AHAs VS BHAs: Here Is Your Guide To A Better Understanding

If you are just getting into skincare, or are a veteran, you might still be confused with what AHAs and BHAs are. To some, the only difference might only be the A and the B! But I can guarantee that there is more than just the letters of the alphabet. If you are still confused, That’s why Beauty Insider is here! We are here to rescue you from your own confusion. Below, we are going to help you understand what the actual heck AHAs and BHAs are. Besides that, we are also going to take a look at the benefits, different types of AHAs and BHAs and give you some recommendations on which product is the best!

What Are AHAs?

AHAs are also known as Alpha-Hydroxy Acid. They are also referred to as fruit acids quite often because they are usually derived from fruits, sugarcane or milk. AHAs are actually recommended for those that have dry to normal skin, as well as skin that has been damaged by the sun. This is because AHAs have the ability to help enhance the skin’s natural moisturising factors. AHAs have the benefit to help peel off dead skin cells that are stuck on the surface of your skin. Thus, revealing fresh new cells of skin hidden underneath!  

What Are BHAs?

BHAs are also known as Beta-Hydroxy Acid. This can be derived from sweet birch bark, willow tree bark or wintergreen leaves. Similar to AHAs, BHAs help exfoliate your skin, but they dive deeper into your pores too! BHAs are also organic carboxylic acid and oil-soluble, which make them suitable for those with oily to normal skin that is prone to acne. Besides that, they also have photoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. By exfoliating the pore linings, BHAs help unclog your pores and reduce oil production too!

AHA VS BHA 

Now the question is, what are the differences and similarities between the two? Well, there are actually quite a few similarities between AHAs and BHAs. But, there are also a few stark differences. For their similarity index, both AHAs and BHAs provide benefits of brightening, hydration, smoothing and exfoliating. Besides that, both also help fade pigmentation, reduce and firm wrinkles, as well as prevent and clear acne. 

If you want to know the differences between the two, BHAs are actually the less irritating of the two. Which means, if you have sensitive skin, it might be better if you use BHAs. compared to AHAs, BHAs are actually more effective in treating acne! As they penetrate our pores deeper, BHAs also help reduce the production of oil while AHAs don’t really affect sebum. Even though you can’t physically change the size of your pores, BHAs can help make them appear smaller while AHAs have no effect on pores. 

Types Of AHAs

With so many different skincare products on the market, it can be hard to know which ingredients are AHAs. Here are some of the few different types of AHAs you can find in your skincare product.

Glycolic Acid

One of the most common AHAs out there is glycolic acid. It is taken from sugarcanes and is small in molecular size. Being one of the strongest AHAs, it can also be the most irritating. So, if you have sensitive skin, do take caution and use small amounts to suit your skin.

Lactic Acid

A more gentle alternative for glycolic acid is lactic acid. It is also the second most common AHA. Lactic acid is taken from milk and since it is gentler, it is more suitable for sensitive skin. 

Citric Acid

If you are looking for a weaker form of AHA, try citric acid. This is taken from citrus fruits and can also be used as a preservative. Citric acid is actually similar to tartaric acid because they both regulate the pH level. 

Types Of BHAs

Many skin care products contain BHAs as well. You just might not know it! Mostly, they may be present in exfoliating products. So, here are some of the different types of BHAs you can find in skincare products. 

Salicylic Acid

One of the most common types of BHAs is salicylic acid. Even though it is one of the strongest BHA, it isn’t as irritating as AHAs such as glycolic acid. This is due to its properties of anti-inflammation and large molecular size.

Willow Bark Extract/Salix Alba

If you want a weaker form of BHA, look out for willow bark extract or salix alba in the ingredient list! The salicin content inside turns into salicylic acid. Since it is weaker, it also won’t be able to give you results that are dramatic. 

Betaine Salicylate

This BHA combines both betaine and salicylic acid together. Although it is a more gentle alternative to salicylic acid, it doesn’t back down on its effectiveness. Betaine is also taken from sugar beets and is an amino acid that is hydrating. 

Which Is The Best For You

Since everyone’s skin is different, the same ingredient may have different effects on you! Even if you have the same skin concerns, it doesn’t mean that the same ingredients that work for others work for you. For example, some people with sensitive skin can take glycolic acid better than others with sensitive skin. Or maybe some with acne find AHAs more effective than BHAs! Therefore, here is a guideline on which of the two is best for your skin.

Normal Skin

If you have normal skin, well aren’t you blessed! Since you don’t usually have too many skin concerns, you may just need brightening and mild exfoliating properties. Thus, you can choose to use either AHA or BHA. Maybe try the more gentle or weaker acids like lactic acid and willow bark extract/salix alba. 

Oily Skin

For those with oily skin, you already know that salicylic acid is your best friend. And which category does salicylic acid fall under? That’s right! The BHAs! Although, you might have to experiment with how much you need before finding the right amount for your routine. The best part is that BHAs help to reduce the production of oil too!

Acne-Prone Skin

Similar to those with oily skin, acne-prone skin types should look for salicylic acid too! A BHA such as salicylic acid is actually proven to help reduce acne. If you are scared that salicylic acid may worsen your pimples, maybe try a weaker form of BHA first and go from there!

Dry / Sensitive skin

It’s time for AHAs to shine as they are the most effective when it comes to dry and sensitive skin. Lactic acid is actually the best course of action due to its hydrating properties and because it’s the gentlest form! It’s always best to start with the least concentration of acid before adding more to find what suits your skin. 

Products With AHA

If you are looking to buy some products that contain AHAs, here are some recommendations!

The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Toner

This Glycolic Acid Toner from The Inkey List is lightweight and helps brighten the skin. It also has the benefit to help remove dehydrated and dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. As it gently exfoliates, it also helps with increasing the turnover of cells. Making it suitable for skin types such as dry, oily, sensitive, normal, and combination. 

Price: RM50.00

Where to buy: Sephora

Krave Beauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA

The Krave Beauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA is a resurfacing AHA exfoliator that is gentle and effective. It helps with fading out discolouration and smoothing out the skin’s texture. To help the skin breathe easier, it exfoliates dead skin cells and helps unclog pores. With hyaluronic acid, it also has the benefit to help hydrate while kale boosts antioxidants. 

Price: RM103.16

Where to buy: Krave Beauty

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%

One of the beauty communities cult favourites is The Ordinary! Their Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% has a formula that is considered one of the mildest. Thus, it is great for those just getting into acids. To help provide extra moisture to the skin, its formula contains glycerin, hyaluronic acid, propanediol and 5% of lactic acid. If you prefer something stronger, there is also a 10% version.  

Price: RM32.50

Where to buy: LookFantastic Singapore

Products With BHA

If you want to get your hands on some products that contain BHAs, here are some recommendations!

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

The COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a great acid exfoliant as it contains 4% of betaine salicylate. Besides that, it also contains 2% of niacinamide! Since betaine salicylate is a gentler form of BHA, it helps clear and reduce breakouts gently. At the same time, it also helps fade pigmentation and brighten the skin!

Price: RM83.00

Where to buy: Watsons

The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid Exfoliant

Free from both fragrance and paraben, The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid Exfoliant helps with acne and oiliness. It is suitable for those with oily, combination, sensitive, normal and dry skin. It penetrates deeply into the pores of your skin to help unclog them. Besides that, BHA also helps combat blackheads and breakouts. 

Price: RM60.00

Where to buy: Sephora

Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner

If you are looking for something super mild and gentle, the Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner is your pick! This toner is both exfoliating and moisturising since it contains 80% of aloe! Since it only contains about 0.5% of salicylic acid, its pH level is only slightly acidic. This means it is gentle enough for every skin type.

Price: RM70.00

Where to buy: Althea