18 Beauty Products with AHA/BHA for Better Skin

For fear of irritation, remember when your AHAs were required to be kept away from your BHAs? Since then, skincare has advanced a lot. Actually, exfoliators that were once not compatible actually work well together. Although salicylic acid (BHA) is a great acne treatment ingredient, it’s not just for those with breakouts. Glycolic acid (AHA), which has been praised for its anti-aging properties, can be used for all skin types.

Marisa Garshick MD, FAAD, a dermatologist, says that exfoliants such as AHA and BHA combinations can help improve skin texture and tone. AHAs and BHAs can be used to remove dead skin cells, improve texture, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They also improve skin tone.

Britt Craiglow MD FAAD, dermatologist, advises caution if you have sensitive or dry skin. She says that these treatments can cause redness, irritation, dryness, and skin sensitivity. Garshick says it is a good idea to test the product first on a small patch of skin to make sure there are no reactions.

You don’t need to make a choice between keeping your skin clear, avoiding wrinkles, dullness and fine lines, or maintaining a healthy complexion. With the most recent multi-acid treatments you don’t have to pick. All the benefits of chemical exfoliation can be found in one product.

Continue scrolling to see the top 18 skincare products that contain AHA/BHA to smoothen your skin.

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 22% Exfoliating Peeling Treatment

The popular Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 22% Exfoliating Peeling Solutions is fast, effective and affordable at $8. Craiglow says that the Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution is a TikTok favourite at an affordable price. However, it may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Catalina Villaneda is an esthetician at Face Haus Dallas and a big fan of this product. She loves the AHA/BHA combination. She says that the AHA/BHA combination works not only on the surface but can penetrate deeper into skin.

Garshick also agrees with its effectiveness. She says, «This exfoliant combines various alpha-hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid and lac acid with beta hydroxy acid, like salicylic Acid, to reduce clogged pores, congestion, and improve skin texture and uneven skin tone.» It should be used only twice per week, even though it is affordable.

Omorovicza Acid Fix

This serum works to reverse sun damage, acne, and pollution. The exfoliating effects of salicylic acid on skin are combined with the ability to promote cell renewal and improve pigmentation. Omorovicza products also contain the healing and rejuvenating properties of Hungary’s thermal waters. The serum may feel slightly tingly when it is first applied. This is normal as the serum can be used by all skin types. It will be a pleasure to wash it off the next morning, and see brighter, healthier skin in the mirror.

Face Haus, The Radical Reformer

The Face Haus 0% AHA+ BHA exfoliating facial pads contain a mixture of Glycolic Acid, salicylic Acid, lactic acid and phytic acids. Craiglow says that these combination exfoliating facial pads are quick and easy to use. They can also be tolerated by people with sensitive skin.

Villaneda also agrees that BHAs penetrate deeply to prevent breakouts and unclog pores, while AHAs are more superficial and work on the skin surface to remove dead skin cells.

Phytic acid, a gentle alpha-hydroxy acid, is the key ingredient. It’s usually derived from rice, legumes, and grains. It is able to reduce free radical damage, shrink pores and improve pigmentation.

Herbivore Blue Tansy AHA+ BHA Resurfacing Clarity Masque

This mask is an instant lifesaver for those with breakout-prone skin. The white willow bark, a natural BHA rich in salicylic acid and papaya enzymes (natural AHAs), works gently to exfoliate the skin. It takes 15 to 20 minutes. The blue tansy oil balances the resurfacing properties of the mask. It is responsible for the mask’s dreamy color, as well as its powerful anti-inflammatory, soothing irritation and calming redness. Although it may seem like a lot, it is effective. I noticed results after the second use. Even though you will feel the effects after one, I was tempted by the temptation to use it every single day.

Tip: I use it three to five times per week to prevent hormonal breakouts. It keeps my skin bright and calm.

SkinBetter AlphaRet Clearing Serum

Garshick says, «This serum packs an impressive punch because it combines a topical retinoid, an alpha-hydroxy, salicylic acid and a betahydroxy acid.» This combination improves the texture and tone of the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It also improves the appearance of pores, and helps with blemishes.

This AHA/BHA serum also includes zinc PCA which aids in controlling and balancing oily skin. It also contains sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide to moisturize the skin so that it doesn’t feel dry or irritated.

Ren Skincare Wake Wonderful, a Night-Time Facial

It’s a fact I have repeated before and it’s true: Wake Wonderful lives up to its name. It can be used if you desire plump, hydrated and soft skin. It works while you sleep in three phases. The first phase is where lactic and glycolic acid resurface uneven textures like fine lines and reduce pigmentation. This supports natural cell turnover and it goes away quickly. Natural oils and minerals are next to nourish and repair the skin. The skin feels smooth and nourished by sodium lactate, which draws moisture to the skin to plump up and deep hydrate it. It can be used alone or in combination with serums and/or moisturizers. However, I find the best results using it as a standalone product.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Cream

Garshick’s top choice for AHA/BHA is this powerful serum. It has a combination of acids that addresses multiple skin issues at once. This serum includes salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid), as well as several alpha-hydroxy acids such tartaric acid and glycolic acid. This nighttime treatment, which she describes as a combination of salicylic acid and tartaric acid, helps to eliminate dead skin cells. It also improves the appearance fine lines, wrinkles and pores. The skin looks more radiant and rejuvenated.»

You can start by only using this once a week and gradually increase your use to every other night.

Cane + Austin Acne Retexture Gel

The Cane + Austin glycolic peel pad is a classic. The brand is loved by beauty lovers for their glowing skin and youthful appearance for many years. Acne Retexture is for those with acne-related concerns and texture issues. It contains both medical-grade glycolic acid and salicylic acid. These daily treatment pads are quick and easy to use and target wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, age spots, uneven skin texture, large pores, acne, and other conditions such as hyperpigmentation. These pads are great for treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is the lingering spots that remain after blemishes have cleared. They aren’t irritating, even though they are an intense treatment.

Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth AHA + Salicylic Serum

Garshick says that the latest Glow Recipe serum contains a combination salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid), mandelic acid and alpha-hydroxy acids, as well azelaic and succinic acids.» Strawberry also has natural exfoliating properties and antioxidants.

This product is great for people with sensitive skin looking for AHA/BHA products. Mandelic acid has a higher molecular size than other AHAs. This makes it a great choice for people with sensitive skin. Encapsulated salicylic acid helps to reduce irritation and oil production.

Neogen Dermalogy Bio Peel Gauze Peeling in Lemon

These Korean peel pads arrive to us via Korea. They combine chemical exfoliation with three AHAs: tartaric and glycolic. Two sides are available for the pads. They have been soaked in exfoliating acid and vitamin C rich citrus fruit extract to lighten dark areas and hyperpigmentation. The gauze has a crisscross design on one side. Use that to remove any skin. To remove any debris, flip the gauze over to the quilted side. This combination allows active ingredients to penetrate deeply and promotes clearer, smoother skin.

SkinFix Resurface+ AHA/BHA Niacinamide Exfoliating Pads

Garshick says that exfoliating pads are made with glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acids, and a fruit enzyme mix to remove dead skin cells. This helps to improve skin’s appearance, soften it, and smoothen it. They are simple to use and can be used on both the face and body. Niacinamide can also regulate oil production, improve skin texture, and calm and soothe the skin.

M-61 PowerSpot pads

M-61’s PowerSpot and PowerGlow treatment pads combine glycolic acid and salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin. They help improve tone, texture and clarity, penetrate pores and dissolve buildup, and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. These pads can be used every day, though sensitive skin may prefer to use the PowerGlow Peel. PowerSpot is something I use whenever I notice new breakouts. Although I don’t like spot treatments, this helps to stop new breakouts from happening and speed up healing for those already present. These aren’t drying, unlike many spot treatments and acne remedies. This is probably due to the aloe vera, cucumber, chamomile and camphor.

Dr. Dennis Gross AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel

This daily cleanser includes Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acids and Willow Bark Extract. The gel-to foam formula is great for cleaning the skin and also gives you all the benefits of the AHA/BHA combo.

Villaneda says that this combination of acids is excellent if you want to treat acne or clogged pores, improve skin texture, and brighten your skin.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

This mask is for you if your skin can tolerate 25 percent AHA, which is a combination of tartaric and lactic acids, citric, and fatty acids, as well as 2 percent BHA (salicylic). Potent antioxidants are available to condition and soothe the skin, as well as hydrating ingredients such as sodium hyaluronate-crosspolymer and brightening agents like chickpea flour or niacinamide. This is to say that dull skin won’t be affected by this product. The formula, like all Drunk Elephant products is made with sensitive skin in mind and pH-balanced at an ideal level to be effective and non-irritating. It’s not a joke, however. It’s a real tingling sensation. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend that you do it at night. Start slowly with 10 to 15 mins before moving up to 20. It doesn’t matter how long you leave it on for, you will feel the difference right away.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

You can also try a milder approach by drinking a lot of watermelon to get your acid fix. This combination of hydrating sodium hyaluronic and sodium hyaluronate, exfoliating AHAs (glycolic or lactic), and fruit enzymes makes it a K-beauty and overnight mask. It clears skin and removes any rough or dead skin cells. This allows for skin to be hydrated and plump. Watermelon extract, a powerful anti-inflammatory and moisturizer, soothes the skin while providing essential vitamins. The light, refreshing gel feels like a treat. The watermelon extract is what gives the Millennial Pink color.

Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector

Garshick says that the product contains AHAs, BHAs, and PHA to give skin a boost in radiance. Garshick also explains that it contains glycolic acid and lactic acid to exfoliate, remove dead skin cells, improve skin tone, and treat dark spots. It also contains salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid), which helps unclog pores and break down oily skin cells.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% BHA + 2% AHA Exfoliant Peel

This weekly peel can resurface the skin and improve texture in as little as 10 minutes. This powerful combination of 25 percent AHA, Glycolic, Lactic, and 2 percent BHA, (Salicylic Acid), helps reduce wrinkles, improve texture, and unclog pores. To soothe and calm the skin, it also contains Butterfly Pea Flower to avoid irritation from these types of peels.

Murad Daily Clarifying Peel

The Murad product contains Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid (BHA), and a retinoid. This peel is easy to mix. It contains three powerful ingredients that increase cell turnover, reduce wrinkles, pores, and texture. This formula does not contain parabens,phthalates, or sulfates.