15 Best Dermatologist-Approved BHA Exfoliants At Home (2024)

Scrubbing can remove impurities and leave your skin glowing. The best BHA exfoliant can do all of this and more! Exfoliation involves getting rid of dead skin cells from the topmost skin layer without robbing the skin’s natural oils. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends exfoliating to improve skin tone and appearance. At home, you can use either mechanical or chemical exfoliation. Mechanical exfoliation removes dead skin cells using a brush or sponge. Chemical exfoliation gets rid of dead skin cells with BHA or AHA.

Beta-hydroxy acid is an excellent exfoliator with numerous skin care benefits. It penetrates deeply into the skin, clears clogged pores, and draws out dirt and oil, revealing a healthy glow. In addition, BHA exfoliators hydrate and nourish the skin, diminishing aging signs.

Here is our roundup of the 15 best BHA exfoliants that fight acne and shield the skin from UV radiation. Check it out!

15 Best BHA Exfoliants For Chemical Exfoliation At Home – 2024

1. Best Leave-On Exfoliator:Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Facial Exfoliant

4.4

Image: Paula's Choice

BUY ON AMAZON | $35

The Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Facial Exfoliant contains 2% BHA (beta hydroxy acid) that imparts a natural glow to the skin. It is clinically proven to deliver visible results as it brightens, smooths, and improves the skin barrier health. The key ingredients infused in this liquid exfoliant are salicylic acid and green tea extract. Salicylic acid is a gentle exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and improves dull skin appearance by providing gentle exfoliation. It helps unclog pores, removes oil, grime, and impurities, and reduces enlarged pores to tighten the skin, which makes it ideal for oily skin types. This leave-on skin-perfecting exfoliant reduces acne scars and inflammation. It also removes blackheads. The green tea extract is a popular antioxidant that exhibits anti-aging properties. Use this scrub twice daily for brighter, softer, and younger-looking skin. Watch this YouTuber’s honest review video to get a better idea about the product and to learn about the tester’s experience. This results-driven product is ethically made and not clinically-tested on animals.

Caution

Avoid using products containing vitamin C with this facial exfoliant to prevent skin irritation and sensitivity.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received over 7,118 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.

2. SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 

4.6

Image: Skinmedica

BUY ON AMAZON | $43.2

The SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser elegantly buffs away dead skin cells and improves skin tone and texture. It is made with naturally derived alpha-hydroxy acid and beta-hydroxy acid. It also contains jojoba oil that nourishes, hydrates, and improves skin radiance. The results-driven salicylic acid with jojoba spheres gently exfoliate the skin, reduce inflammation and acne breakouts, and accelerate healing.

The alpha-hydroxy acids in the exfoliant may increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunburn. Use a sunscreen after the exfoliant if you are stepping out.

3. Best For Unclogs Pores:QRX Labs 2% BHA Exfoliating Liquid

4.2

Image: Qrx Labs

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.95

Cleanse your skin with the QRX 2% BHA Exfoliating Liquid. This face wash is formulated with green tea extract, niacinamide, and salicylic acid. It helps with deep pore cleansing and gives the skin a smooth texture. The exfoliating liquid cleanses the face and removes dirt, grime, sebum, and dry dead skin. It pulls out impurities from deep within the pores and removes blackheads. Salicylic acid also works on aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines, showing visible results by improving skin elasticity. The formula is pH-balanced and ideal for normal to sensitive skin. It helps you achieve radiant skin by reducing deep wrinkles and fading dark spots.

This non-irritating exfoliant can be used as a leave-in formula which slowly unclogs pores and loosens dead skin. It controls oil and breakouts on the skin, making it ideal for sensitive skin types. The face is left looking smooth and radiant with a healthy, nourished glow.

Pro Tip

After using this cleanser, apply the Perfect Image Hydra-Repair Wrinkle Cream to repair and hydrate dry and damaged skin.

	Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Facial Exfoliant	SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser	QRX Labs 2% BHA Exfoliating Liquid
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Skin Type	Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal	All	All
Dimensions	1.57 x 1.57 x 5.51 inches	2 x 2 x 7.75 inches	1.6 x 1.6 x 5.25 inches
Weight	3.99 Ounces	7.84 Ounces	4 Ounces.
Rating
Reviews	7,118	1,716	604
Price	$35	$43.2	$19.95

4. Best Chemical Exfoliant:Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 

4.7

Image: Murad

BUY ON AMAZON | $16.0

The Murad Age Reform is a creamy, rich cleanser that provides chemical exfoliation to reveal smoother skin. The active ingredients in the chemical exfoliant are salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid that offer gentle exfoliation to unclog pores, help with oil control, and remove dirt and impurities. Lactic acid is a mild AHA that treats hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and age spots for a clear complexion. The jojoba beads manually exfoliate the skin to buff away dead cells. They reveal smoother, younger-looking skin. Watch this YouTuber’s honest review video to get a better idea about the product.

5. Best 4-in-1 Solution:Ursa Major Essential Face Tonic 

4.6

Image: Ursa Major

BUY ON AMAZON | $30.0

The Ursa Major Essential Face Tonic is a 4-in-1 solution that cleanses, exfoliates, soothes, and hydrates the skin. It leaves the skin feeling refreshed, firm, and nourished. It is formulated with natural ingredients like hydrating aloe, toning birch sap, exfoliating AHA/BHA complex, conditioning willow bark, and brightening sugarcane. Sugarcane is a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acid, and willow bark is a natural source of beta-hydroxy acid. The two gently exfoliate the skin and make it smoother. The infused sodium hyaluronic acid retains moisture, and blurs fine lines and wrinkles, making it the perfect companion for dry skin type. The antioxidant-rich green tea extracts protect the skin from oxidative damage.

Quick Tip

Apply this tonic to your face with a cotton pad in gentle upward movements. Follow up with the Ursa Major Hydrating Daily Moisturizer for the best results.

6. Best For Inflammation:QRx Labs BHA Exfoliating Liquid

Clean up the dead skin cells with QRx Labs BHA Exfoliating Liquid. The BHA liquid exfoliant is formulated with a blend of 2% salicylic acid, green tea extract,  and niacinamide that helps to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, make the skin soft, radiant and smoothen out the skin texture. In addition, the anti-aging formula helps to diminish the fine lines and remove wrinkles. Salicylic acid unclogs the pores and exfoliates the skin, while niacinamide efficiently reduces the pore size and evens out your skin tone. Moreover, green tea extract, a powerful antioxidant, calms and reduces redness or inflammation. The exfoliant is suitable for combination skin types to reveal clearer skin.

7. Best Non-Comedogenic:CeraVe SA Cleanser

4.6

Image: Cerave

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.82

The CeraVe SA Cleanser is a skin cleansing product that is designed to exfoliate and smooth rough, bumpy skin. It is specifically formulated to help improve the look and feel of the skin that is affected by conditions such as keratosis pilaris, where small, hard bumps fill the skin. The cleanser contains salicylic acid, an active ingredient that helps unclog pores and remove dead skin cells.

In addition to salicylic acid, the cleanser has hyaluronic acid, which helps retain the skin’s moisture barrier. This ingredient is especially important for individuals with dry, rough skin, as it can help provide a hydrated, healthy-looking complexion. The cleanser is suitable for use on the face and body and is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores. This makes it ideal for oily skin types and is a must-have in your skincare routine. Whether used on the face or body, it can help improve the look and feel of rough, bumpy skin, leaving it smoother, more hydrated, and more even-toned. Thousands of positive reviews on Amazon indicate that people experience visible results with this amazing product.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 42,692 great reviews on Amazon.

8. Best Exfoliating Skin Toner:Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner

4.4

Image: Benton

BUY ON AMAZON | $13.99

The Benton Skin Toner is enriched with BHA to clarify the skin tone. It is made of 80% aloe ingredients that are rich in polysaccharides, along with 0.5 % salicylic acid. The emollient aloe extract deeply nourishes the skin, soothes irritated skin, and heals acne scars. A mildly acidic beta-hydroxy acid exfoliates the skin, decongests the pores, and removes excess oil, grime, and impurities. This aloe-enriched BHA skin toner preps the skin for the better absorption of other skin care products.

9. Best For Dead Skin:Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

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The Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a customized solution for a brighter looking skin. It is made with 4% betaine salicylic acid, which is the most potent exfoliant that removes the uppermost dead skin layer. It penetrates deep into the skin to decongest the pores, and slough out oil, dirt, impurities. It contains 67.8% willow bark water that provides additional glow and strength to the skin. The blackhead removal liquid contains natural salicylic acid as salicin, which is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial in nature. It helps alleviate acne, scars, and minimizes breakouts.

10. Best Vitamin Enriched Formula:Innate Skin Clear Skin AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

4.4

Image: Innate Skin

BUY ON AMAZON | $18.95

The Innate Skin Clear Skin AHA/BHA is a deep exfoliating cleanser. It contains jojoba beads that nourish, hydrate, and buff away dead skin for a brighter look. The BHA exfoliating cleanser is specifically formulated with salicylic acid, a powerful BHA, which removes dead cells, unclogs pores, and absorbs excess oil and dirt for a refined look. It also removes blackheads, whiteheads, and soothes breakouts. The lactic acid, glycolic acid, and AHA help renew the skin, clarify the skin tone, and aid in cell renewal. These active ingredients are paired with orange and grapefruit peel oil that nourishes the skin and refines the skin’s appearance. The vitamins A and C help rejuvenate the skin complexion. This powerful blend helps reveal brighter skin.

11. Best Natural Acids Formula:Skincare By Eva Pore Perfection Exfoliating Cleanser

4

BUY ON AMAZON | $20.0

Skincare By Eva is a deep pore exfoliating cleanser. It contains jojoba beads that provide a gentle cleansing effect and remove dead skin cells. It contains a blend of AHA and BHA that decongest pores and remove all the dirt and impurities. This deep cleansing gel contains lactic acid, glycolic acid, potent alpha-hydroxy acids, and salicylic acid (which is the most powerful beta-hydroxy acid). These natural acids gently exfoliate the skin, buff away dead skin, absorb oil and grime, and reduce acne breakouts. This gentle face wash with jojoba beads is suitable for sensitive skin too.

12. Best For Fine Lines:Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting BHA Exfoliant Peel

4.4

Image: Paula's Choice

BUY ON AMAZON | $42

Enjoy the benefits of both the AHA and BHA benefits with the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting BHA Exfoliant Peel. It is formulated with concentrated 25% AHA and 2% BHA. Salicylic helps to refine the bumpy texture and prevents clogged pores for a deep cleansing feel. The AHA containing glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, malic, and mandelic acid smooths the wrinkles and fine lines. This liquid exfoliant reveals glowing, youthful skin. In addition, the presence of butterfly pea extract calms redness and any irritation. Its efficacy is supported by clinical data, based on several testers’ experiences with the product.

13. Best For Youthful Glow:Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant – Exfoliator

4.5

Image: Dermalogica

BUY ON AMAZON | $64.0

Achieve brighter and smoother skin with Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator. It comes in a powder form and forms a creamy texture upon contact with water. It helps remove impurities from the skin, even out your skin tone, polish it for more radiant and smoother skin. Additionally, it also contains papaya enzyme, colloidal oatmeal, rice bran that buffs away dead skin cells and soothes your skin for a healthy, youthful, and naturally glowy appearance.

14. Best Anti-Aging:Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%

4.4

Image: Naturium

BUY ON AMAZON | $17.99

The Natrium BHA Liquid Exfoliant has a 2% concentration of salicylic acid and some fruit extracts, all of which exfoliates the skin and helps you achieve smooth skin. While salicylic acid helps to control excess oil and sebum production, natural fruit extracts aim to hydrate the skin. This, in turn, maintains the perfect oil balance of your skin. The exfoliant formula helps to fight the early signs of aging by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, unclogging pores, and discoloration. The formula is a perfect blend of natural and advanced synthetic ingredients without irritating the skin. The high level of active ingredients maintains overall skin health and preserves youthful skin.

15. Best BHA Exfoliant Serum:LuxeJoie AHA/BHA Lipo Serum

4.9

Image: Luxejoie

BUY ON AMAZON | $48.0

The LuxeJoie Lipo Serum gives a youthful glow and a brighter skin texture with just a few uses. It is made with a powerful blend of alpha-hydroxy acid and beta-hydroxy acid that gently exfoliate skin. They also unclog the pores to reveal a radiant glow. An invigorating blend of sodium hyaluronic acid, panthenol, vitamin E, vitamin A, allantoin, and phospholipid provides miraculous solutions for your skin. Allantoin is a non-irritating ingredient that soothes, heals, and protects the skin. It stimulates the growth of new skin tissues for a brighter look. Panthenol is a natural revitalizing ingredient that weakens the bonds of dead cells, and promotes skin cell renewal. Sodium hyaluronate is an intense moisturizer that restores the skin’s hydration, reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and alleviates dry skin.

One of the best ways to clear your skin and smooth out the pores is with chemical exfoliation. Oil-soluble chemical exfoliant BHA is becoming more and more popular for oily, congested, and acne-prone skin. It unclogs pores and reduces excessive oil production while being mild and effective. However, with the rising demand for BHA and numerous options, finding the best one gets challenging. Here is a guide to help you select the best BHA product for at-home chemical exfoliation.

How To Choose The Best BHA Exfoliants For Chemical Exfoliation At Home

• Choose The Right Concentration

Before choosing the right BHA exfoliant, decide on the ingredient concentration you want in your product. Ensure the percentage is optimal and you don’t end up overdosing on your skin. If you’re a beginner, it is best to begin with 0.5% BHA exfoliator. However, if your skin is used to the ingredient and you want better results, opt for a 2 or 4% concentration.

• Skin Type

BHA exfoliants offer a variety of benefits for different skin types. Choose one according to your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, go for a gentle exfoliator in the form of a cleanser or toner. Choose a BHA exfoliant infused with AHA for oily skin for a rejuvenating experience. If you have acne-prone skin, opt for a BHA exfoliant that is also infused with tea tree oil or willow bark extracts that absorb excess sebum and eliminate impurities. You may also check the feedback on the product you like and read any available reviewer’s experience to make the right choice.

• Type Of BHA

There are two types of BHA:

Citric acid: It is derived from citrus fruits. It helps target uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and excess sebum production. In addition, it gently cleanses the pores from the surface level and buffs away dead skin cells.

Salicylic acid: It is the most common BHA that effectively supports acne treatment and prevents further breakouts. With regular use, salicylic acid gives you smoother, softer, clearer, and glowing skin.

• Choose A Gentle Formula

Always pick a BHA exfoliant that is dermatologist-tested, approved, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and free from harsh chemicals. Always do a patch test before using the product, to steer clear of major allergens.

These are the fifteen best BHA exfoliators you can buy online. Before you make a purchase, it is better to know how to use a BHA exfoliant for the best results.

How To Apply A BHA Exfoliant? 

• Prep your skin by picking the right face wash or cleanser. You can choose an exfoliant that acts as a cleanser with infused BHA.
• Take a dollop of the exfoliant, dilute it, and apply to the skin. Massage gently in a circular motion. Do not rub harshly as it may further irritate the skin. Use lukewarm water to wash your skin.
• Neutralize skin scrubbing by spraying a soothing toner on your skin.

The next section illustrates why a BHA exfoliant is suitable for you.

Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “BHA has the ability to enter clogged pores and prevent the formation of spots and acne. BHA is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. If you have spots, acne, or red, sensitive skin, there are two more reasons to use a BHA exfoliant. BHA is indicated for persons with rosacea-prone skin.”

Why Is A BHA Exfoliant Good For You?

An AHA exfoliant is sufficient if you only want superficial cleansing, and your main focus is on the skin surface. But a BHA exfoliant deeply penetrates the skin pores, unclogs them, and removes the excess oil, dirt, and impurities. It has proven efficacy with blemish control and reduction of fine lines, and wrinkles.

“BHA has the ability to enter clogged pores and prevent the formation of spots and acne. BHA is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. If you have spots, acne, or red, sensitive skin, those are three more reasons to use a BHA exfoliant. BHA is indicated for persons with rosacea-prone skin,” says Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist.

The following guide may help you pick the right product. Check it out.

How To Find The Ideal BHA Exfoliant 

• Choose an exfoliant that contains salicylic acid or citric acid that unclog pores and absorb excess oil/impurities.
• An exfoliator infused with natural willow bark extract contains natural BHA that nourishes, hydrates, and sloughs out skin impurities.
• Pick an exfoliator that is non-comedogenic, dermatologically-tested, and free from all harmful chemicals.
• A gentle exfoliating cleanser and toner is a multifunctional solution that hydrates, cleanses, and scrubs out excess impurities. It also preps your skin for an advanced skincare routine. Opt for dermatologist-recommended products if you have sensitive skin.

Infographic: Why Should You Use A BHA Exfoliant & How To Get One?

From pore unclogging to acne control, the benefits of BHAs are many. When incorporated into your skin care routine the right way, you will be able to see visible results in just three weeks. The infographic below will come in handy when you are looking for a new BHA exfoliant. It includes a brief guide about the right product and a quick overview of its benefits. Take a peek!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

An exfoliant is among the most important skin care products. It balances skin pH and reduces excess sebum formation. BHA exfoliants are a boon to those with oily or sensitive skin as they heal acne breakouts and inflammation, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Try the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Facial Exfoliant to minimize enlarged pores, the CeraVe SA Cleanser to reduce rough skin texture, and the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator for even skin tone and a healthy glow. You may pick your favorite product from the list and start using it right away. If you have any concerns with your skin, consult with a dermatologist first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a BHA exfoliant do?

BHA exfoliants work on the upper layer of the skin and help in removing dead skin cells, blackheads, and whiteheads. They unclog pores and deep cleanse your skin.

Is BHA the same as salicylic acid?

Yes, salicylic acid is the most common type of BHA.

Can I use a BHA everyday?

Yes, BHA is safe for everyday use.

Is AHA better than BHA?

AHA is a better choice for addressing dry skin and pigmentation and BHA is the best for managing oily and acne-prone skin.

What should you not use BHA with?

BHA does not work well with Vitamin C and retinol.

Does BHA dry your skin out?

Yes, BHA is used to dry out excess oil from the skin. But if overused, it can dry out your skin.

How often should I use BHA exfoliant?

BHA exfoliant can be used 2-3 times a week. You can also use it every day, depending on your skin’s needs.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach and stresses the importance of exfoliating the skin regularly to fight acne and shield the skin from UV radiation. The above list of the best BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) exfoliants is based on extensive and exhaustive research and an in-depth analysis of customer feedback on various trusted online platforms. These BHA exfoliators help clear dead skin cells and nourish and hydrate the skin.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Anna H. ChaconMD, FAAD

     

Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology with over 9 years of experience. She enjoys practicing all aspects of dermatology and is licensed to practice in 49 states.

Read full bio of Dr. Anna H. Chacon

Oyendrila KanjilalCommerce Writer

 

Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.

Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli 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

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee