AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) are types of hydroxy acids that help remove dead skin cells and encourage natural cell turnover. They can significantly improve your skin’s tone, texture, and clarity over time.
AHAs, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid, are water-soluble and primarily work on the skin’s surface. They help refine texture, brighten dullness, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
BHAs, on the other hand, are oil-soluble. The most common beta hydroxy acid is salicylic acid, which penetrates deep into pores to target excess oil and congestion.
Both acids are effective exfoliants, but the right one depends on your skin type, tolerance, and concern.
Understanding the difference between AHAs and BHAs can help you choose the right formula for your concerns.
Category | AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) | BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) |
|---|---|---|
Solubility | Water-soluble | Oil-soluble (BHAs are oil soluble) |
Where They Work | On the skin’s surface | Inside pores and on the skin’s surface |
Best For | Dry, sun-damaged or ageing skin | Oily, acne-prone, or congested skin |
Common Types | Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Citric acid | Salicylic acid |
Results | Improves fine lines and texture, brightens tone | Clears clogged pores, reduces breakouts |
How To Use | Gradually introduce in your skincare routine, starting with low concentrations | Apply 2–3 times weekly, focusing on oily zones |
In short, AHAs or BHAs both exfoliate but target different levels of the skin. AHAs dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, while BHAs penetrate deeper to clear the pores of excess oil and debris.
To determine whether skincare products contain AHA or BHA, inspect the ingredient list:
For AHAs, look for Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Mandelic Acid.
For BHA, look for Salicylic Acid or derivatives like Betain Salicylate.
Ingredients are listed in descending percentage. If “salicylic acid” appears high up, that product is BHA-dominant.
If the product says “penetrates deep into pores,” “oil control,” “unclogs pores,” it likely leans BHA.
If the product says “brightening,” “surface renewal,” “improves radiance / texture,” it likely uses AHAs or mixed acids.
Some products (especially professional peels) combine AHAs and BHAs. When you see a peel listing glycolic + salicylic or “multi-acid formula,” that is a mixed AHAs and BHAs treatment.
Thus, with those cues, you can identify whether it is AHA vs BHA or a hybrid in your skincare routine.
Choosing AHAs or BHAs for your skin depends on your concerns (dryness, congestion, sensitivity, ageing). Below is a comparison / summary table plus guidance incorporating SSKINS’ peels.
Skin Concern / Type | Best Acid Choice | Why It Works | SSKINS Treatment Example |
|---|---|---|---|
Dry, dull, rough skin | AHA (glycolic, lactic, citric acids) | Exfoliates surface dead skin cells, boosts hydration and radiance | Fortify Micropeel (AHA + BHA) or Texture Reset Micropeel (AHA + BHA) for balanced renewal |
Oily, acne-prone, congested skin | BHA (salicylic acid) | Penetrates pores, lowers oil, helps reduce breakouts | Clarity Renewal Peel(BHA), Radiance Renewal Micropeel(BHA) |
Combination or mixed concerns | Blend of AHAs + BHA | Targets both surface texture and pore congestion | Fortify Micropeel, Texture Reset Micropeel |
Sensitive or reactive skin | Mild AHA at low % / conservative BHA | Gentler hydroxy acids, avoid irritation | Start with lower strength blends, like in Fortify Micropeel |
Start slow: use a formula with low concentration (e.g. 5 % glycolic or 1–2 % salicylic) and patch test.
Apply in the evening or morning when your skin is cleansed.
Use moisturiser after to support skin barrier.
Always use sunscreen daily. Exfoliants increase sun sensitivity.
Alternate usage (e.g. AHA one night, BHA another) if your skin cannot tolerate daily use.
In case your skincare routine already includes retinoids or vitamin C, stagger times to reduce irritation, and avoid layering too many actives at the same time.
If your skin becomes irritated, reduce frequency or pause, then reintroduce.
Avoid applying around more sensitive zones of the face such as the periorbital and perioral area. Start by applying over oilier regions of the face such as the T-zone before applying to the rest of the face.
AHAs shine at smoothing surface texture, hydration, brightening, and addressing fine lines and wrinkles.
BHAs are excellent for skin that is oily, congested, prone to pimples or blackheads because they penetrate pores.
Blending or alternating AHAs and BHAs can be highly effective, provided your skin tolerates it.
