Irregular texture, dull tone and clogged pores: this is how the passage of time, exposure to the sun, pollution and other factors that affect the skin manifest themselves. To address these imperfections, the exfoliation It is traditionally the cosmetic resource par excellence, almost always in granular formats and with very spaced use for fear of compromising the skin barrier. And those granules, in many cases, were too aggressive.
Gone are the thoughts that removing dead cells is synonymous with skin irritation or dryness. The question is not whether to exfoliate, but how to do it. And in that answer are the acronyms that changed the rules of the game: AHA AND BHA.
What do AHA and BHA mean? They correspond to alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids, liquid exfoliants that act without friction: instead of “scraping”, they dissolve the bonds that hold dead cells together and allow the skin to remove them naturally. AHAs, like glycolic acid, help reduce signs of sun damage and improve hydration; BHAs, like salicylic acid, unclog pores, regulate excess sebum, and soothe the skin. “These products act in a controlled way, without damaging the skin barrier”explains David Fernández Polo, Scientific and Training Manager of Paula’s Choice Spain.
Next, 10 liquid exfoliants you can incorporate into your routine:
Skin Perfecting liquid exfoliant with 2% BHA, by Paula’s Choice
Goodbye to dull and congested skin, it is capable of eliminating dead cells both on the surface and inside the pores for a complete treatment. With a powerful anti-inflammatory action, Paula’s Choice lives up to its reputation: it is an ideal best-seller for combination, oily or sensitive skin looking to reduce pimples, blackheads and pimples. At the same time, it hydrates, unclogs pores, softens the texture and restores luminosity.
Salicylic facial exfoliating liquid, by Garnier
It offers up to 24 hours of hydration and acts on acne marks, visible pores and excess sebum. It also smoothes, softens and improves uneven texture without compromising the skin barrier. According to tests carried out by Garnier, it reduces the appearance of pores by 33% and the visibility of residual marks by 55%.
Aha/Bha clarifying treatment tonic, by Cosrx
The seal k-beauty It couldn’t be missing from this list. This exfoliating tonic has become a point of reference for its multifunctional action: it exfoliates, cleanses and hydrates with the delicacy characteristic of Korean treatments. Enriched with thermal water, it leaves the skin brighter and with a renewed appearance.
Gel peeling with 30% glycolic acid, by Yeouth
In gel format, this exfoliant combines glycolic acid with retinol and green tea to offer a complete action: minimizes the appearance of pores, softens expression lines, reduces dark spots and promotes elasticity. Its goal is clear: smoother and more luminous skin.
Derma Skin Clear Night Scrub, by Nivea
It promises clearer, visibly improved skin in just seven days. This peeling It promotes the natural renewal of the skin, unclogs pores, reduces imperfections and helps prevent their appearance. Its formula, with a high concentration of salicylic and glycolic acid, is completed with niacinamide, the “all-rounder” ingredient that rebalances and improves the texture.
7% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Tone by The Ordinary
This water-based exfoliating toner makes skin smoother, softer and more uniform thanks to the combination of glycolic acid with a derivative of Tasmanian pepper, a plant extract that soothes the skin and reduces irritation. Furthermore, they work as a team to improve texture, increase luminosity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and leave a more balanced tone.
Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA + BHA, by Beauty of Joseon
There’s never enough of it when it comes to Korean cosmetics. This gentle yet effective facial toner deeply cleanses, purifies and leaves skin softer. The result is revitalized skin with a natural glow. Its formula works thanks to a quartet of ingredients: glycolic acid, salicylic acid, green plum water and mung bean extract.
Sebiaclear Micro-Peel, by SVR
This softening and exfoliating lotion works quickly without compromising the skin’s tolerability. It treats blemishes, visible pores and blackheads using a duo of acids, niacinamide, zinc and salicylic acid. Test results reveal the following: skin immediately cleaner by 80% and sebum reduced by 24.4% from the first application. With constant use, the changes are notable: 38.4% fewer inflammatory lesions and 35.5% fewer blackheads in 28 days.
BHA peeling, by Satin Naturel
The brand is characterized by its sustainable, quality and skin-friendly productions, and this scrub guarantees it. It is formulated to say goodbye to acne, blackheads, redness and enlarged pores through a gentle, immediate treatment that improves the appearance of congested and uneven skin. Combines salicylic acid with organic aloe vera to cleanse and balance without drying.
Peeling pads, by Plantifique
These are exfoliating pads, similar to make-up remover pads, they gently exfoliate, soothe, minimize the appearance of pores, reduce imperfections and promote a more uniform texture. 86.5% of its formula contains natural ingredients: in addition to glycolic acid and salicylic acid, it includes gotu kola, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and tea tree oil.
Frequently asked questions about facial scrub
How to include them in a facial care routine?
If this is your first time using them, start including them in your beauty routine two or three times a week and adjust the frequency based on your skin’s response. So, you need to take into account the following key steps:
- Applies: AHA and BHA can be applied on separate days or, if the skin tolerates it, up to twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. For example, Paula’s Choice liquid exfoliants have been clinically proven to be combined with minimal risk of irritation, as Fernando Polo explains: “Alternating the use of AHA and BHA offers a comprehensive skin approach that seeks to treat multiple issues at once such as sun damage, wrinkles or blemishes.”
- Complete like an expert: You can combine them with other active ingredients such as vitamin C or retinoids. By eliminating dead cells, AHAs and BHAs improve the penetration of other products. Of course, introduce these combinations progressively.
- Protects: In the morning, always apply a hydrating sunscreen to take care of your skin.
*All purchase prices included in this article are as of November 16, 2025.
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