BHA

Goodacid

Exfoliant that helps to unclog pores and improve skin texture.

Regulatory Info

Status: Approved
Restrictions: Tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol

Can I mix BHA with other ingredients?

Warning

Retinoids

Retinoids and BHA (salicylic acid) together can overdry skin and damage the moisture barrier. Use on alternate nights instead.

Warning

AHAs (Glycolic, Lactic, etc.)

Using AHA and BHA together is aggressive exfoliation that can strip the skin barrier. Use on alternate nights for best results.

CautionAM only

General guidance

BHA can increase sun sensitivity. Make sure SPF is in your morning routine.

Caution

Vitamin C

Vitamin C and BHA together may be too acidic. If your skin tolerates it, it's fine. Otherwise, separate into AM/PM.

Caution

Peptides

BHA's acidic pH may reduce peptide effectiveness. Consider using in separate routines (acids AM, peptides PM).

Caution

Growth Factors

BHA's low pH may reduce growth factor effectiveness. Consider using in separate routines for best results.

Caution

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide and BHA both target acne but together can be very drying. Consider alternating AM and PM.

Caution

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid and BHA together may be too drying for some skin types. Monitor for tightness and scale back if needed.

Info

Niacinamide

Niacinamide + salicylic acid is a power duo for oily and acne-prone skin. Niacinamide calms any irritation from the BHA.

Info

Bakuchiol

Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is pH-stable and safe to combine with BHA (salicylic acid). No need to separate them the way you would with retinol.

Read all ingredient interaction guides for layering order and science-backed advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use BHA with Retinoids?+

BHA should not generally be combined with Retinoids. Retinoids and BHA (salicylic acid) together can overdry skin and damage the moisture barrier. Use on alternate nights instead.

Can I use BHA with AHAs (Glycolic, Lactic, etc.)?+

BHA should not generally be combined with AHAs (Glycolic, Lactic, etc.). Using AHA and BHA together is aggressive exfoliation that can strip the skin barrier. Use on alternate nights for best results.

Can I use BHA with General guidance?+

Use BHA with General guidance carefully. BHA can increase sun sensitivity. Make sure SPF is in your morning routine.

Can I use BHA with Vitamin C?+

Use BHA with Vitamin C carefully. Vitamin C and BHA together may be too acidic. If your skin tolerates it, it's fine. Otherwise, separate into AM/PM.

Further Reading

Related Ingredients