The Best AHA/BHA Products for Men's Skin

Alpha and beta hydroxy acids are the chemical exfoliants that replaced those awful apricot scrubs — they dissolve dead skin cells at a molecular level without the micro-tears that physical scrubs create. AHAs like glycolic and lactic work on the skin's surface for texture and brightness; BHAs like salicylic penetrate oil inside pores for acne and blackheads.

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is the most recommended skincare product on the internet for good reason. The salicylic acid formula penetrates oily pores, dissolves blackheads, and smooths texture in a lightweight liquid you sweep on with a cotton pad after cleansing. Use it nightly for noticeably clearer, smoother skin within two weeks.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution delivers AHA exfoliation at a price point that borders on philanthropic — $9 for a 240ml bottle that lasts months. Glycolic acid accelerates cell turnover on the skin's surface, fading dark spots and smoothing rough texture. Apply with a cotton pad every other evening. Available at https://theordinary.com.

For a combined approach, COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner provides a gentle introduction to chemical exfoliation with white willow bark water and apple water. It's mild enough for daily use and serves as an excellent first step before incorporating stronger concentrated products for either AHA or BHA.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum combines 12% AHA with 1% BHA in a gel serum that delivers comprehensive exfoliation overnight. It's the premium option that eliminates the need for separate AHA and BHA products. Apply two to three nights per week and expect dramatically improved texture within a month.

The most critical rule with acid exfoliation: always wear SPF the next morning. AHAs and BHAs increase photosensitivity by removing the dead cell layer that provided some natural UV buffer. Skipping sunscreen after chemical exfoliation exposes fresh, vulnerable skin cells directly to UV damage.

Start with one acid product two to three times per week and build frequency as your skin acclimates. Never use AHAs/BHAs on the same night as retinol — both are exfoliating and combining them compromises your moisture barrier. Alternate nights for actives and give your skin recovery time between treatments.