Have you been hearing the beauty buzz about skin care with BHA? Chances are, you’ve spotted this acronym on skin care products ranging from cleansers to serums to peels and wondered what it’s all about. We’ll bring you up to speed on everything you need to know about this in-demand active ingredient. Read on to discover answers to…

• What is BHA in skin care?
• What does BHA do for your skin?
• Can I use too much BHA?
• What are the best BHA skin care products?

What Is BHA in Skin Care?

BHA is short for beta hydroxy acid. BHAs are oil-soluble carboxylic acids. There are a few types of BHA out there, including tropic acid, trethocanic acid and beta hydroxybutanoic acid, but the most common BHA used in skin care is salicylic acid.

What Does BHA Do for Your Skin?

Similar to alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), skin care with BHA works as a chemical exfoliator for skin. However, what sets BHAs apart from AHAs is how they act when they come in contact with your skin. “A BHA like salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so its molecules can deeply penetrate the lipid layers of your skin,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO, Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “This is what allows salicylic acid molecules to work deep into your pores and dissolve the dirt, oil and dead skin cells that block pores.” Salicylic acid also helps lessen inflammation, which makes it an effective acne treatment when combined with its pore cleansing abilities.

Can I Use Too Much BHA?

Yes, it is possible to overuse BHA. “Salicylic acid can cause skin to become dry or irritated if used too often,” Dr. Schlessinger says. When trying a new BHA skin care product with salicylic acid, you can start slowly by using it every other day and built up to daily use. “For my patients with very reactive skin or very dry skin, I would typically steer them away from salicylic acid,” Dr. Schlessinger says.

The 5 Best BHA Skin Care Products to Try

Are you looking for the best BHA skin care? We are big fans of these five salicylic acid-powered products.

LovelySkin Luxe Clarifying Gel Cleanser

This clarifying gel cleanser is the first step toward clearer, smoother skin. It features 2% salicylic acid to help reduce existing breakouts and prevent future acne, while 2% glycolic acid works in unison with a dermatologist-developed molecule, afaLUXE, to exfoliate the surface of the skin to help increase cellular turnover. The result? A daily exfoliating treatment that reveals smoother, clearer skin for a happier you!

SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Vitamin C Serum

One of the newest vitamin serums from SkinCeuticals is powered by BHA in the form of salicylic acid. It contains 0.5% salicylic acid to reduce the oil oxidation in your skin that can contribute to acne. It also features silymarin (an extract derived from the milk thistle plant) and vitamin C, both powerful antioxidants designed to protect your skin against damaging free radicals that contribute to fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration and other visible signs of aging.

Glo Skin Beauty Beta-Clarity BHA Drops

Looking to incorporate a new exfoliant into your routine? This formula combines the power of three active ingredients known for their exfoliating effects: salicylic acid, retinol and glycolic acid. Together, these ingredients help prevent breakouts, smooth uneven skin texture and minimize the appearance of pores for a smoother, softer look.

PCA Skin Acne Gel

This acne-fighting facial gel is designed to be used as either a spot treatment on existing pimples or as an all-over acne-prevention treatment. It harnesses the power of BHA skincare with 2% salicylic acid to stimulate deep penetration into the skin to help unclog pores, while mandelic acid gently exfoliates to remove dead skin cells that can lead to breakouts and dull-looking skin. The finishing touch is the use of OmniSome, a proprietary delivery system that works to maximize absorption and enhance the effects of these active skin care ingredients.

Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots

Have you heard about the acne-clearing power of pimple patches? These adhesive acne-clearing dots are one of our favorites in the category, and BHA in the form of salicylic acid is what makes them so potent. Each dot contains 0.5% salicylic acid and tea tree oil, which works together to help reduce inflammation and banish your blemish.

Now that you’ve learned all about BHA skin care, learn more about its skin care cousin, AHA, in our blog post, What Is the Right Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) for My Skin Type?