8 Gentle AHA/BHA Exfoliators for Sensitive Skin 2025
- Regular exfoliation is key to a glowing complexion. But if you have sensitive skin, you know that exfoliation can come with some pretty irritating side effects—namely redness, itchiness, and tightness. The good news? You can totally exfoliate sensitive skin if you use the right product. You’re better off with a chemical one over a physical one. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are two of the most common types of chemical exfoliants. These ingredients gently exfoliate the buildup of dead skin cells and reveal softer, more hydrated skin without damaging the skin. Read on for some of the best face exfoliators that are both gentle and effective for people with sensitive skin.
The Best AHA/BHA Exfoliators for Sensitive Skin
| REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
($38/250ml, up to 4% cashback at Sephora)
When the REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic launched, it made waves in the beauty industry. Long gone are the need for harsh scrubs to exfoliate skin thanks to this gentle yet amazingly effective formula.
It contains naturally Lactic acid and willow bark extract (a natural form of salicylic acid) smooth, tone, and make pores go poof, while azelaic acid brightens and lightens hyperpigmentation and acne scars. Gentle enough for daily use, this vegan, cruelty-free favorite leaves skin smooth, renewed, and luminous.
| Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
($29.50/118ml, up to 7% cashback at Paula's Choice)
Formulated with 2% BHA (salicylic acid), the exfoliator removes dead skin cells both on the skin's surface and within the pore. Combined with its anti-inflammatory properties, this helps to reduce blemishes and blackheads for a more clarified complexion.
Aiding salicylic acid in its blemish-clearing mission, methylpropanediol enhances absorption so you can get the most out of each and every ingredient, while simultaneously boosting hydration levels, and green tea extract delivers a hefty dose of antioxidants to soothe and protect.
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| Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum
($58/30ml, up to 5% cashback at Farmacy)
Formulated with a 14% AHA/BHA/gentle flower acids blend to reveal a more youthful-looking complexion. Salicylic acid (derived from willow bark) helps minimise the appearance of pores while flower acids (derived from hibiscus extract) also help to exfoliate and clarify skin.
FARMACY's signature blend of honey has been mixed with Hyaluronic Acid to ensure moisture is locked in and never stripped away. As a result, the serum can be used on all types of skin and will never leave your face feeling dry or worse for wear.
| The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
($6.80/30ml, up to 8% cashback at SkinStore)
Achieve superior exfoliation with the Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% Superficial Peeling Formulation from The Ordinary. Boasting 10% Lactic Acid, the potent formula provides gentle exfoliation and changes skin tone.
Exfoliation tends to cause minor irritation, inflammation or sensitivity, however the Peeling Formulation is fortified with a Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative, which can prevent this condition and leaves the skin feeling calm and comfortable.
| COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
($16.39/150ml, up to 4% cashback at Yesstyle)
Harnessing the powers of White Willow Bark and Apple Water, an ingredient containing natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids, the lightweight toner expertly eliminates dead skin cells and pore-clogging impurities, whilst minimising the appearance of whiteheads, blackheads and blemishes to reveal a smooth, clear complexion.
Ultra-hydrating Allantoin is combined with Mineral Water (sourced from Jeju Island in South Korea and recognised for its natural Beta Hydroxy Acid content), to help restore moisturised, revitalised skin with revived radiance.
| Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector
($7.70, up to 4% cashback at Walmart)
Given the company's focus on gorgeous, glowing skin, it makes sense that this daily exfoliant is one of the skincare hero products. The formula contains a 10% blend of chemical exfoliants: AHAs (lactic and glycolic), BHA (salicylic), and PHA (gluconolactone). It effectively dissolves blemishes, dryness, and other complexion imperfections, though is still gentle enough to use daily.
In addition to the exfoliating acids, a handful of other good ingredients are in the mix including aloe, niacinamide, and glycerin. It's beloved and often recommended by derms.
| SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight
($80/50ml, up to 5% cashback at Bluemercury)
Formulated with 10% glycolic acid, SkinCeuticals' Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight is clinically proven to promote a brighter, clearer-looking complexion.
This potent night cream is synergistically blended with 2% Phytic Acid to promote skin clarity and brightness, and a triple action-soothing complex to help support the skin barrier. Phytic Acid helps to inhibit the impact of skin aggressors that can cause dullness, promoting skin clarity and glow.
| First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Resurfacing Liquid 10% AHA
($55/30ml, up to 10% cashback at First Aid Beauty)
Designed with sensitive skin in mind, FAB Skin Lab Resurfacing Liquid 10% AHA is a potent, yet nonirritating leave-on exfoliator. Powered by 4 Alpha-Hydroxy Acids, it helps smooth, brighten and even the appearance of rough, dull-looking skin.
The formula is balanced with First Aid Beauty's signature blend of Hyaluronic Acid, Antioxidant Vitamins C + E Aloe, Colloidal Oatmeal, Allantoin and Ceramides to calm, soothe and nourish the health and appearance of mature skin.
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