10 Best Esthetician-Approved AHA Body Washes Of 2024
Do not worry about dry skin again and keep yourself moisturized throughout summer.
Catie Wiggy has over 15 years of experience as a Licensed Master Esthetician and natural product formulator. She is the founder of Creative Beauty Collective and has worked behind the scenes with a wide variety of brands throughout her career as an executive-level marketer and innovator, developing an array of award-winning skin care lines.
Read full bio of Catie Wiggy
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.
Read full bio of Monomita Chakraborty
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Skin conditions are not only meant to occur on your face, but they can affect any part of your entire body. As traditional soaps are not formulated to address those concerns, you need the best AHA body wash that can help soothe your skin if you are struggling with redness, dryness, flakiness, roughness, and acne-prone skin. Catie Wiggy, licensed esthetician, says, “AHA stands for alpha hydroxyl acid, which are water-soluble acids typically made from fruit sugars, and they are excellent at exfoliating and renewing the skin. AHAs should be a staple ingredient in your skin care and body care routine.”
AHA body washes effectively address and relieve all skin conditions that might trouble you. They instantly feel therapeutic when you apply them to your body. What’s more? They are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Many natural and active acids like malic, glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid fall under alpha-hydroxy acid. They have gentle exfoliating properties that penetrate your skin and help eliminate all the impurities and dead skin cells. This way, you can effectively get rid of acne, excess oil, blackheads, ingrown hairs, and rough patches. Besides all this, it can also help minimize skin conditions like keratosis pilaris.
If you have not used an AHA body wash before and are looking forward to including one in your shower routine, this is the article for you. We have compiled a list of the best AHA body washes. So, what are you waiting for? Scroll down and choose one now!
In This Article
10 Best AHA Body Washes For Skin That’s Healthy From Within
1. Best For Sensitive Skin:Mario Badescu A.H.A Botanical Body Soap
Mario Badescu’s AHA body wash is infused with rejuvenating grapefruit and will leave your skin feeling refreshed. It also contains an enriching blend of ginseng to revitalize, exfoliating enzymes, and linden for antioxidant benefits to bring your dull skin back to life. If you struggle with dry, oily, dull, or even troubled skin with blemishes or acne, you will do well to pick this body wash for women containing AHAs. For a soothing effect, you will also find oatmeal enriched with oat protein in this AHA exfoliating body wash that is kind to sensitive skin. Catie Wiggy, says, “This body wash is boosted by natural alpha hydroxy acids and when you use it daily it helps to visually improve uneven skin tone and texture and will work to control body acne”. Need more information about the body wash? Watch this review video.
Pros
- Suitable for dry and oily skin and uneven skin tone
- Soothing for sensitive skin
- Controls body acne and blemishes
- Contains skin-friendly extracts
- Gives a refreshing feel
- Gently exfoliates skin to remove dead cells
Cons
- Some may find it slightly watery
Pro Tip2. Best pH-Balanced Formula:Innate Skin Healthy Body Clear Skin AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
The Innate Skin Healthy Body Clear Skin AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser removes dead skin cells and brightens your skin tone. This exfoliating cleanser contains lactic acid and glycolic acid that exfoliate the dead cells from your skin and encourage collagen production, making your skin brighter, soft, and supple. The formula also helps boost skin elasticity while making it plumper. The cleanser is suitable for daily use and keeps your skin pH balanced.
This face and body wash contains salicylic acid, a type of beta-hydroxy acid that makes the skin smoother and encourages cell renewal. Salicylic acid also opens clogged pores and treats skin problems like blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. It is also enriched with essential oils like jojoba oil, orange oil, and grapefruit oil that leave the skin feeling moisturized and rejuvenated. Also, a rich concentration of vitamins A and C in the formula treats acne and rejuvenates skin complexion. So what are you waiting for? Test this fragrance-free wash today to experience visible results!
Pros
- Effective exfoliation
- Promotes cell renewal
- Deep cleansing
- Contains fruit extracts
- Intense moisturization
- Conceals aging signs
- Provides softening effect
- Maintains pH balance
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- GMO-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
Quick Tip3. Best Non-Comedogenic:TOUCH KP Exfoliating Body Wash
If you struggle with keratosis pilaris, which gives you bumpy skin and acne, TOUCH’s got the best AHA cleanser in store for you. Formulated with 15% of the chemical exfoliant glycolic acid, say goodbye to discoloration, acne, and dryness, along with 2% salicylic acid, which exfoliates dead skin to make way for new skin cells. This foaming alpha hydroxy body wash cleanses and moisturizes skin for a refreshed feel. For some antioxidant action in this AHA body wash for KP, vitamin E takes the lead and aloe vera finishes up with a soothing effect and prevents moisture loss from the skin. Patch test first, and then hop in the shower with this body wash with natural exfoliant glycolic acid, and don’t forget to lather on some lotion or body treatment cream afterward!
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Non-comedogenic
- Made with clean ingredients
- Alcohol-free and paraben-free
- Sulfate-free and phthalate-free
Cons
- Might have a strong odor
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 453 reviews claiming its efficacy.
Mario Badescu A.H.A Botanical Body Soap Best For Sensitive Skin | Innate Skin Healthy Body Clear Skin AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser Best pH-Balanced Formula | TOUCH KP Exfoliating Body Wash Best Non-Comedogenic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | All | Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal |
| Dimensions | 3 x 3 x 3 inches | 2.25 x 2.25 x 6.25 inches | - |
| Weight | 0.56 Ounces | 1.25 Pounds. | - |
| Package Dimensions | - | - | 7.09 x 1.93 x 1.89 inches; 11.2 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,201 | - | 453 |
| Price | $8.0 | $34 | $29.95 |
4. Best Non-Greasy:ReTone Exfoliating Body Cleanser
ReTone’s glycolic acid exfoliating body wash cleanses away dead skin and rejuvenates it to make it healthy. It works to combat skin issues such as rough and bumpy skin, redness, irritation, and dryness by improving the texture and firmness of your skin barrier. One of the best glycolic acid body wash, ReTone’s cleanser fades wrinkles, body breakouts, dark spots, and stretch marks for youthful-looking and plump skin. Many reviewers on Amazon love this product and recommend it for those with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Free of parabens, retinoid, and phthalates
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Helps in achieving radiant complexion
- Cruelty-free
- Non-greasy
- Pleasant smell
- Reduces signs of aging
Cons
- Contains sulfates
Pro Tip5. Best Moisturization:Kopari KP Body Bumps Be Gone Body Wash
Say no to body bumps, rough skin, and dullness by using the Kopari KP Body Bumps Be Gone Body Wash. Its powerful exfoliating ability helps clean the clogged pores, get rid of dead cells, and make the skin smoother. It contains rich moisturizing ingredients such as lactic acid and glycolic acid which keep your skin hydrated and full of glow. The exfoliator is loaded with green tea extracts and jojoba seed oil that hydrates the skin and removes dead cells.
It comes with a gentle and skin-friendly formula which gives a calming effect when applied. The scrub contains rich traces of exfoliating agents like coconut shells, volcanic sand, and pumice that cleanse the pores and keep the skin young. It is easy to apply on wet skin and offers fast results. Apply this for a few weeks and make your skin appear smooth, fresh, and younger-looking.
Pros
- Offers gentle exfoliation
- Suitable for scar reduction
- Natural ingredients
- Brightens skin tone
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- GMO-free
- Cruelty-free
- Phthalate-free
- Silicone-free
- EDTA-free
Cons
- None
6. Best For Dry Skin:Keratone KP Body Wash
For relief from skin inflammation and keratosis pilaris symptoms like redness, dryness, rough and bumpy skin, Keratone’s 10% glycolic acid deeply penetrates the skin to soothe skin over time. With a host of skin-nourishing organic ingredients like apricot, jojoba, almond, aloe, gotu kola along with vitamin E, your skin is going to feel refreshed amply. Formulated without any harsh chemicals and artificial fragrance, this Keratone organic AHA body wash will give your skin new life. Multiple reviews suggest that this amazing body wash delivers visible results in under two weeks.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Ideal for dry skin and keratosis pilaris
- Made without petroleum, synthetic fragrances, glycols, and phthalates
- Contains organic hydrating oils
- Deep exfoliating properties
Cons
- Contains sulfates
7. Best Gentle Formula:Karma Ceuticles AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
This AHA/BHA body wash by KarmaCeuticles is perfect for people with combination, oily and acne-prone skin. It deeply penetrates the skin with the exfoliating and anti-aging properties of the AHA glycolic acid, which increases collagen production and skin cell turnover. It also helps in providing essential nutrients to the skin. Another star AHA, lactic acid, moisturizes skin and evens out texture, whereas salicylic acid, the BHA, battles acne, and soothes inflammation. For ample skin nourishment, this drugstore AHA body wash also contains jojoba beads that revitalize dead skin. All these star ingredients combine to make troubled skin calm and strengthen its barrier to fight off free radicals and pollutants. We think this is the best AHA/BHA cleanser as you can use it even twice a day to achieve smoother skin due to its gentle nature. Multiple reviewers state that this product improves their skin texture drastically over a short span of time.
Pros
- Non-drying
- Clarifies oily and combination skin
- Double the exfoliation with AHA and BHA
- Moisturizes skin
- Contains exfoliating beads
- Has a soothing effect
- Gentle formula
Cons
- May cause purging the first few uses
8. Best Fragrance-Free:Luxiny Glycolic Acid Cleanser
Effectively sloughing away dry and dead skin, this affordable AHA body wash by Luxiny helps treat keratosis pilaris. The glycolic acid present in it deeply exfoliates the skin and cleanses dirt and oils, promoting healthy skin. You’ll notice a reduction in cystic acne, ingrown hairs, and blackheads. The Glycolic Acid Cleanser also fades acne blemishes and bumps to give you even textured, firm skin. With the power of anti-aging ingredients like seaweed extract, your skin is going to plump up with all the fine lines and age spots on your face becoming a disappearing act. All of this is achieved with the infusion of ingredients in the gentle body wash that your skin loves such as cucumber and loquat extracts, and a blend of nourishing oils like tea tree, rose hip, and jojoba. Notice a reduction in swelling, inflamed skin, and signs of aging, with regular use of this natural AHA body wash. Test it out today to achieve visible results.
Pros
- Contains anti-aging benefits
- Gentle cleansing
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Free from parabens, sulfates, GMOs, palm oil
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
9. Best For Exfoliation:Pyunkang Yul Low pH Mild Body Wash
From K-beauty’s most loved brand comes this strong AHA body wash with natural and medicinal ingredients. Owing to the low pH level, this tea tree-scented cleanser adjusts to suit your skin and protects its moisture barrier. The natural surfactant cleanses the body gently without irritating or drying it out too much. Chinese skullcap and sea buckthorn extracts brighten up skin tone, giving it a healthy glow post exfoliation. With the power of a whopping 5 types of hyaluronic acid and ceramides in this body wash, your skin will load up on moisture. The extracts of green tea, gotu kola, and Japanese honeysuckle in the formula provide relaxing benefits and radiant skin.
Pros
- Gently exfoliates skin
- Suited to sensitive and dry skin
- Lends a healthy glow
- Imparts a brightening effect
- Contains botanical ingredients
- Contains skin-soothing medicinal extracts
- Non-irritating and non-drying
- Dermatologically tested
Cons
- May not lather well
10. Best For Deep Cleansing:SOMEBYMI AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Body Cleanser
This high-quality BHA salicylic acid cleanser clears out excess sebum and dead skin to purge skin of acne-causing bacteria. If you’ve been dealing with annoying body acne lately, make sure to give this salicylic acid body wash a try. There’s also eucalyptus that is rich in tannin and provides pore care while also controlling oil production. Truecica (filled with mugwort, centella asiatica, and tea tree), and chameleon plant extracts help tone down inflammation and irritation while strengthening the skin barrier. Watch this video for a thorough understanding of this acne body wash.
Pros
- Contains AHA, BHA, PHA for deep cleansing
- Controls oil and sebum to eliminate acne
- Contains calming ingredients
- Gives skin a smooth texture
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Performs deep pore cleansing
- Free of alcohol, parabens, sulfates, silicone
- Made without mineral oils, animal products, artificial colors or fragrances
Cons
- May be a little too strong for some people
Now that we’ve looked at the best AHA body washes on the market, let’s get into how you can pick the right one before you add it to your cart!
How To Choose The Right AHA Body Wash
AHAs are generally marketed as being suitable for all skin types, but you need to take precautions if you have extremely dry or sensitive skin. Dry skin which is typically rough, flaky, and irritated can use glycolic or lactic acid with concentrations ranging between 5-10%. This helps exfoliate the dry, dead skin on the skin surface to make your skin texture smoother, and make the barrier better able to absorb topical skincare products. Along with this, also look for supporting ingredients like shea and cocoa butters, and aloe vera which help moisturize and smooth down rough, dry skin.
While glycolic acid also gently helps exfoliate oily, acne-prone skin, mandelic acid is a better AHA for this skin type. It reduces oil and sebum production to clean congested pores and doesn’t dry out the skin. If you have combination skin, you can use almost any AHA as they help clear out pores, and help with dry patches. Milder AHAs like lactic and mandelic acids can help care for sensitive skin types without causing irritation.
If aging skin is your concern, body washes formulated with malic, glycolic, or mandelic will suit mature skin better. All skin types, especially sensitive, should avoid products that contain fragrance as it can easily irritate and inflame skin. Other chemicals like sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, petrolatum, SLS, and GMOs must also be steered clear of.
How To Use An AHA Body Wash
- Step 1: Wet a soft loofah or sponge, and make sure its surface is not harsh as this can irritate the skin surface.
- Step 2: Pour some of your AHA body wash of choice and work up a lather.
- Step 3: Lightly scrub all over the body, covering hard-to-reach areas like your back.
- Step 4: Rinse off with warm water.
- Step 5: Gently pat your skin dry with a towel without rubbing too hard.
- Step 6: Generously apply a thick moisturizer suited to your skin type.
When you’re starting out with AHAs, incorporate them gradually into your routine by using them once a week. If it doesn’t make your skin sensitive and it doesn’t react harshly, build this up to 2 or 3 times a week for rejuvenated and fresh skin.
Infographic: AHA Body Wash: Benefits, Side Effects, And Safety Tips
AHAs are friendly chemicals that provide anti-aging benefits, such as reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots and helping improve skin texture. They keep your skin healthy and clean. In addition, they encourage cell growth and increase cell turnover. However, they must be used with caution.
The infographic below lists the benefits and side effects of AHAs and guides you on how to use them safely. Check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Dealing with dry, acne-prone, and rough skin can be challenging. But best AHA body wash helps deal with all types of skin concerns. AHA or Alpha Hydroxy Acids is the magical ingredient that cleans the pores, removes the impurities, deals with dry patches, and moisturizes the skin. Some AHA body washes also minimize skin irritation, smooth the skin, and revitalize it. The Mario Badescu A.H.A Botanical Body Soap offers deep exfoliation to even tone the skin and reduce body acne, while the ReTone Exfoliating Body Cleanser combats severe skin issues, such as redness and clogged pores, to give a youthful-looking glow. The Pyunkang Yul Low pH Mild Body Wash is composed of various skin-loving ingredients that work collectively to protect the skin’s natural barrier and reduce dryness. These body washes are also known to bring dull-looking skin to life. In addition, some AHA body washes improve the skin’s texture, make the skin appear firm, and prevent moisture loss. It would be of great help to invest in body washes that are suitable for your skin type and deal with all skin concerns you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does AHA do for skin?
Alpha hydroxy acids are soluble in water and they exfoliate skin to get rid of surface dead cells, and allow newer skin to come through. They also help in fading hyperpigmentation and control acne.
Can I use AHA body wash everyday?
Some AHA body washes are gentle enough to be used everyday but if you’re a beginner to actives, it’s best to take it slow. Begin by using the product once a week and if your skin responds well, slowly build it up to a level that can be tolerated.
How often should I use AHA body wash?
AHAs are active acids that can cause a skin reaction like irritation if you’re new to them, so use them once or twice a week in the beginning, and then increase the usage.
Do AHAs cause hyperpigmentation?
Even though AHAs target hyperpigmentation, they can cause some tears in the skin as they exfoliate it. This may lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is best to use AHA body washes sparingly, a few times a week for this reason.
What should you not use with AHA?
It is best to avoid products with vitamin C, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide after using AHA.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Kirtana Divakar, is a skin care enthusiast. She has curated the list of the best AHA body washes after reviewing user feedback on multiple online forums and brand websites. These products are formulated with active ingredients and have gentle exfoliating properties.
Read full bio of Catie Wiggy
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Monomita Chakraborty
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