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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At TheSkinProof every product is batch-code checked against the importer invoice, with a 2× money-back guarantee. Shop verified exfoliants or take the skin quiz.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy an authentic AHA or BHA exfoliant in Bangladesh?
Buy from a seller who can show the importer's invoice and batch number for that specific product. Checking the batch code on the bottle against the seller's listing is a simple way to confirm it before ordering.
Should sensitive skin start with AHA or BHA?
Sensitive skin usually tolerates a gentle lactic acid AHA or a low-percentage BHA better, starting once or twice a week. Patch test each time and increase frequency slowly as long as your skin stays comfortable.
Does using AHA or BHA in Bangladesh's heat and humidity need extra precautions?
Yes, exfoliating acids make skin more sun-sensitive, so daily sunscreen reapplication matters even more in strong heat. Apply the acid at night and keep the rest of the routine light so sweat does not add extra irritation.