AHA vs BHA vs PHA: Chemical Exfoliation at Home, Demystified
AHA polishes the surface for glow, BHA clears inside the pore, PHA is the gentlest of the three. How often to exfoliate — and how not to overdo it.
Chemical exfoliants work by loosening the bonds that hold dead cells to the skin's surface — no grains, no scrubbing — and the three families divide the job neatly: AHA polishes the surface for glow and smoother texture, BHA travels into the pore to clear blackheads and congestion, and PHA does the gentlest version of the same work for sensitive skin. Once that map is clear, an at-home peel stops being intimidating and becomes the most reliable glow step in a Korean routine — provided you respect the two rules that matter: frequency and sunscreen.
- •AHA (glycolic, lactic acid) is water-soluble and works on the surface — glow, texture and the look of post-blemish marks.
- •BHA (salicylic acid) is oil-soluble, so it can clear inside the pore — blackheads, congestion and an oily T-zone.
- •PHA has larger molecules that work slower and shallower — the natural entry point for sensitive skin.
- •Start with one acid, once or twice a week, in the evening — and build up only if skin stays comfortable.
- •Freshly exfoliated skin is sun-tender: daily SPF50 is part of the treatment, not an accessory.
AHA: surface glow, on a weekly schedule
AHAs — glycolic and lactic acid — dissolve the dull top layer so light bounces off fresh skin instead. COSRX's AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid is the classic focused version: 7% glycolic acid that targets whiteheads, rough patches and uneven texture, used in the evening one to two times a week. The morning after a good AHA night is the point of the whole exercise — skin looks polished rather than peeled. Resist the temptation to chase that result nightly; AHA delivers on a schedule, not on demand.
BHA: the pore specialist
Because salicylic acid is oil-soluble, BHA does what no AHA can: it follows sebum down into the pore and dissolves congestion at its source. COSRX's BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is the cult reference — a 100ml liquid exfoliant for blackheads, enlarged-looking pores and a perpetually shiny T-zone, patted on two or three evenings a week. In-between days can still carry a milder mixed step: COSRX's AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner runs both acids at toner strength, gentle enough to slot in regularly while the power liquids keep their schedule.
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The gentler formats — and where PHA fits
Not every exfoliating step needs to be a treatment. COSRX's Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser puts BHA in a rinse-off format that keeps pores clear with everyday use and zero scheduling. Beauty of Joseon's Green Plum Toner AHA+BHA wraps low-dose acids in the brand's signature hanbang elegance — exfoliation soft enough to feel like toner, not treatment. COSRX's AHA 2 BHA 2 Blemish Treatment Serum splits the difference with 2% of each acid for blemish-prone skin that finds the power liquids too assertive. And PHA, the largest and slowest molecule of the three, anchors lines like Some By Mi's AHA BHA PHA range — a sensible first acid for reactive skin.
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How often is too often: reading the signs
Over-exfoliation is the only real way to fail at this, and skin announces it clearly: tightness right after cleansing, a glazed shine that is not glow, stinging when plain moisturizer goes on, and breakouts on skin that suddenly feels thin. The fix is not a better acid but a pause — two weeks of gentle cleanser, barrier cream and nothing else, then one acid, once a week. Whatever your cadence, morning SPF50 is part of the exfoliation itself: fresh skin cells are sun-tender, and in Israel the UV index takes no season off. Every product in this guide is stocked at Skin101, which makes building a sane acid schedule considerably easier than the internet suggests.
Why buying from the official importer matters
Counterfeit K-beauty is a real problem — the bestselling serums and sunscreens are exactly the products faked most often, and a convincing box tells you nothing about what's inside. Every item at Skin101 arrives through the brands' official importer in Israel and carries the importer's stamp with the official usage instructions on the packaging. It's the simplest authenticity check there is: look for the importer's label, and when a deal elsewhere seems too good, ask why.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between AHA and BHA?+
AHA (glycolic, lactic acid) is water-soluble and exfoliates the surface — best for glow, texture and the look of dark marks. BHA (salicylic acid) is oil-soluble and works inside the pore — best for blackheads, congestion and oily skin. Many routines use both, on different nights or in one balanced formula like COSRX's AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner.
How often should I do a chemical peel at home?+
Start with one acid, once or twice a week, in the evening, and increase only if skin stays comfortable for a few weeks. Daily formats — a BHA cleanser or a mild toner — are built for more frequent use, but two strong acids on the same night is a recipe for over-exfoliation.
Can I use AHA or BHA together with retinol?+
It is safest to alternate evenings rather than layering them the same night — both accelerate cell turnover, and stacking them multiplies irritation rather than results. A simple weekly rhythm works well: acid nights, retinoid nights, and at least one recovery night with barrier care only.
Where can I buy AHA and BHA products in Israel?+
Skin101 carries the Korean exfoliation classics — COSRX's BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid and Beauty of Joseon's Green Plum Toner among them — with fast delivery throughout Israel.
Why order from SKIN101?
Fast local delivery
Ships locally within Israel — up to 4 business days, usually 1–2. No overseas shipping waits, no customs risk.
Final prices, no surprises
International sites add 18% VAT plus clearance fees at the border on orders above ~₪250. Our prices already include everything — what you see is what you pay.
Originals from the official importer
Every product comes through the official importer and carries the Health Ministry approval sticker — unlike the many fakes and gray-market parallels sold without it.
Sales, coupons & gifts
Sales and coupon deals run all the time, and most orders include free gifts and testers that you pick yourself at checkout.