Last Updated: December 29, 2022

10 best BHA skincare products.

WRITTEN BY Grove Collaborative • 16 min read

Want clear, glowy skin that’s free from blemishes and unsightly breakouts? You need a BHA skincare product in your life. BHA skincare is the latest beauty craze that’s winning over the hearts of skincare junkies and novices alike. Why, you ask? Because of its amazing ability to sop up excess oil and deep-clean pores for gorgeous skin that’s radiant and fresh.


If you’re #struggling to pick a good BHA for your skin, fret not. We’ve curated the best in BHA skincare in one handy-dandy list that’ll have your skin singing the praises of this exfoliating acid in no time. Questions? Meet answers — check out the bottom of this article, where we answer your most pressing questions about BHAs.


This list of products was determined by ratings and reviews from Grove members.


1. Naturally London Rosehip Hydrating Cuticle Oil with Willow Bark

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An easy-to-use cuticle pen that conditions dry cuticles and promotes healthy nails, and skin. A beautiful combination of hydration and moisturization to heal dry cuticles and soften, which promotes healthy nails. This gel-like oil is handcrafted with skin soothers like aloe, lavender and rosehip.

Benefits

Gently exfoliate and soften your …
(11)
0.13 oz
$22
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2. Yes To Glow-Boosting Exfoliating Tonic 10% Fruit Acids

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Enhance your skin’s appearance to help skin look brighter and more balanced with this Yes To Glow-Boosting Exfoliating Tonic 10% Fruit Acids. This facial toner uses the natural powers of grapefruit and 10% fruit acids, including lactic acid, glycolic acid, and willow bark extract to promote the glow of an even skin tone. It’s SLS-free, …

(5)
4 oz
$17.99
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3. Acure Incredibly Clear Acne Spot

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Hit the spot and remove it at the same time with Acure Incredibly Clear Acne Spot. This maximum strength 2% salicylic acid treatment fights zits at their source. The perfect solution for clearer skin, this acne-fighting treatment provides antibacterial support to help minimize bothersome breakouts. White willow bark gently exfoliates and helps …

(50)
0.5 Oz
$13.99
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4. Alba Botanica Alba Botanica AcneDote Face & Body Scrub

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Facial acne is obviously annoying, but body acne can sometimes take the trophy for the most irritating and embarrassing skin condition. Luckily, you can treat acne (and bacne) with this 2-in-1 Alba Botanica AcneDote Face and Body Scrub, 8oz. Acne can be the result of various underlying conditions, but you can treat it topically with this …

(174)
8 Oz
$11.99
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5. Burt's Bees Herbal Complexion Stick

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Having a great complexion doesn’t have to be complex. This Burt's Bees Herbal Complexion Stick easily fits into your purse or bag to take with you wherever you go, and it’s twist-on-top makes sure it never spills when it’s bouncing around on the go, too. This complexion stick uses 10 natural, herbal ingredients such as tea tree oil, juniper oil, …

(88)
0.26 Oz
$8.99
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6. Yes To Detoxifying & Hydrating White Charcoal Spot Mud Mask

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Whether you’re at home or on the go, Yes To Detoxifying & Hydrating White Charcoal Spot Mud Mask keeps your skincare routine simple while you stay mess-free. Using the product’s built-in sponge applicator, you can spot-treat and target specific areas and keep the mask from muddying your hands. The lightweight formula dries fast, making daily …

(24)
2 oz
$18.99
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7. Yes To Detoxifying Charcoal Spot Rollerball Acne Treatment

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Formulated with charcoal, tomato extract and salicylic acid, this spot treatment helps fight blemishes by drawing out pore-clogging dirt and impurities for naturally clearer skin. The rollerball applicator delivers a concentrated dose of salicylic acid, tea tree oil and witch hazel to help banish pimples in a flash, while bisabolol and ginger …
(25)
0.5 oz
$11.99
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8. Andalou Naturals Clear Skin Willow Bark Pure Pore Toner

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Fruit stem cell complex with argan stem cells, kombucha probiotics, and aloe vera polysaccharides instantly hydrate with skin calming nutrients to soothe and gently balance pH as willow bark purifies pores for a clear, refreshed complexion.
(6)
6 fl oz
$14.99
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9. Yes To Tomatoes Clear Skin Acne Fighting Paper Mask - Single Use

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Give your face a high quality treatment that's good for you with a Yes To Tomatoes Clear Skin Acne Fighting Paper Mask - Single Use. The salicylic acid and tomato extracts will clear your skin and rid the oils from your face. Cruelty-free and natural, you can rest easy while you give your skin that beautiful glow.

Peruse Grove for more …

(30)
1 Single Use Mask
$4.49
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10. ORGAID Anti-Aging & Moisturizing Organic Sheet Mask

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Treat your skin to this ORGAID Anti-Aging & Moisturizing Organic Sheet Mask, and let your skin feel the effects of organic botanicals and other antioxidant-rich ingredients. Battle against aging, irritation, and dryness with this facial mask that’s easy to put on and relax in while you wear it. This thin sheet is formulated with Ecoderma fabric …

(7)
1 mask
$7.89
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FAQs

What is BHA in skincare?

BHAs are an acid exfoliant, like AHAs and PHAs, but they’re oil-soluble, which means they love oil. This attraction to all things oily allows BHAs to penetrate deep into your pores to remove build-up and excess sebum, and clear up breakouts.


The most common type of BHA is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is gentle enough for people with sensitive skin, plus it’s got some mild antibacterial action, which can help fight off acne breakouts. In larger concentrations, salicylic acid is used to treat rough calluses and tough warts. BHAs for skincare are often found in serums, toners, and acne treatments.


Acids are experiencing a major rise in popularity — and for good reason. These chemical exfoliators do it all — but with so many types of chemical exfoliants to choose from, it’s easy to get confused. Read our Health & Beauty team’s in-depth guide on everything you need to know about AHAs vs. BHAs to help you decide which one is best for you.


When do you use BHA in a skincare routine?

BHAs can be used on all skin types, but folks with oily skin or those who are acne-prone will benefit most from using this type of chemical exfoliant. Slap on your BHAs after you’ve cleansed and toned your face but before you apply your serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen. Need a visual? We got you.


Here’s a list to reference — just skip the stuff you don’t use, and move on to the next item in your skincare line-up. Feel free to take a screenshot to look at later on!


  1. Cleanser
  2. Micellar water
  3. Toner
  4. Acid exfoliant
  5. Essence
  6. Serum
  7. Eye cream
  8. Spot treatments
  9. Moisturizer
  10. Sunscreen

Acids dissolve the dead skin on top of your face to reveal new skin underneath — and that skin is a little extra-sensitive to environmental factors like sunlight. Always follow your chemical exfoliants with moisturizer and sunscreen to keep your skin protected.


Is salicylic acid the only BHA?

Salicylic acid is the only BHA used in skincare, so when you see BHA listed in the ingredients, it's most likely salicylic acid you’re dealing with. Occasionally, citric acid is used as a BHA, but more recently, citric acid has been delegated to the realm of AHAs. Salicylic acid is derived from natural sources like willow bark, wintergreen leaves, or sweet birch bark, and it’s great for people with lots of blemishes, oily skin, or acne.


This BHA is used to exfoliate the skin’s surface, deep-clean pores, suppress oil production, and reduce inflammation. Try using products with BHAs to solve pesky acne problems or give your skin a good de-slicking.


What is Grove Collaborative?

At Grove, we take the guesswork out of which products are good for you and your home. Every product meets strict standards for being nontoxic, effective, sustainable, and cruelty-free. Once you find products you love, we ship to your home on a flexible, monthly schedule.


If you're ready to make the transition to natural cleaning, beauty, and household products, shop Grove Collaborative's natural products for the eco-friendly tools to tackle the job.

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