Quick answer
AHA and BHA are the two chemical exfoliants everyone talks about — but they do different jobs. AHA works on the surface for dullness and tone; BHA goes into pores for oil and acne. Here is how to choose.
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Shop verified exfoliators →The simple difference
Both are chemical exfoliants (gentler and more even than scrubs), but they work in different places:
- AHA (glycolic, lactic acid) — water-soluble, works on the skin surface. Best for dullness, uneven tone, dryness, sun-damage, fine lines. See the AHA/glycolic guide.
- BHA (salicylic acid) — oil-soluble, so it gets inside oily pores. Best for oily skin, acne, blackheads, clogged pores. See the BHA guide.
Which one for you
| Your goal | Pick |
|---|---|
| Dull, uneven tone, dry, fine lines | AHA |
| Oily skin, acne, blackheads, big pores | BHA |
| Sensitive skin | Start with lactic acid (mild AHA) or low-% BHA |
| Both concerns | Alternate on different nights — do not layer both at once |
How to use safely (Bangladesh climate)
- Start 1–2× a week at night, build up slowly.
- Sunscreen the next day is mandatory — acids increase sun sensitivity. See the sunscreen guide.
- Do not mix with retinol/vitamin C the same night, and never over-exfoliate (barrier damage). Skip the harsh DIY scrubs.
Match it to your routine: oily / dry / combination.
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