AHA BHA 10% Face Exfoliator

Salicylic Acid — A beta-hydroxy acid that dissolves oil and dead skin inside the pore, so it's the go-to for blackheads, congestion and oily-skin breakouts. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~1%. OTC cap 2%. Give it 8–12 weeks for congestion & blackheads. Best for Oily, Combination. An oil-soluble exfoliant — brilliant on oily, congested skin. On dry or reactive skin it can strip and sting, so ease in slowly.

Ascorbic Acid — An antioxidant that brightens dullness and helps defend against daytime free-radical damage — a morning serum ingredient. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~10%. OTC cap 20%. Give it 8–12 weeks for dark spots. Best for Normal, Combination, Oily. A morning antioxidant that brightens. High-strength L-ascorbic acid at a low pH can sting sensitive skin — go for a gentler derivative.

Sodium Hyaluronate — A humectant that holds water in the upper skin — pure hydration, tolerated by essentially everyone, at any concentration. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~1%. Works Ongoing while you use it; no weeks-long build-up to wait for. Suits all skin types. Pure hydration — suits everyone, and dry or dehydrated skin most of all. Apply on damp skin and seal it in.

Glycolic Acid — The smallest alpha-hydroxy acid — it resurfaces the top layer for glow and even tone, working on the surface where BHA works in the pore. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~8%. OTC cap 10%. Give it 4–8 weeks for tone & texture. Best for Oily, Combination, Normal. A surface exfoliant for glow and texture. It raises sun sensitivity and can irritate dry or reactive skin — daily SPF is non-negotiable.

Lactic Acid — An alpha-hydroxy acid with a larger molecule than glycolic — it exfoliates the surface more gently and doubles as a humectant, so it suits AHA beginners and drier skin. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~8%. OTC cap 10%. Best for Dry, Normal, Combination. The gentler AHA — it exfoliates while pulling in water, so dry skin tolerates it better than glycolic. Reactive skin should still ease in, with SPF daily.

Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris ›

Management of Acne Vulgaris: A Review ›

A systematic review and network meta-analysis of topical pharmacological, oral pharmacological, physical and combined treatments for acne vulgaris ›