11 best BHA exfoliants for smooth and glowing skin
BHA exfoliants are up there with the likes of retinol and acids like glycolic, in that to newcomers, they can seem incredibly intimidating. And yet, they are some of the most effective skincare heroes to add to your collection – yes, even if you have sensitive skin. You only need to know how, when and why to use them.
BHA (which stands for Beta Hydroxy Acid) is usually used as a shorthand for salicylic acid; the most commonly known – and used – BHA in cosmetic products. As somebody who can't get enough of quality skincare formulations that feature BHA (be it a toner, a face serum, masks or a good old cleanser with salicylic acid), I consider myself the biggest advocate for investing in BHA exfoliants – particularly if you want to address excess oil or blemishes and boost the skin's overall radiance.
If you're new to the world of BHAs (or simply need a reminder), I've spoken to the experts to reveal all you need to know, and have selected the very best products to spend your hard-earned ££ on.
Meet the experts:
- Dr Mariana Noy, Consultant Dermatologist at Montrose London
- Dr Maryam Zamani, founder of MZ SKIN and Oculoplastic Surgeon
Best BHA exfoliants at a glance:
- Best BHA exfoliant overall: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- Best affordable BHA exfoliant: The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum
- Best BHA exfoliant for teenagers: Revolution Skincare London, 2% Salicylic Acid
- Best BHA exfoliant for mature skin: Murad AHA/BHA/Retinoid Daily Clarifying Peel
What is BHA and what are its benefits?
As mentioned, BHA stands for Beta Hydroxy Acid, and salicylic acid is the most commonly known and used. “It is found in many products including moisturisers, cleansers, scrubs and peels,” explains Dr Mariana. “BHAs help the skin’s natural process of shedding dead skin cells by loosening the bonds between them as well as working inside the pores to unclog them.”
She says: “In addition to smoothing rough skin, BHAs can also help improve oily skin, reduce inflammation and have been reported to have anti-bacterial properties.”
Dr Maryam adds that BHAs are therefore, “particularly effective for addressing issues related to acne, excess oil, and blackheads.”
What is the difference between AHA and BHA?
“BHAs and AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) are both skin exfoliants but have some important differences,” begins Dr Mariana. The biggest one is that, “AHAs are water soluble and therefore act on the skin surface alone, while BHAs are oil soluble and act on the skin surface and inside the pore.”
“This is why BHAs such as salicylic acid are good for unclogging pores, improving oily skin and the skin’s overall texture, while AHAs primarily focus on sun related skin damage and wrinkles.”
While salicylic is the most commonly known BHA, you'll likely have heard of several AHAs. These include “glycolic acid (derived from sugar cane), lactic acid (derived from milk), citric acid (from citrus fruits), and tartaric acid (from grapes),” explains Dr Maryam.
Is BHA suitable for all skin types?
Again, there is a difference here between AHA and BHA usage, says Dr Maryam. “AHAs are generally suitable for normal to dry skin types. They can be more irritating for sensitive or acne-prone skin, whilst BHAs are particularly suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.”
But why is this? “Because BHAs are oil soluble, they act on the skin surface and inside the pores. They are therefore particularly useful for those with acne and blocked pores, oily skin, rough or bumpy skin and fine wrinkles,” explains Dr Mariana.
How to use BHA on sensitive skin
“BHAs are often less irritating than AHAs and may be a better choice for individuals with sensitive skin,” notes Dr Maryam.
Both doctors recommend starting at a low concentration of BHA (below 2%) and working your way up to higher options as skin gets used to the ingredient. That said, it's worth testing a small patch of skin prior to use. Dr Maryam encourages beginning with using a BHA exfoliant two to three times a week, and opting for a wash off formula (such as a cleanser), which is less likely to cause irritation. Also remember that for use with all skin types, you should aim to use BHA at night and always apply SPF the following morning, as this acid can increase sun sensitivity.
Scroll to view our edit of the very best BHA exfoliants for every skin type…
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Perhaps the best known BHA liquid formula around, this Paula's Choice exfoliant is the stuff of legend. And from a beauty editor POV, it truly stands up to the five star reviews; gentle enough to use regularly as part of your routine, and effective enough to tackle excess oil, blocked pores and a dull complexion. It contains the exact right amount of salicylic acid, and is a science-backed formula that's hard to beat.
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The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum
For those looking to save money, The Inkey List's Beta Hydroxy Acid comes highly recommended. Not only does it have an affordable price point, it also comes in a serum formula, meaning it's easy to slot into your skincare routine and replace your current serum, rather than having to add an additional toner step. It contains 2% salicylic acid along with 1% hyaluronic, to ensure skin never feels dried out.
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Revolution Skincare London, 2% Salicylic Acid
Revolution Skincare is a great introductory brand for skincare newbies that's gentle but still effective, along with being affordable enough for all budgets. This has an ultra-lightweight texture, meaning it's perfect for oilier teenage complexions, and also contains witch hazel to calm and soothe.
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Murad AHA/BHA/Retinoid Daily Clarifying Peel
Murad skincare is top tier in all regards, and its BHA peel is as supercharged as its other formulas. Not only does this contain BHA salicylic, it also features an AHA as well as a retinoid, making it ideal for mature skin types that also want to address fine lines and wrinkles, and to promote a youthful glow. It's an investment, but one definitely worth making.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Face and Body Cleanser
As both derms I spoke with confirmed, incorporating a BHA into your routine if you have sensitive skin takes a little more thought, but a cleanser that washes off is preferable to leave-on formulas like toners or serums. CeraVe's is one of the best out there: effective, affordable and gentle. And the handy pump only makes it even easier to exfoliate, particularly for lazy gals (guilty).
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Ren's Glow Tonic is one of those products that just manages to be everything and do everything at once. It features a blend of BHA and AHAs which complement each other beautifully, as well as ingredients such as Willow Bark and Azelaic Acid for top tier results. Skin will be clearer, brighter and noticeably more radiant with daily use.
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The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
If you'd prefer to only use a BHA on occasion, treat yourself to a mask for weekly maintenance. The Ordinary's is one of the best out there, making light work of excess oil and blackheads, as well as being good for blemish-prone skin. If you suffer with your skin, this is a great supplementary product to have in your collection for SOS days.
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Biologique Recherche Lotion P50
One of the best OG liquid exfoliants known to the beauty world, this is a Caroline Hirons fave, and thus a winner to us. With a potent blend of citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid and BHA salicylic acid, this is for the more seasoned exfoliant user rather than newbies or those with sensitive skin. It sloughs away dead skin cells and works to unveil an overall brighter complexion, also leaving blocked pores in its wake.
Biossance Squalane and BHA Pore Minimising Toner
If your major concern is using BHA as a dry skin girlie, fear not. Biossance's toner contains a good amount of willow bark extract, a natural BHA that's more gentle to skin, and it also harnesses the hydrating power of squalane, which will ensure dry complexions feel comforted rather than triggered. This is the ultimate buy for that hydrated, dewy skin finish.
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Beauty Pie AcidEnzyme™ Exfoliating Face & Body Cleanser
Acne-prone skin may want to begin by using a BHA-powered cleanser that can be used safely everyday, and therefore help with the overall maintenance of breakouts. Beauty Pie's one is excellent; not only can it be used all over the body as well as the face for acne anywhere, it also uses 2% Salicylic Acid and 3% C-X-Papaya Enzyme Complex for effective exfoliation, and mallow extract and oat extract to keep skin nourished and balanced.
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Naturium is an excellent brand for ingredient-focused products that don't cost the earth but are still incredibly effective. The brand's liquid BHA exfoliant is a reliable, solid formulation that balances combination skin. It also works on sensitive, dry, acne-prone, mature and oily skin types, making it a brilliant all-rounder.
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