1. What is AHA and how does it work?
2. What is BHA and how does it work?
3. AHA and BHA: similarities and differences
4. AHA or BHA: which peel is better for me?
5. The Exfoliating Serum: AHA and PHA in combination
6. Can you combine AHA and BHA?
7. AHA and BHA in your skincare routine
8. Conclusion: AHA or BHA? How to make the right choice
9. FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about AHA and BHA

The main difference lies in solubility, which results in different effect profiles and areas of use.

Similarities

Both are chemical peels and work in the same way: they dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells instead of removing them through friction like mechanical peels. Both AHA and BHA stimulate natural cell renewal, refine the skin texture, and create a more radiant, even skin appearance.

Differences at a glance

AHA:

• water-soluble, works on the skin surface
• areas of use: pigmentation, dull complexion, fine lines
• can provide moisture, especially lactic acid

BHA:

• fat-soluble, penetrates deep into the pores
• areas of use: acne, blackheads, clogged pores, blemished skin
• has anti-inflammatory effects

Which acid is right mainly depends on your skin type and skin problem.

AHA is the better choice for:

• dry or dull complexion
• pigmentation and uneven skin appearance
• mature or sun-damaged skin
• early fine lines

BHA is the better choice for:

• blackheads and clogged pores
• oily skin or combination skin
• skin prone to blemishes

For sensitive skin or a weakened skin barrier, many people don’t tolerate AHA or BHA well. PHA acids (polyhydroxy acids) work similarly exfoliating, are milder, and can additionally bind moisture.

If you're looking for an AHA serum that's also suitable for dry or sensitive skin, the combination of AHA and PHA offers a gentler alternative to pure AHA products. Our Exfoliating Serum relies on a low-dose AHA complex (2%) made from citric acid, lactic acid, and tartaric acid, combined with gluconolactone (7%), a PHA acid that strengthens the skin barrier and binds moisture instead of stripping it away.

In a 12-week consumer study, 89% of participants confirmed a more even complexion, and 74% noticed smoother skin texture after just four applications.

For oily or heavily blemished skin that specifically needs BHA effects, this serum is not the first choice. However, if you struggle with pigmentation, dull complexion, or early skin aging while prioritizing tolerance, you'll find an effective solution here.

The combination of AHA and BHA is basically possible. This way, both the skin surface and the pores can be specifically cared for. If you are specifically looking for an AHA-BHA serum, you will usually find a solution for impure or oily skin, where compatibility deserves special attention.

It is important to start slowly because it is always worth observing how your skin reacts first.

If you are just starting to try acids:

• always introduce only one acid at a time
• test compatibility preferably over several weeks
• add the second acid later
• start with low concentrations

Because especially sensitive skin often reacts to too many new active ingredients at once with irritation.

Chemical peels always belong in the evening routine. The acid serum or peel is applied after the Toner, so after cleansing and the first moisturizing step, and before the nourishing finishing products like eye care and night cream.

A typical evening routine with a chemical peel looks like this:

1. Cleanser
2. Toner 
3. (optional) serum
4. Apply chemical peel (2–3 times per week)
5. Eye care
6. Night cream

Especially at the beginning, start with once or twice a week, gradually increase the frequency, and observe how your skin reacts. Multiple intensive active ingredients should not be introduced at the same time. Be particularly careful when combining with retinol, retinal, or high-dose vitamin C, as too many active ingredients at once can promote irritation.

Not every combination is automatically problematic; the formulation of each product is crucial. If you combine different products, you should still introduce new active ingredients one at a time and monitor your skin’s reaction.

After using chemical peels, the skin can become more sensitive to UV radiation.

Therefore, especially after using peels, but actually as a general rule:

• use at least SPF 30 daily
• ideally even SPF 50

And very importantly: sunscreen should be applied every morning as the last step of your Skincare routine, so it won’t be rubbed off afterward. We also recommend waiting 10 minutes after applying our Day Cream before starting with Make-up, so the SPF can absorb well.

Consistent UV protection helps prevent pigmentation and maintain the results of your peel application in the long term.

A slight tingling right after application can be completely normal.

Warning signs, however, are:

• strong burning
• persistent redness
• flaking
• dry, tight skin
• increased sensitivity

In this case, you should definitely reduce the application or even pause it temporarily. However, it might be worth checking later to see if the effect is still as strong.

With rosacea or neurodermatitis, special care is needed.

Since the skin barrier is often already weakened, acids can cause irritation more quickly. Milder alternatives like PHA acids are often better tolerated.

When in doubt, we always recommend consulting your dermatologist.

AHA is generally considered well-studied at low concentrations, even during pregnancy, and is usually regarded as safe.

However, with BHA, or salicylic acid, you should always consult your treating doctor before using higher concentrations, just to be safe.

Which acid suits you depends on your skin. If you struggle with dry complexion, pigmentation, or early fine lines, AHA is usually a good choice. If you tend to have blackheads, clogged pores, or oily skin, you should keep an eye on BHA. And if you react sensitively to acids, PHA is often the gentler alternative.

The most important thing is to start slowly and focus on the needs of your own skin.

The key points summarized:

• AHA works on the skin’s surface, BHA penetrates deep into the pores.
• AHA for dry complexion and pigmentation, BHA for blackheads and blemishes.
• PHA as a milder alternative for sensitive skin.
• Introduce all acids slowly.
• Daily sun protection with at least SPF 30 is essential, especially when using chemical peels.