We are assuming you all know the big three, right? If you didn’t, we are talking about AHA, BHA and PHA. Pronounce it however you like, but if you have oily or acne-prone skin, these are the ingredients you tend to look out for. There are a ton of AHA, BHA and PHA skincare products out there. Today however, Beauty Insider is going to focus on BHAs. specifically BHA toners! From what we’ve heard, most people are confused about whether a toner actually does anything in the skincare regime. Is it useless? Or does it help your skin? We believe that toners can be confused with serums and are sometimes skipped entirely. So, we decided to shine some light on toners and get you interested in the benefits it could offer. Especially since we’ll be talking about BHA toners!

What is BHA

Otherwise known as Beta-Hydroxy Acid, BHA can be derived from wintergreen leaves, sweet birch bark, and willow tree bark. What’s more, is that it is quite similar to AHA as BHA also features the benefit to help exfoliate your skin. The only difference is that BHAs dive deeper into your skin and pores. Since they are oil-soluble and  organic carboxylic acids, BHA is great for those with normal to oily, acne-prone skin types. Not only that, but BHA has anti-inflammatory and photoprotective properties. So, by exfoliating the linings of your pores, BHA helps unclog pores and reduce the production of oil as well. 

Benefits of BHA

If you are still unsure whether you need BHA or AHA, maybe these benefits will change your mind. BHA is much more suited for sensitive skin and is definitely less irritating than AHA. What’s more, is that if you are looking for a product or toner that can help treat your acne, BHA toners or skincnare products containing BHA is probably your best option! Aside from that, it also has the benefit of helping to exfoliate your skin, just like AHA would. 

The best part is that BHA houses one of our most favourite skincare ingredients of all time. Salicylic Acid! Yup, everyone with oily or acne-prone skin loves salicylic acid, so it’s a no-brainer that we would choose BHA toners over any other type of toner. We all already know the benefits of using salicylic acid, which is fighting bacteria and reduces irritation. So, that ought to be enough to convince you to not only start using toners again in 2021, but picking up BHA toners. 

The Best BHA Toners in Malaysia

1. Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner

The Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner is the most gentle and mild toner there is in Malaysia. When searching for a BHA toner in Malaysia, you want something that is both moisturising and exfoliating! What’s more, is that its formula only consists of 0.5% salicylic acid, making its pH level slightly acidic and suitable for sensitive skins to try out. Aside from that, its formula also consists of 80% aloe vera for a very moisturising and soothing experience. 

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Gentle 
  • Mild formula
  • moisturising

Price: RM70.00

Where to buy: Althea

2. Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Of course, Cosrx would make a second appearance on the list of best BHA toners in Malaysia. The Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner has the benefit to help you achieve healthier skin as it contains mineral water that also helps with rejuvenating your skin. With all-natural ingredients used in its formula, it becomes so much more than a simple toner. This toner from Cosrx has the ability to help cleanse and exfoliate your skin as well! So, whether it’s blackheads, whiteheads, or blemishes, this AHA/BHA toner can help combat them all! Thus, giving you flawless skin! 

Why we love it:

  • Removes dead skin cells
  • Moisturising
  • Water consistency
  • Soothes the skin
  • Low pH level

Price: RM50.40

Where to buy: Watsons

3. SOMEBYMI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner

SOME BY MI is another beloved K-Beauty skincare brand that has worked wonders on people’s skin. Most of their products actually deal with blackheads and acne. They even have a range of products that guarantee results in just 30 days! Thus, here is the SOMEBYMI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner. Several beauty influencers love this product as it contains tea tree water, AHA and BHA, which helps heal inflammation. Aside from that, it also has the benefit to help improve the appearances of wrinkles, and brighten your skin in just 1 month! To help get rid of dead skin cells, its formula blends together niacinamide, papaya extract, and witch hazel to work harmoniously.  

Why we love it:

  • Guaranteed results in 30 days
  • Moisturising
  • Softer skin
  • Heals inflammation

Price: RM44.13

Where to buy: Shopee

4. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 

BHA

The Clinique Clarifying Lotion has a special range of BHA toners that cater up to 5 skin types concerns. Each has a specific formula to help target that specific skin type and concern. For example, the Clarifying Lotion 3 tackles combination oily skin, while the Clarifying Lotion 1.0 tackles dry sensitive skin. What’s more, is that it also helps with the appearances of wrinkles and fine lines. This BHA toner was developed by dermatologists to help smoothen and brighten your skin. Its formula is refreshing and gentle, as it gets rid of dirt and pollution on your skin. 

Why we love it:

  • Absorbs quickly
  • Exfoliates pores
  • Minimise excess oil
  • Reduces appearance of fine lines

Price: RM168.00

Where to buy: Sephora

5. Dr.Jart+ Ctrl-A Teatreement™ Toner

BHA

When shopping for a BHA toner, you want something that is purifying as well. The Dr.Jart+ Ctrl-A Teatreement™ Toner is suitable for combination, oily and acne-prone skin. It has the benefits of helping get rid of any excess oil and dirt laying on your skin. What’s more, is that it also helps rebalance your skin by adding hydration after it cleanses. Not only does it reduce redness, but it also soothes your skin as well. Moisturising your skin, while leaving it with a matte finish. 

Why we love it:

  • Soothes the skin
  • Reduces redness
  • Targets problematic areas
  • Added hydration

Price: RM95.00

Where to buy: Sephora

6. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner

BHA

Infused with both PHA and BHA, the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner helps minimise your pores. Aside from that, it also helps hydrate your skin while unclogging your pores. This BHA toner has a formula that is free from alcohol and is combined with watermelon, cactus water and hyaluronic acid, to smooth your skin without stripping it of its moisture. So, you can now achieve a glowing complexion. 

Why we love it:

  • Hydrates
  • Soothes the skin
  • Prevents moisture loss
  • Gentle exfoliator

Price: RM160.00

Where to buy: Sephora

7. Pixi Skintreats Clarity Tonic Clarifying Toner

BHA

The Pixi Skintreats Clarity Tonic Clarifying Toner really treats your skin to a refreshing and soothing experience! Aside from that, this toner is also a potent boost to help combat breakouts before they even erupt. Keep your pores clear with this multi-purpose toner that also speeds up the removal of blemishes! With a triple acid formula, it also offers a speedy recovery without over-drying your skin. 

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Free from alcohol
  • Balances the skin
  • Reduces sebum levels

Price: RM145.00

Where to buy: Sephora

8. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

BHA

Since its formula contains up to 4% of  betaine salicylate, the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a great toner, and exfoliant. What’s more, is that its formula also contains 2% of niacinamide and since betaine salicylate is a gentle form of BHA, it has the benefit to help reduce and clear your breakouts! Simultaneously, this toner also helps fade away pigmentation, while brightening your skin.

Why we love it:

  • Moisturising
  • Removes blackheads
  • Control excess sebum
  • Brightens the skin

Price: RM83.00

Where to buy: Watsons

9. The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid Exfoliant

BHA

Another great BHA toner and exfoliant you should snatch in Malaysia is The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid Exfoliant! Like we said, BHA is great for those that suffer from oily and acne-prone skin. This exfoliant/toner from The Inkey List has the benefit to help unclog pores by penetrating deep into your pores. What’s more, is the BHA within its formula can also fight off breakouts and blackheads. Whether you have  normal, combination, sensitive, oily, or dry skin, this is suitable for all of them.  

Why we love it:

  • Unclogs pores
  • Combats acne
  • Combats blackheads
  • Suitable for all skin types

Price: RM60.00

Where to buy: Sephora

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