The 10 Best Facial Cleansers with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

While the idea of applying an acid to your skin can seem, quite frankly, a bit scary, in reality, an acid is one of the best skincare ingredients you can use.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids, or AHAs, keep growing in popularity, and there’s nothing scary about them.

So, what are AHAs and what do they do?

Although they sound scary, AHAs are actually naturally derived ingredients that help your skin look brighter and clearer.

Depending on your skin concern, you can introduce products that contain Alpha-Hydroxy Acids to boost your skin’s radiance, improve its texture, and help refine your pores.

It’s always a good idea to start introducing AHAs into your skincare routine as you get older.

A good cleanser will kick-start your regime and ensure your skin is clarified before you follow up with serums, moisturisers, and makeup.

AHAs: Everything You Need to Know...

What Are the Best Facial Cleansers with Alpha Hydroxy Acids?

Whether you’re delving into the world of AHAs from the first time or you’re simply mixing up your routine, we’ve found the cleansers that your skin will love to soak in.

Before we round-up our fave cleanser with AHAs have you checked out our quick and easy cleanser finder?

Take the quiz and find a cleanser in under 30 seconds, or continue to read about our faves below.

Here Are the Best Facial Cleansers with Alpha Hydroxy Acids...

This triple-action exfoliator removes dead skin cells, clears pores, and works to make your skin look more even. Revealing a brighter, more clarified complexion, this Murad AHA cleanser is one you’ll love. You can use this cleanser as an all-over body wash to help clear acne and smooth the texture of your skin. Developed by a team of dermatologists, this cleanser helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

This AHA skin cleanser is a great option for all skin types. Formulated to bring out the best your skin has, Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 200ml combats dull patches and brings tired skin back to life. If you suffer from lumpy, bumpy skin anywhere on your body, just a small amount of this AHA body cleanser will help smooth things over. The Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 200ml how to use directions are pretty easy to follow. Simply dispense a small amount into your palms and massage gently into the skin before rinsing.

Société AHA Exfoliating Cleanser 177ml has grown an army of fans since it was first released. Helping improve the look of blemishes fast, it makes your skin appear clearer after every use. Free from physical exfoliants, this AHA BHA exfoliating cleanser reveals healthy, radiant skin. By stimulating the skin’s natural collagen and elastin resources, it makes your skin appear plumper and more vibrant over time.

Société AHA Exfoliating Cleanser 177ml is a cult classic that suits all skin types. Malic Acid, which comes from apples, helps improve pigmentation, while Lactic Acid offers gentle hydration. The Glycolic Acid in the solution gets to work where the skin needs it most, and Echinacea protects the skin and keeps it soothed. The Tea Tree in the formula tackles blemishes and acts as a natural antibacterial ingredient. Always use sunscreen after you’ve cleansed with this solution to give your skin the protection it craves.

If you want an AHA BHA cleanser that will lightly exfoliate your skin and gently unclog your pores, this solution could be one for you to try. Designed to help whisk away impurities from the skin, this oil-free solution is ideal if you’re suffering with blackheads and adult acne. With continued use, you’ll soon start seeing the AHA BHA cleanser benefits.

Even the hardest-to-remove makeup lifts with ease when you use this unique, oil based formula. Plus, the Neroli scent makes it a pleasure to apply, and your skin will feel refreshed and revived after every use. The lightweight texture of this formula smooths over the skin beautifully and works to rebalance the skin’s sebum levels.

Boosting the skin’s luminosity, DISCIPLE Night Shift AHA Oil Cleanser 100ml & Cloth has many AHA cleanser benefits. Using a nourishing blend of AHA’s, cactus oil, grapeseed oil and neroli oil this cleanser removes dead skin cells and any build up and debris. A unique blend of natural ingredients, this cleanser can be used morning and night to start seeing results quickly.

An AHA skin cleanser with an army of fans, this overnight treatment features Glycolic Acids, which accelerate the skin’s turnover so there’s room on the skin for healthy actives to penetrate it. Perfectly prepping the skin for moisturisers and serums, this formula contains a blend of Liquorice Extracts and Silk Proteins, which help retain moisture so the skin’s texture and clarity improves.

If you’re wondering about Alpha Hydroxy Acid benefits for skin, this cleanser offers them in abundance. Alpha-H Liquid Gold can be applied 2 or 3 times a week as the last step in your evening skincare routine. Smother a cotton pad with the treatment and sweep it across the face and neck. Leave it to soak into the skin, and then follow up with a moisturiser. Always wear sunscreen the morning after application to keep your skin super-safe.

The 12% Glycolic Acid in this formula is the perfect strength for transforming dull, pigmented, and otherwise uneven skin tones. If you're craving luminous skin that has an even finish, this cleanser could be your perfect skin pick-up. Plumping the skin and giving it a more hydrated effect, this cleanser penetrates the lower layers of your epidermis to reveal healthier, brighter-looking skin for longer.

If you have dull, acne prone skin, you might want to try Skinstitut Glycolic Cleanser 12%. The Tea Tree in the formula is a powerful antibacterial agent that helps soothe breakouts. An AHA foaming cleanser that also exfoliates the skin, this formula won’t strip the skin of its natural oils or leave it feeling tight and uncomfortable. Instead, this Glycolic cleanser works to refine the skin and give it a clear finish. You need only a pea-sized amount in the evenings to cleanse thoroughly. You’ll start seeing the effects almost instantly.

Korean beauty and skincare products continue to grow in popularity because they’re just so effective! This cleanser is no different. If you want to take the true K-Beauty approach, you could double-cleanse with this cleanser. This will easily ensure you lift all impurities from the skin’s surface. Formulated without mineral oils, animal products, or sulphates, this product soothes and cares for your skin.

SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam 100ml has been formulated with Centella Asiatica, which helps with skin regeneration. Pores will appear smaller and your skin will look brighter when you use this gentle foaming cleanser. Perfect for slightly oily, normal, combination, and dry skin! Squeeze some onto your clean hands and massage into a lather. Rinse with warm water and follow up with your usual skincare routine.

When you use this cleanser, you won’t need to harshly rub and scrub the skin’s surface. Exceptionally hydrating and oh-so-soothing, the product infuses your skin with antioxidants, which keep you protected from free radical damage. Your skin goes through a lot during the day, so it’s a good idea to use a cleanser that sweeps away any nasties it might’ve picked up.

Osmosis Skincare Polish Cranberry Enzyme Mask works to firm, smooth, and exfoliate skin that needs a bit of reviving. If you’re looking for the best Lactic Acid cleanser, this one is up there with the greats. The Cranberry Fruit Extract exfoliates your complexion, while L-Lactic Acid intensely hydrates the skin. Perfect for those with dry, sensitive patches, CoQ10 is an antioxidant that energises the skin to give it a brighter finish. Apply this cleanser as a mask 3 times a week. Or mix it with your regular cleanser and use it more frequently.

If you’re having trouble finding a gentle product that evens out your skin tone without irritating it, you should try this exfoliating formula. PETA-accredited and cruelty-free, it visibly reduces pores and makes your skin tone appear more even. Working to balance out the skin and keep it hydrated, this cleanser makes your skin look and feel considerably softer.

Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid are great for clearing out pores and helping you get rid of blemishes. Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser 150ml also contains Calendula and Jojoba Seed Oil to nourish and replenish the skin. Use this formula twice a week. Let it skin on the skin for approximately 15 minutes before you rinse it away.

Working to brighten your skin, refine your pores, and diminish the appearance of fine lines, the pads make your skin look healthier every time you use them. A great option if you travel a lot or are always on the move, the pads naturally exfoliate the skin and leave it looking fresher and more vibrant with no harsh beads. Simply pull out a pad and sweep it across your face to enjoy the benefits.

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser X3 Glycolic Peel Padsgently exfoliate the skin with a complex blend of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids. The skin’s natural collagen resources will be stimulated, so you experience plumper, more refined skin. These pads also contain Allantoin to minimise irritation.

How Do Alpha Hydroxy Acids Benefit the Skin?

AHAs are chemical compounds that occur either synthetically or naturally. Often derived from natural sugars and fruits, they remove dead skin cells to reveal brighter, healthier-looking skin.

Glycolic Acid is an AHA that comes from sugar cane, and Lactic Acid is an AHA that comes from milk. AHAs smooth over the skin’s surface, so you can stop using harsh scrubs on your delicate skin.

A good AHA cleanser will nourish the skin and give it a more youthful appeal. AHAs also help reduce the appearance of pigmentation on the skin and can unclog pores, so your imperfections are reduced.

Using an AHA and BHA cleanser will undoubtedly improve the texture and tone of your skin over time.

So, Can You Use AHA Cleansers Daily?

Yes, you can use your AHA cleanser daily, but it’s a good idea not to overdo it. Once you’ve found your perfect cleanser, start using it every other day and see how your skin reacts.

A good AHA BHA facial cleanser will reveal brighter, more even skin without irritating or causing redness. You might be drawn to the best foaming cleanser, or perhaps you’ll enjoy a more natural cleansing approach.

Whether you’re new to the skincare game or you’re simply looking to introduce some new ingredients into your routine, AHAs are a great thing to explore. Check out the above cleansers to start soothing your skin and give it a little glowy boost.

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