🇦🇺Australia

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser for combination skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

High

  • HighCombination Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

A great choice for combination skin; a few products fit it even better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers excellent exfoliation for your combination skin, as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid work to smooth texture and reduce blemishes by targeting excess oil and pore congestion.
  • Jojoba esters and dipotassium glycyrrhizate further support skin hydration and soothing, complementing the exfoliating action for overall skin balance.
  • The formula is safe for your combination skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

How to apply

  • Use this exfoliant product in your PM routine starting once a week, then increase frequency carefully if your skin feels fine.
  • Apply this exfoliant step after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and wait a minute before layering.
  • Apply the exfoliant to clean, dry skin to help control your oily shine comfortably.
  • Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.

People Say

★4.5Overall rating based on 1.5k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, this cleanser is highly effective at smoothing skin texture and brightening the complexion, with many users appreciating its ability to clear congestion and provide gentle exfoliation. Some users with sensitive skin have noted that it can be drying or harsh if used too frequently, and a few find the price point to be high.

Highlights

  • Smoother skin texture Mostly Mentioned
    • “leaves my skin smooth”
    • “felt so soft”
    • “polished feel”
  • Brighter complexion Often Mentioned
    • “skin looks glowing”
    • “brighter appearance”
    • “removes dullness”
  • Clears acne/congestion Sometimes Noted
    • “reduced my breakouts”
    • “blackheads diminished”
    • “pores look smaller”
  • Gentle physical exfoliation Sometimes Noted
    • “beads are gentle”
    • “not scratchy”
    • “dissolves nicely”
  • Drying or stripping Sometimes Noted
    • “face felt tight”
    • “skin felt dry”
    • “stripped moisture”
  • Too harsh/irritating Sometimes Noted
    • “burnt my face”
    • “caused redness”
    • “not for sensitive skin”
  • Efficient product usage Rarely Noted
    • “little goes a long way”
    • “lasts a long time”
    • “good lather”
  • Expensive price point Rarely Noted
    • “pricey for a wash”
    • “expensive”
    • “cost is high”
  • Not for daily use Rarely Noted
    • “too strong for daily”
    • “use sparingly”
    • “over-exfoliated”
  • Runny consistency Rarely Noted
    • “watery texture”
    • “pours out fast”
    • “hard to control”

Sources: lovi.care, sephora.com, kohls.com, ulta.com, murad.com, lovelyskin.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser a great fit for combination skin?

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is a great fit because glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid smooth texture and target excess oil and pore congestion on combination skin. Jojoba esters and dipotassium glycyrrhizate support skin hydration and soothing to help keep skin balanced without irritation.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026

Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for combination skin?

Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid make this cleanser a great fit for your combination skin by smoothing texture, targeting excess oil, and clearing pore congestion. Jojoba esters and dipotassium glycyrrhizate further support hydration and keep your skin calm and balanced.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026

What does Glycolic Acid do for combination skin?

Glycolic acid helps smooth and brighten combination skin by gently loosening dead surface cells to speed up skin renewal. This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation when used properly, but it needs a reliable sunscreen during the day since it makes skin more sensitive to the sun.

Acta Dermato-venereologica, 1995Archives of Dermatological Research, 1997

What does Lactic Acid do for combination skin?

Lactic acid helps balance combination skin by gently removing dead surface cells and managing oil while keeping moisture locked in. It is unlikely to cause irritation when used properly, and instead supports a smooth, clear, and well-hydrated complexion across both oily and dry areas. This type of skin needs ingredients that gently clear pores without stripping natural moisture, such as balanced hydrators and mild exfoliants.

Frontiers in Physiology, 2026Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2024

Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This cleanser is used in the morning step of your routine, and it can also be used in the evening when you are removing makeup and cleansing. It effectively removes excess oil and smooths your texture without causing irritation.

Can I use it with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this exfoliating cleanser in your routine alongside retinol, but apply them at different times or on alternate days to avoid making your skin too sensitive. Use this cleanser in the morning or on nights you skip retinol, and always follow up with a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin calm and balanced.

How often should I use this cleanser?

Start by using this cleanser once a week, and if your skin tolerates it well and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often. The combination of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids helps smooth texture and clear pore congestion while keeping your skin balanced.

Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser helps smooth texture and target pore congestion for your combination skin using glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. It is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts because these ingredients help clear excess oil, while jojoba esters and dipotassium glycyrrhizate support skin hydration and soothing.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026

Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase.

    BioMed Research International, 2020

  • Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene showed no hindrance compared to adapalene monotherapy and provided benefits in reducing complications in 25 subjects with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019

  • Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

  • Topical formulations containing 3.75% glycerol and 1.25% hydrolyzed jojoba esters produced significantly lower evaporative TEWL values compared to glycerol alone at 8 and 24 hours posttreatment in human subjects.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008

  • A topical formulation containing panthenol, niacinamide, and dipotassium glycyrrhizate increased skin hydration by 74.1% and reduced transepidermal water loss by 13.5% at 28 days compared to baseline and untreated control in 35 individuals with xerosis.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026

  • Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks.

    International Journal of Dermatology, 2000

  • Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone.

    Dermatologic Surgery, 2017

  • Application of a cream containing lactic acid 12% and pramoxine HCl 1% significantly improved skin dryness, hydration, and itch compared with a nontreated control in 24 women with a history of dry itchy skin.

    Cutis, 2004

  • Topical 12% ammonium lactate produced a significant sparing of epidermal and dermal atrophy induced by clobetasol propionate in human volunteers, without influencing the corticosteroid's bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties.

    Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992

  • A lactic acid/ceramide lotion significantly improved skin moisturization and desquamation compared to no treatment in women with dry, rough skin on the anterior shins.

    The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020

  • Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients.

    CMAJ, 2010

  • Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

  • Topical 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid achieved the greatest lesion reduction at early 2 to 4 week time points compared to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin, while 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin showed similar efficacy at 10 to 12 weeks in acne patients.

    Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010

  • Clay jojoba oil facial masks reduced total skin lesions by a mean of 54% after 6 weeks in 133 participants with acne-prone, lesioned skin and mild acne compared to baseline.

    Forschende Komplementarmedizin, 2012

  • Topical application of jojoba wax reduced LPS-induced secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα by approximately 30% and increased the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid compared to untreated skin in an ex-vivo human skin organ culture model.

    Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024

  • Hybrid nanogels incorporating carrageenan, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and jojoba oil enhance and provide controlled cutaneous permeation of niacinamide, protecting human keratinocytes from UV radiation compared to standard delivery.

    Pharmaceutics, 2021

  • Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2003

  • Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.

    Journal of Periodontology, 2009

  • Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022

Ingredients

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Jojoba Esters, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycol Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Pca, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Polyquaternium-4, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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Prices checked 2 Nov 2026

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Australia.

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

QR code: get the Lovi app
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