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst
Level up your anti-aging skincare routine with this powerful exfoliating serum. Made with a 7.7% cocktail of AHAs and BHAs, it helps smooth the appearance of fine lines, brightens the skin, and diminishes discoloration, all while supporting your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Daily Re-Texturizing Triple Acid Peel Serum
If you’re at all intimidated by the idea of using an at-home peel, allow this mild formula to calm your fears. The triple acid-infused serum is suitable for all skin types, doesn’t need to be rinsed off, and is gentle enough even for twice-daily use. To use it, saturate a cotton pad with the liquid peel formula, then gently sweep it over your skin. Once it absorbs, you can apply your moisturizer and SPF as usual. With regular use, you can expect it to help even the skin, improve the appearance of enlarged pores, and diminish rough texture for a smoother, more radiant-looking complexion.
The Best Skincare Products That Contain AHAs
Next Up: How to Effectively Use Niacinamide With AHAs and BHAs in Your Skincare Routine
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