SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser for dry skin
Aha Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Bha Beta Hydroxy Acid- Salicylic Acid
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
Average
- LowDry Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
Works for dry skin; other cleansers fit it better.
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. 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 moderate exfoliation for your dry skin, as salicylic acid and citric acid help decongest pores and smooth texture, though glycerin provides only mild humectant action.
- Panthenol and bisabolol offer soothing benefits, but the overall formula may still be too drying for your dry or flaky skin.
- The product is safe for your dry skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing components.
How to apply
- Use this cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your skin clean. Start using it daily right away since your skin is not sensitive.
- Apply this cleanser as the very first step in your morning routine and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Follow with your toner and moisturizer afterwards.
- Gently massage a small amount of cleanser onto your face using soft circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply this cleanser on slightly damp skin for a comfortable and refreshing wash. This helps maintain your skin's natural moisture while cleansing away dirt.
- Avoid getting the cleanser directly into your eyes to prevent any irritation. Do a simple patch test before your first use to ensure your skin likes it.
People Say
★4.8Overall rating based on 1.2k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, users consistently praise this dual-action cleanser for its ability to smooth rough texture and brighten dull complexions using a blend of chemical acids and physical jojoba beads. While highly effective for clearing acne and refining pores, it is frequently described as surprisingly gentle and non-drying for daily use, though the high price point is a common point of contention.
Highlights
Gentle exfoliation Mostly Mentioned
- “gentle enough to use everyday”
- “scrubbing beads... not harsh at all”
- “does not dry out my face”
- “mild exfoliating action”
Improves skin texture Mostly Mentioned
- “pores look smaller and more empty”
- “velvety-smooth finish”
- “erases the nighttime wrinkles”
- “smooths away rough skin texture”
Enhances radiance Often Mentioned
- “keep my skin glowing”
- “reveal a smoother, more luminous complexion”
- “transformed my skin... to clear and bright”
- “skin is always super glowy”
Clears acne Sometimes Noted
- “great for acne”
- “whiteheads come to the surface... gone without any marks”
- “clear away acne on your back”
- “clears congestion”
High price point Sometimes Noted
- “expensive for a face wash”
- “pricey but worth it”
- “wish it was cheaper”
Initial purging Rarely Noted
- “experienced minimal purging”
- “small whiteheads come to the surface”
- “caused a slight purge at first”
Potential dryness Rarely Noted
- “more drying than my typical cleansing routine”
- “can be drying if used too often”
- “felt a bit tight afterwards”
Sun sensitivity Rarely Noted
- “sunburn alert”
- “need to wear sunscreen”
- “increases skin sensitivity to sun”
Sources: lovi.care, lovelyskin.com, dermstore.com, reddit.com, beautifiedyou.com, skinelite.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser work for dry skin?
This cleanser works moderately well for dry skin because its acids help smooth texture, but it may still be too drying for your flaky skin. A cleanser for dry skin needs rich hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide to maintain moisture and protect the skin barrier.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for dry skin?
Salicylic acid and citric acid help smooth texture and decongest pores, while panthenol and bisabolol help soothe dry skin. However, a product for dry skin also needs rich hydrating and moisture-locking ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide to maintain skin hydration and barrier health.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
What does Alpha Hydroxy Acid do for dry skin?
Alpha hydroxy acid helps smooth and hydrate dry skin by gently loosening dead surface skin cells and boosting natural moisture-locking lipids. Regular use makes dry skin feel softer and significantly improves rough patches.
What does Bha do for dry skin?
BHA helps dry, flaking skin by gently clearing away dead buildup while improving moisture levels when paired with soothing hydrators like ceramides. Salicylic acid may help smooth rough patches, though dry skin types need to watch for irritation and support their skin barrier.
Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for dry skin?
This cleanser goes as the first step of your morning routine and the second step of your evening routine after removing makeup. Because this product may still be too drying for dry skin, a cleanser of this type needs rich hydrating ingredients and moisture-locking components to keep skin soft and comfortable.
Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?
This cleanser works for your dry skin, though other products fit it better, but the exfoliating acids may still be too drying when paired with retinol. To use them together safely, apply the cleanser first, let your skin dry completely, and follow with your retinol and a rich moisturizer. A cleanser for this skin needs richer moisturizing ingredients and soothing components to keep dry skin soft and smooth.
How often should I use this cleanser?
Start using this cleanser once a week because it may still be too drying for your dry skin, and carefully use it more often only if your skin tolerates it well. A gentle cleanser used as part of a consistent daily routine helps improve visual dryness and overall skin condition.
Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?
This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores for dry skin, though initial purging may occur in rare cases as the acids clear out buildup. A product for this skin needs richer moisturizing ingredients to keep it soft and comfortable.
Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?
This cleanser may be too drying for the thin skin around the eyes and is generally meant for facial use rather than the body. Dry skin on the body and around the eyes needs gentle, hydrating ingredients and rich moisturizing elements to protect its barrier.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017Cryotherapy 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, 2010A 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, 2020Treatment 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, 2024Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2015Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide.
Advanced Science, 2025
Why other cleansers fit dry skin better
Phytosphingosine increased filaggrin metabolism and skin hydration in human skin by stimulating filaggrin biosynthesis and degradation leading to natural moisturizing factor formation.
Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017Malaysian thermal spring water as an adjunct to standard acne therapy improved skin hydration, reduced dryness and stinging, enhanced overall tolerability, and improved the acne disability index in patients with mild to moderate acne.
The Medical Journal of Malaysia, 2024
Ingredients
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Peg Ppg-8 3 Diisostearate, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Acrylates Copolymer, Vaccinium Myrtillus Leaf Extract Fruit, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Sugar Maple Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Lemon Fruit Extract, Salicylic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Panthenol, Bisabolol, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil Lavender Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Mica, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891
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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
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