Amongst the most common skincare ingredients out there, you’re likely to have encountered BHA. Countless skincare products include BHA in their formulations, but what exactly is it and what does it do? Join us in a deep dive into this chemical exfoliant to learn about how it can benefit your skin and why it’s especially good for treating excess oiliness and breakouts, in addition to the top-rated BHA skincare picks to add to your routine for resolving your oily skin troubles. Let’s get straight into the deets.

What is BHA?

BHA, short for Beta Hydroxy Acid, is a type of chemical skincare exfoliant responsible for removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. It can be derived from natural sources, namely willow tree bark, but can also be created synthetically. Salicylic Acid is the most common form of BHA that you’ll find formulated in many skincare products, while other times it’ll be listed as Tropic Acid or Willow Extract.

BHA is oil-based and better at penetrating the pores to clear buildup, at the same time clearing unwanted debris on the skin’s surface. It works by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, allowing the skin to naturally shed this debris - this process is similar to how the skin naturally sloughs away dead skin cells.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - SOME BY MI

What benefits does BHA offer?

BHA has the ability to unclog the pores and visibly improve blackheads, whiteheads and acne breakouts. As it removes dead skin cells from the dermis, it enhances skin texture for a more smooth and even complexion. This skincare acid is also a great treatment for targeting excess sebum production to rebalance oil-water levels.

What skin types is BHA for?

Because BHA works on the skin surface as well as deep into the pores, it’s best suited for normal to oily, combination or acne-prone skin. Drier skin types may find this acid to be too stripping and would benefit more from use of AHA. Moreover, BHA can be used by those struggling with concerns that affect skin texture, such as milia or keratosis pilaris.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - AXIS-Y

What to look out for when using BHA

As with any type of exfoliant, you’ll want to be careful with your usage to avoid over-exfoliating and damaging your skin barrier. When using BHA during the daytime, follow up with a sunscreen to protect your complexion against UV damage; post-exfoliation the skin tends to be more sensitive and reactive to irritants.

Best Skincare Products with BHA

No. 1

SOME BY MI - AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - SOME BY MI

There’s no K-beauty skincare lover out there that hasn’t heard of the SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner, it’s simply that iconic for good reason. This bestselling toner combines 3 types of skincare acids with Tea Tree Leaf and Truecica™ to form the ultimate calming and strengthening concoction. As it sweeps away dead skin cells, it provides calming care to irritated skin and offers a dose of replenishing hydration. Users with acne-prone skin especially love how it heals the skin post-breakout AND prevents future breakouts from occurring.

No. 2

APLB - Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Ampoule Serum

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - APLB

The APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Ampoule Serum wears many hats as an outcome of its unique Salicylic Arbut Cen™ component. A Formulation Technology was used in the making of the formula to enhance absorption and deliver the active ingredients deep into the skin. With just one layer, this booster is able to recharge moisture back into the skin, tighten enlarged pores and maintain balanced oil-water levels, all the while keeping a handle on any sensitivity flare ups.

No. 3

COSRX - AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - COSRX

If you’re after clearer, more even skin but don’t know where to start, try out the COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner. AHA, BHA and purifying botanical ingredients blend into one to exfoliate the skin’s surface and decongest the pores, smoothing and softening the skin in the process. COSRX recommends this minimal yet effective mist toner to users just starting out with chemical exfoliation, as the gentle formula is suitable for all skin types including sensitive, and for everyday use.

No. 4

heimish - Matcha Biome Amino Acne Cleansing Foam

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - heimish

BHA sometimes gets a bad rap for being overly drying or harsh, but the heimish Matcha Biome Amino Acne Cleansing Foam is as gentle as can be while still targeting pore debris and breakouts. The skincare acid joins forces with a Matcha Biome™ active (made up of fermented Matcha, Probiotics and Enzymes) to shuck off excess sebum and waste from the pores. As you cleanse your skin in the morning and night, this formula promises to maintain healthy hydration levels and prevent any tightness from occurring. Pro tip: the cleanser is not just for the face, but can also be used on the body to address body acne.

No. 5

Isntree - Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Isntree

It might be disheartening to be met with enlarged pores, but we assure you there’s a cure: the Isntree Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid. It’s formulated with BHA and upcycled Chestnut shells to clarify the pores, enhance their appearance and balance the complexion’s oil-water levels. 3 types of Hyaluronic Acid are added to ensure the skin is kept moisturized throughout the exfoliation process, resulting in blemish-free skin sans irritation. Fans of the formula love the effect it has on forehead and chin acne specifically.

No. 6

AXIS-Y - Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - AXIS-Y

Popping pimples is an absolute no-go as by doing so, you risk damaging your skin and inducing scars. Instead, reach for the AXIS-Y Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment that effortlessly calms and heals blemishes with a plethora of calming ingredients (Tea Tree extract, Licorice Root, Green Tea Leaf, to name a few). Simply apply a drop of the lightweight gel onto your breakouts to alleviate inflammation and speed up skin recovery.

No. 7

CELIMAX - Ji Woo Gae Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - CELIMAX

Tone and exfoliate in one go with the CELIMAX Ji Woo Gae Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad. This toner pad is made for daily use, harnessing the purifying and soothing properties of Heartleaf extract to transform a rough, dull complexion into one of calm and clarity. Each pad features an embossed and gauze side, the former for replenishing the skin post-cleanse and the latter for doubling down on exfoliation and keeping excess sebum at bay.

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