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Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser for acne-prone skin

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

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Superior

  • HighCombination Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

One of the best products for acne-prone skin.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. 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

  • Excellent for your combination skin and acne concerns, as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid work synergistically to exfoliate and unclog pores, while Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate soothe and protect. This combination effectively addresses blemishes and breakouts by promoting cell turnover and reducing inflammation.
  • The formula's moderate concentrations of these acids offer optimal keratolytic action and desquamation regulation, smoothing texture without causing irritation for your acne-prone skin.
  • The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing components.

How to apply

  • Use this exfoliant PM once a week to start, and gradually increase if your combination skin tolerates it well. Always apply SPF the next morning to protect your clear skin.
  • Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer step. This ensures the treatment targets blemishes effectively.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin without rubbing. Let it absorb for a minute before moving to the next step.
  • Apply the exfoliant on clean, dry skin to help control breakouts safely. Since your skin is not sensitive, this dry application method ensures good product absorption.
  • Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a patch test before your first use. Do not mix this exfoliant with other strong acids in the same routine.

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 one of the best fits for acne-prone skin?

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is one of the best fits for acne-prone skin because glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid work together to clear clogged pores and smooth texture. The formula also helps calm breakouts and protect skin with soothing ingredients like Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate without causing irritation.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009

Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for acne-prone skin?

Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid make this cleanser a great fit because they work together to clear clogged pores and smooth your skin. Dipotassium glycyrrhizate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate are also included to calm redness and protect your skin.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009

What does Glycolic Acid do for acne-prone skin?

Glycolic acid helps clear acne-prone skin by reducing pimples and breakouts. It also helps fade dark spots left behind by acne and controls skin oiliness, with very few side effects when used properly.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Dermatologic Surgery, 2014

What does Lactic Acid do for acne-prone skin?

Lactic acid helps clear acne-prone skin by reducing both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions with regular topical use. It works well to smooth and calm the skin while managing breakouts safely over time.

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2002

Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This cleanser goes in your morning and evening routine as the main cleansing step before your toner, moisturizer, and other products. It helps clear breakouts by gently unclogging pores and smoothing skin texture without causing irritation.

Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this cleanser in a routine that includes retinol by applying it during your cleansing step and using your retinol treatment later in the routine. Because this cleanser exfoliates while soothing the skin, it is unlikely to cause irritation when paired thoughtfully with other active ingredients.

How often should I use this cleanser?

Start by using this cleanser once a week, and if your acne-prone skin tolerates it well and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often. The formula's blend of acids and soothing ingredients is unlikely to cause irritation when introduced gradually.

Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts because its acids clear out pores and smooth texture without irritating acne-prone skin. It may cause mild purging as it speeds up cell turnover to clear blemishes.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009

Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • 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 combination of 5% sodium ascorbyl phosphate and 0.2% retinol reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 29.28% at 4 weeks and 63.10% at 8 weeks, outperforming either agent alone.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009

  • Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate-loaded hydroxypropyl chitosan and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels applied to wounds in a mouse full-thickness skin defect model resulted in rapid wound closure, efficient tissue remolding, collagen deposition, and decreased inflammation compared to commercial Tegaderm film and 3M dressing controls.

    Acta Biomaterialia, 2022

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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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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
Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play