Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are a type of chemical exfoliant that work to remove dead skin cells from the upper surface of the skin, allowing new skin cells to generate, resulting in more radiant skin.
BHAs are oil-soluble, which means they can also penetrate beneath the surface of the skin, making them adept at unclogging pores and targeting uneven texture. BHAs are a good choice for those with skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. BHAs can be naturally occurring, but are most commonly lab-created in skincare, with the most regularly seen BHA being salicylic acid.