Can you use AHAs and BHA together?
Yes, with care
Yes, and many exfoliants already combine them. But using two separate acid products together raises the risk of over-exfoliating.
Why
AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acid work on the skin's surface, while salicylic acid (a BHA) works in oil and inside pores. That's why combined products exist. Stacking separate products, though, makes it easy to overdo it.
Signs of over-exfoliation include stinging when you apply plain moisturiser, tightness, a shiny or waxy look, redness and new breakouts.
How to use them
- Choose one product that contains both, or alternate them on different evenings.
- Start two or three times a week, not daily.
- Wear SPF 30 or higher every day. In one study, a month of 10% glycolic acid made skin more sensitive to UV light (Kaidbey 2003).
Read more about each ingredient
Not sure what's in a product? Paste its ingredient list into our ingredient checker to see which actives it contains.
Other combinations
- Can you use retinol and AHAs together? — use at different times
- Can you use retinol and salicylic acid together? — use at different times
- Can you use vitamin C with AHAs or BHA? — yes, with care
- Can you use niacinamide and AHAs together? — works well together
- Can you use salicylic acid and niacinamide together? — works well together
Sources
Last reviewed 20 Oct 2026.
This is educational information, not medical advice. Introduce one new active at a time and patch test. If you use prescription skincare, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your GP, pharmacist or dermatologist first.
