Compared

AHA vs BHA

AHAs and BHAs are the two families of leave-on chemical exfoliant, and picking the wrong one is why a lot of people decide 'acids don't work for me'. They work in different places, so the right one depends on your skin and your problem.

The simple rule: AHAs work on the surface, BHA gets inside your pores.

AHAChoose an AHA (glycolic, lactic or mandelic) for dullness, rough texture, dryness and surface pigmentation.

BHAChoose a BHA (salicylic acid) for oily skin, blackheads, congestion and breakouts.

AHAAHA

Water-soluble acids that dissolve the bonds between dead surface cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin. Great for texture and glow, and lactic and mandelic are gentle enough for sensitive skin. They can increase sun sensitivity, so wear SPF.

Best for: Dull, rough, dry or sun-textured skin.

Our pick

Biossance 10% Lactic Acid

A gentle lactic AHA, a good first exfoliant.

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BHABHA

Oil-soluble salicylic acid that gets inside the pore to clear the oil and debris behind blackheads and breakouts. The gold standard for oily, congested, acne-prone skin, and mildly anti-inflammatory too.

Best for: Oily, congested, blackhead- and breakout-prone skin.

Our pick

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid

The cult salicylic exfoliant, used a few nights a week.

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Can you use both?

You can, but not on the same night if your skin is at all sensitive, that's a fast route to over-exfoliation. Many people with combination skin use a BHA on oily areas and an AHA for overall glow on separate nights. Start with one, a couple of times a week.

Still not sure which is for you?

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