20 Skincare Products With AHA/BHA for Smoother, Brighter Skin

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution is a best-selling product for several reasons: it's effective, fast (takes just 10 minutes) and, at just $8, is very affordable. "A TikTok favorite at a great price point that gives an instant glow, but may be too irritating for people with sensitive skin," says dermatologist Britt Craiglow MD, FAAD. "These treatments can cause dryness, redness, and irritation and may also increase sensitivity to the sun," she says. "It can be helpful to first test the product on a small area of skin to ensure no reaction," adds Dr. Garshick. 

Catalina Villaneda, an esthetician at Face Haus Dallas is a fan of this product and loves the AHA/BHA combination it offers. "Combined together, they work not only at a surface level but also to penetrate deeper into the skin," she says.

Dr. Garshick doubles down on its effectiveness. "Combining various alpha-hydroxy acids including glycolic acid and lactic acid with beta hydroxy acids, like salicylic acid, this exfoliant helps to reduce clogged pores and congestion while also improving skin texture and uneven skin tones," she says. "While affordable, it should not be used more than twice per week."

Omorovicza Acid Fix

This treatment serum is designed to reverse the damage caused by sunlight, pollution, and acne—aka the results of a chemical peel. Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin’s surface while promoting cell renewal and improving pigmentation concerns. Lactic acid further refines and smooths skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

And as with all Omorovicza products, you can expect the healing, rejuvenating benefits of Hungary’s mineral-rich thermal waters packed into every drop. A slight tingle may occur when first applied, but that’s normal—the serum is safe for all skin types (there’s even Australian caviar lime extract to soothe irritation and soften skin). You will love washing it off in the morning and seeing brighter, more even skin in the mirror.

Face Haus The Radical Reformer

The Face Haus 0% AHA + BHA exfoliating facial pads have a combination of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and phytic acid. "Quick and easy to use, these combo exfoliating facial pads leave skin glowing and are usually well-tolerated even by those with more sensitive skin," says Dr. Craiglow.

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

Herbivore Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask

This mask is a lifesaver for breakout-prone skin. In 15 to 20 minutes, the white willow bark (a natural BHA high in salicylic acid) and pineapple and papaya enzymes (natural AHAs) go to work gently exfoliating away dead skin cells. The resurfacing properties are balanced by the blue tansy oil, which is not only responsible for the mask’s dreamy color but also acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory, soothing irritation, and calming redness.

The brand recommends using it every other day for the first week and then, after the fourth use, two to three times per week to maintain results. Every other day may seem like a lot at first, but it works—once I started seeing results (after about the second use, even though you’ll feel the results after one), I was tempted to use it every day. Tip: Every month, I use it three to four times a week in anticipation of hormonal breakouts and it keeps my skin calm (and bright).

SkinBetter AlphaRet Clearing Serum

"This serum packs a punch as it combines a retinoid with lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, and a beta-hydroxy acid," says Dr. Garshick. "Together this combination works on the overall tone and texture of the skin, including fine lines and wrinkles, while improving the appearance of pores and blemishes.

This AHA/BHA serum also contains zinc PCA, which helps control and balance oil in blemish-prone skin. "Additionally, it contains niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, and other nourishing ingredients to help moisturize the skin, so it won’t be left feeling dry or irritated," adds Dr. Garshick.

OUI the People Cheat Sheet Resurfacing Body Exfoliant Serum with AHA + BHA

Looking for smoother body skin? This body serum contains AHAs and BHAs to rid dead skin cells and unclog pores. It promises smoother skin overnight, which makes us think it would be perfect to use before self-tanning.

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

This potent AHA/BHA serum is a top pick of Dr. Garshick, as its blend of acids addresses several skin concerns at once. "This serum contains salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, in addition to several alpha-hydroxy acids, including glycolic acid, tartaric acid, and lactic acid. Together this nighttime treatment helps remove dead skin cells and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores, leaving the skin looking more radiant and refreshed," she says.

Start out by using this every other night and then work your way up to using it every night.

Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum

With a 17% mix of AHAs and BHAs, this hardworking night serum aims to smooth texture, reduce pores, and leave behind a glowy complexion. The brand recommends introducing it to the skin over time by using it every other night—promising results after the third use. Note this serum has a stronger formula of acids, but it does contain hyaluronic acid and buckwheat honey to hydrate the skin and minimize irritation.

Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum

"This serum from Glow Recipe contains a combination of salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, and mandelic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid, as well as azelaic acid and succinic acid," says Dr. Garshick. "Additionally, strawberry has natural exfoliating and antioxidant properties."

She says this product is a great choice for those with more sensitive skin who want AHA/BHA products. "Because mandelic acid is a larger molecular size, it is more gentle on the skin compared to other AHAs, making this a good option for those with sensitive skin. The salicylic acid is encapsulated, working to minimize irritation while helping to decongest and reduce oil." 

Neogen Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling in Lemon

These peel pads, which come to us by way of Korea, combine chemical exfoliation (with three different AHAs: tartaric, glycolic, and lactic acid) and manual exfoliation. The pads, which are soaked in exfoliating acids and vitamin C–rich citrus fruit extract to lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation, have two sides. One side has a crisscross pattern in the gauze—use that first to break up dead skin. Then flip it over to the soft, quilted side to wipe away any remaining debris. The combination ensures the active ingredients penetrate deeply, promoting clearer, smoother, brighter skin.

SkinFix Resurface+ AHA/BHA Niacinamide Exfoliating Pads

"These exfoliating pads combine glycolic acid and lactic acid, salicylic acid and a fruit enzyme blend to help eliminate dead skin cells to brighten, soften and smooth the skin," says Dr. Garshick. "They are easy to use and can be used on the face and the body. The niacinamide also helps to regulate oil production and improve overall texture while calming and soothing the skin. "

M-61 PowerSpot Pads

Both of M-61’s treatment pads, PowerSpot and PowerGlow, combine salicylic and glycolic acid to exfoliate skin, helping improve tone, texture, and clarity and penetrate pores, dissolving buildup and reducing the appearance of enlarged pores. They’re gentle enough to use every day (though sensitive skin types may want to work up to that with the PowerGlow Peel). However, I like to use PowerSpot whenever I feel new breakouts coming on. I’m generally not a big fan of spot treatments, but a swipe of this stuff stops new blemishes in their tracks and speeds up the healing process for existing ones. Unlike a lot of acne and spot treatments, these aren’t drying—probably thanks in no small part to the camphor, cucumber, chamomile, and aloe vera. 

Dr. Dennis Gross AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel

This daily gel cleanser contains Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acids (AHAs), along with Willow Bark Extract, which is a natural source of the BHA salicylic acid. This gel-to-foam formula does a great job of cleaning skin, while also giving you all the other benefits of the AHA/BHA combination.

"This combo of acids is great if you’re looking to help acne/clogged pores, brighten your skin, and improve texture," says Villaneda.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

If your skin can handle a hefty dose of AHAs, you’ll love this mask. It's comprised of 25 percent AHAs, which is a blend of tartaric, lactic, citric, and glycolic acids, plus 2 percent BHA (salicylic acid). There are also potent antioxidants to condition and soothe, hydrating ingredients like sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, and brightening ingredients like chickpea flour and niacinamide. All that’s to say, dull skin doesn’t stand a chance. Like all Drunk Elephant products, the formula is created with all skin types in mind (including sensitive) and is pH-balanced at the ideal level to be efficacious and non-irritating. That said, it’s no joke. The tingling sensation is real, and if you have sensitive skin (like I do), I would recommend doing it at night and starting slowly with 10 to 15 minutes before working up to the full 20. Regardless of how long you leave it on, you’ll see and feel a difference immediately.

iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Pore Refine Pore Shrinking & Texture Smoothing Serum

Peptides join forces with AHAs and BHAs to shrink pores and smooth skin texture. The blend of lactic and glycolic acid, plus rice starch and mushroom extract (to manage oils) makes this serum a sound choice for those with normal to oily skin types. Turns out those with oily skin types don't have to bend over backward to achieve smaller pores.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment

For a gentler approach, try getting your acid fix with a hefty dose of watermelon. This overnight mask and K-beauty phenomenon is a hybrid of hydrating hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate and exfoliating AHAs (glycolic and lactic) and fruit enzymes. It tones and clarifies skin, clearing away dead, rough surface cells, thus making way for the hydrating benefits to nourish and plump skin. All the while, watermelon extract (a potent anti-inflammatory and hydrator) soothes skin and delivers essential vitamins. Plus, the lightweight, bouncy gel with a slight cooling sensation feels like a treat. And yes, that Millennial Pink color is solely from the watermelon extract.

Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector

"This contains a combination of AHAs, BHA, and PHA to give the skin a boost of radiance," says Dr. Garshick. She notes that glycolic and lactic acid exfoliate and eliminate dead skin cells while also improving skin tone and helping with dark spots. "Additionally, it contains salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, which helps to break down excess oils and unclog the pores.

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

This weekly peel helps to resurface and improve texture in just 10 minutes. The powerful blend of 25 percent AHA (Glycolic, Lactic and more), as well as 2 percent BHA (Salicylic Acid) helps to minimize wrinkles, improve texture and unclog pores. It also has Butterfly Pea Flower, to help calm and soothe skin to prevent any irritation that these types of peels can sometimes cause.

Murad Daily Clarifying Peel

This Murad product not only contains Glycolic Acid (AHA) and Salicylic Acid (BHA), but also a retinoid. Simply shake up this peel to blend these three powerful ingredients that improve cell turnover, minimize wrinkles and pores, as well as improve texture. As a bonus, this formula is free of parabens, phthalates and sulfates.

Skinceuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum

Alongside salicylic acid, this serum contains glycolic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid to help reduce adult acne while also addressing common signs of aging like dullness, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. If you struggle with acne, the nice thing about this formula is that it works as an all-in-one treatment so you don't have to pick and choose what issues you want to address. According to the brand, this serum can also be used with vitamin C to address dark circles, too.