Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is a type of hydroxy acid commonly used in skincare products. The most well-known BHA is salicylic acid. Because BHAs are oil-soluble, they penetrate deeply into the pores and are great chemical exfoliants.
Get that gunk outta your pores!
BHAs have deep pore cleansing abilities. Oil-soluble substances can penetrate into oily areas more effectively than water-soluble substances. Since BHAs are oil-soluble, they can mix with the sebum inside your pores. This allows BHAs to reach deeper into the pores where excess oil, dead skin cells, and other debris accumulate, making them perfect for getting rid of stubborn acne.
Buh-bye dead skin cells!
BHAs exfoliate the skin by loosening and removing dead skin cells on the surface. This results in a smoother and brighter complexion. Regular use of BHAs can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Struggling with Keratosis Pilaris (chicken/strawberry skin)?
BHAs can be effective in treating keratosis pilaris (also known as "chicken skin") by exfoliating the rough, bumpy skin typically found on the arms and thighs.
How to get started with BHAs
- Start by choosing the right BHA for you. The most commonly used BHAs in skincare are salicylic acid and betaine salicylate.
- Salicylic acid is best for oily and acne-prone skin. It’s great if you struggle with blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores.
- Betaine salicylate is best for super sensitive skin that still needs exfoliation. It’s gentler than salicylic acid and is more commonly found in Korean skincare products.
- Start slowly.
- If you’re new to using BHAs, start with a lower concentration and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance. Each product will generally give specific directions on how to get started.
- Follow up with a moisturizer. Salicylic acid can be slightly drying, so be sure to always finish with a barrier-repairing moisturizer (sign up on the Waitlist here to know when ours launches)!
- Don’t forget sunscreen just because it’s cloudy! Yeah, we’re calling you out, but that’s because we care about you, bb!
- BHAs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Always follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day, even if you’re indoors by a window.
Check out other products we love containing BHAs:
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
COSRX COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
innisfree Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing Foam
P.S. make sure you don’t get BHAs twisted with the preservative ingredient BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), which is completely unrelated.
We can’t exfoli-wait for you to try BHAs!
XO,
BiotechBeauty
