AHA vs BHA: Meaning, Benefits and Differences

Payal Bhattacharya

AHA vs BHA, what Are the Benefits and Differences between Them?

AHA and BHA are the most common ingredients in skincare products. Cleansers, moisturizers, masks or scrubs, you can find these ingredients in almost every skincare product. Apart from treating acne, hydroxy acids can also improve the appearance of your skin.

So, what is beta-hydroxy acid? Also known as BHA, it is often accompanied by AHA for exfoliating your skin. They come together to create the recipe for a glowing and healthy face.

If you are confused about the differences between AHA and BHA, and which of these would work the best for your skin, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading this article to know what AHA and BHA are, the benefits of using them, and the difference between the two.

What is AHA?

Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) is one of the most common groups of exfoliating acids. It is a form of weak acid that helps in treating skin problems like roughness, hyperpigmentation, acne, scars, brown patches, age spots, rashes with red spots, etc. Generally, dermatologists recommend AHAs for people with damaged skin in the moisture range of normal to dry. With their ability to hydrate the surface of the skin, AHAs can heal sun-damaged skin with regular application.

Other names for representing AHA (or different types of AHAs) are listed below - as most of these acids are derived from fruits, AHAs are also called fruit acids:

Hydroxycaproic acid
Malic acid
Citric acid
Glycolic acid
Tartaric acid
Lactic acid

Benefits of AHA

Alpha-hydroxy acids are perfect for targeting every area of your skin. Not just the outer layer (epidermis), it also penetrates the deeper layers (dermis) to work their magic. Expert dermatologists recommend that AHAs can effectively remove the dead cells on the surface of your face to leave behind visibly clear skin. This reduces the uneven complexion on your face.

AHAs are known to encourage production of collagen in your skin. This means that by naturally using skincare products with AHA, you will see a visible change in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It will also improve the firmness of your face.

What is BHA?

Another popular group of exfoliating acids after alpha-hydroxy acids and polyhydroxy acids involves beta-hydroxy acids (BHA). These are oil-soluble hydroxy acids that penetrate deeper than AHAs into your skin. You might have surely come across salicylic acid as one of the major ingredients in acne-reducing skincare products. This acid is beta-hydroxy acid.

Generally, BHAs help in improving the overall texture of your skin and reducing the visible signs of aging like fine lines. As they are soluble in oil, people with normal to oily skins can make the most of the products with BHAs.

Other names for BHA (or different types of BHAs) are:

Tropic acid
Beta hydroxybutyric acid
Trethocanic acid
Salicylic acid
Salicylate
Willow extract
Sodium salicylate

Benefits of BHA

BHAs can work on sensitive skin. It is believed that this ingredient can also work on people with skin that is prone to rosacea or redness. They are one of the most popular skin-peeling agents, just like AHAs, but they provide an additional layer of bacterial protection. By ensuring better penetration into pores, they clean the deeper layers of your skin to prevent acne and breakouts.

Difference between AHA and BHA

One of the major differences between AHA and BHA exfoliants is based on their solubility. AHAs can be differentiated from other acids like BHA and PHA because they are soluble in water. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two popular hydroxy acids in the table below.

Features	AHA	BHA
Irritation	AHAs can be irritating on certain skin types.	Studies concluded that salicylic acid causes less irritation than glycolic acids.
Effect on dry skin	AHAs are water-soluble hydroxy acids that exfoliate the top layer of your face effectively.	BHAs are less effective on dry skin as they work better on normal to oily skin types.
Antibacterial	AHAs do not possess antibacterial properties.	BHAs possess antibacterial properties, which is why they are used in acne products.
Sun protection	The use of AHA products can lead to sun sensitivity. Thus, using sunscreen for additional protection is recommended.	BHA products do not have the potential for skin sensitivity.

Conclusion

AHAs are highly effective on dry to normal skin as they are water-soluble. On the contrary, the oil-soluble BHAs penetrate deeper into the pores to work effectively on normal to oily skins. Both these acids are highly effective for combating bacteria and improving sun-damaged skin. Depending on your skin type and requirements, select the most popular and authentic skincare products at jaw-dropping discounts on Purplle.

FAQ

Q. Which is the best AHA for skin?

A. Glycolic acid is the most popularly used AHA in skincare products because it comes with molecules of small sizes. These molecules penetrate deeper into the skin to generate visible results.

Q. Are AHA and BHA good for skin?

A. AHA and BHA are chemical exfoliants. They are highly effective for clearing the dead cells on the top layer of your skin. They are also believed to possess properties that make your skin softer and reduce the visibility of fine lines.

Read More:
- All About Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)- The Gentle Exfoliator
- All About Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) - The Oil Buster