Free UK mainland delivery over £50
14-Day Returns Policy
Carbon Neutral Deliveries
Skin quiz Not sure where to start? Answer a few quick questions and we'll suggest a routine for your skin. Take the quiz The Derma Club Earn points every time you shop Swap your points for money off, plus 250 bonus points when you join. Join the club
Added to bag

AHAs / BHAs / PHAs

Exfoliating acids for smoother, brighter skin. AHAs for dullness, BHAs for oily and congested skin, and gentle PHAs for sensitive skin.

  • Dermaceutic Tri Vita C30
    Dermaceutic
    Dermaceutic Tri Vita C30
    Dermaceutic Tri Vita C30
    Save 10%
  • Version
    Medik8 Press & Clear
    Medik8
    Medik8 Press & Clear
    Version
    Medik8 Press & Clear Medik8 Press & Clear, view 2
  • Dermaceutic Foamer 15
    Dermaceutic
    Dermaceutic Foamer 15
    Dermaceutic Foamer 15 Dermaceutic Foamer 15, texture
    Save 10%
  • Environ Clarity+ Hydroxy Acid Sebu-Clear Masque
    Environ
    Environ Clarity+ Hydroxy Acid Sebu-Clear Masque
    Environ Clarity+ Hydroxy Acid Sebu-Clear Masque Environ Clarity+ Hydroxy Acid Sebu-Clear Masque, with packaging
  • Size
    Dermaceutic Advanced Cleanser
    Dermaceutic
    Dermaceutic Advanced Cleanser
    Size
    Dermaceutic Advanced Cleanser Dermaceutic Advanced Cleanser, view 2
    Save up to 10%
  • Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser
    Epionce
    Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser
    Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser, view 2
  • DreamWeave Magnegenics Mascara - Black
    DreamWeave
    DreamWeave Magnegenics Mascara - Black
    DreamWeave Magnegenics Mascara - Black
  • Environ Radiance+ Vita-Botanical Mela-Fade Serum System
    Environ
    Environ Radiance+ Vita-Botanical Mela-Fade Serum System
    Environ Radiance+ Vita-Botanical Mela-Fade Serum System Environ Radiance+ Vita-Botanical Mela-Fade Serum System, with packaging
  • NeoStrata Clarify Mandelic Clarifying Cleanser
    NeoStrata
    NeoStrata Clarify Mandelic Clarifying Cleanser
    NeoStrata Clarify Mandelic Clarifying Cleanser NeoStrata Clarify Mandelic Clarifying Cleanser, view 2
  • NeoStrata Restore PHA Barrier Recovery Cream
    NeoStrata
    NeoStrata Restore PHA Barrier Recovery Cream
    NeoStrata Restore PHA Barrier Recovery Cream NeoStrata Restore PHA Barrier Recovery Cream, view 2
  • Size
    Dermaceutic Oxybiome
    Dermaceutic
    Dermaceutic Oxybiome
    Size
    Dermaceutic Oxybiome Dermaceutic Oxybiome, view 2
    Save 10%
  • NeoStrata Resurface Foaming Glycolic Wash
    NeoStrata
    NeoStrata Resurface Foaming Glycolic Wash
    NeoStrata Resurface Foaming Glycolic Wash NeoStrata Resurface Foaming Glycolic Wash, view 2
  • Epionce Intensive Nourishing Cream
    Epionce
    Epionce Intensive Nourishing Cream
    Epionce Intensive Nourishing Cream
  • Size
    Medik8 Micellar Mousse
    Medik8
    Medik8 Micellar Mousse
    Size
    Medik8 Micellar Mousse Medik8 Micellar Mousse, view 2
  • Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion
    Epionce
    Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion
    Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion
  • Size
    Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
    Olaplex
    Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
    Size
    Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, view 2
  • NeoStrata Enlighten 15% Vitamin C + PHA Serum 15ml
    NeoStrata
    NeoStrata Enlighten 15% Vitamin C + PHA Serum 15ml
    NeoStrata Enlighten 15% Vitamin C + PHA Serum 15ml NeoStrata Enlighten 15% Vitamin C + PHA Serum 15ml, view 2
  • Size
    Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
    Olaplex
    Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
    Size
    Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, view 2
  • Dermaceutic Regen Ceutic
    Dermaceutic
    Dermaceutic Regen Ceutic
    Dermaceutic Regen Ceutic
    Save 10%
  • NeoStrata Restore PHA Daily Moisturiser
    NeoStrata
    NeoStrata Restore PHA Daily Moisturiser
    NeoStrata Restore PHA Daily Moisturiser NeoStrata Restore PHA Daily Moisturiser, swatch
  • Dermaceutic Turn Over 15
    Dermaceutic
    Dermaceutic Turn Over 15
    Dermaceutic Turn Over 15 Dermaceutic Turn Over 15, view 2
    Save 10%
  • Epionce Renewal Lite Facial Lotion
    Epionce
    Epionce Renewal Lite Facial Lotion
    Epionce Renewal Lite Facial Lotion
  • Dermaceutic Sun Ceutic 50+
    Dermaceutic
    Dermaceutic Sun Ceutic 50+
    Dermaceutic Sun Ceutic 50+
    Save 10%
  • Epionce Lytic Tx
    Epionce
    Epionce Lytic Tx
    Epionce Lytic Tx
  • Dermaceutic Mask 15
    Dermaceutic
    Dermaceutic Mask 15
    Dermaceutic Mask 15
    Save 10%
  • Dermaceutic Activabiome
    Dermaceutic
    Dermaceutic Activabiome
    Dermaceutic Activabiome
    Save 10%
  • Environ Comfort+ Vita-Enriched Antioxidant Gel
    Environ
    Environ Comfort+ Vita-Enriched Antioxidant Gel
    Environ Comfort+ Vita-Enriched Antioxidant Gel Environ Comfort+ Vita-Enriched Antioxidant Gel, with packaging
  • Dermaceutic Foamer 5
    Dermaceutic
    Dermaceutic Foamer 5
    Dermaceutic Foamer 5 Dermaceutic Foamer 5, texture
    Save 10%
  • Dermaceutic Mela Cream
    Dermaceutic
    Dermaceutic Mela Cream
    Dermaceutic Mela Cream Dermaceutic Mela Cream, with packaging
    Save 15%
  • Dermaceutic Radiance
    Dermaceutic
    Dermaceutic Radiance
    Dermaceutic Radiance Dermaceutic Mela Cream, view 4
    Save 10%
  • Epionce Purifying Wash
    Epionce
    Epionce Purifying Wash
    Epionce Purifying Wash
Filter Results Filter & Sort Results

AHAs, BHAs and PHAs

These three families of exfoliating acids each suit different skin. AHAs (glycolic, lactic and mandelic acid) refine surface texture and brighten. BHAs (salicylic acid) are oil-soluble, so they reach into pores and suit oily, blemish-prone skin. PHAs (gluconolactone and lactobionic acid) have larger molecules that work more gently, making them a good choice for sensitive skin. Use a few times a week and always follow with SPF.

Your Bag
AboutAHAs / BHAs / PHAs

These three groups of acids all exfoliate, but they behave differently, so the best choice depends on your skin.

  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic and mandelic acid) are water-soluble and work on the surface, helping with dullness, rough texture and the look of uneven tone.
  • BHAs (salicylic acid) are oil-soluble, so they can work inside pores. A good fit for oily, congested or blemish-prone skin.
  • PHAs (gluconolactone and lactobionic acid) are larger molecules that work more gradually and also attract moisture, so they suit sensitive and dry skin.

How to use them

Choose one exfoliating product to begin with, such as a toner, cleanser or serum, and use it two or three evenings a week. Build up only if your skin stays comfortable. Avoid using them on the same night as strong vitamin A unless a brand designs the two to work together, and wear SPF every morning. Stinging that lingers, tightness or flaking are signs to scale back.