# celimax Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad for acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for acne-prone skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Superior · Effectiveness: High · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/acne-prone-skin

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

Brand: [celimax](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/celimax)
Category: [Exfoliants](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/best/exfoliators)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for acne-prone skin; a few products fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent suitability for your combination skin, as salicylic acid and betaine salicylate provide effective keratolytic action and seboregulation to address acne, blemishes, and breakouts. Bifida lysate ferment and centella asiatica extract further support barrier repair and offer anti-inflammatory benefits, complementing the primary exfoliating agents.
- The high concentrations of salicylic acid and betaine salicylate ensure potent pore decongestion and texture smoothing, aligning well with your goal of managing acne and breakouts.
- The formulation is safe for your combination skin, with no identified risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/dry-skin): Low
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/acne-prone-skin): High (this page)
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Heartleaf Extract, Bha Beta Hydroxy Acid, Madecassoside, Oil Tree Leaf, Glycerin

## 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/))
- The use of a salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic significantly reduces the needed quantity of benzoyl peroxide without impacting efficacy in mild to moderate acne, and as maintenance post-benzoyl peroxide allows a significant reduction of acne relapse compared to vehicle. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/))
- Soaps containing betaine caused the least skin irritation compared to other tested soaps in twenty-eight healthy subjects, though irritation did not decrease with increasing concentrations of betaine. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12535284/))
- A combination of Aloe barbadensis leaf extract and trimethylglycine in a 1:1 mass ratio synergistically increased aquaporin 3 expression by up to 380% in keratinocytes and safely improved skin hydration in healthy volunteers. ([Molecules, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38611819/))
- Quercetin phospholipids 1% cream significantly reduced UV-, histamine-, and chemical-induced skin erythema (-10.05%) and mean wheal diameter in 30 healthy human volunteers, showing comparable efficacy to 1% dexchlorpheniramine cream. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27013898/))
- Quercetin-loaded niosomes formulated with Span60-RH40 at a 9:11 mass ratio improved quercetin solubility, photostability, sustained release, and transdermal penetration, yielding a skin retention 2.95 times higher than quercetin solution. ([Molecules, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31238562/))
- Optimized rutin-loaded glycerosomes formulated into a nanosunscreen gel demonstrated sustained drug release, greater skin permeation, good antioxidant activity, and better epidermal retention compared to the dermis, indicating high safety, stability, and sun protection factor values for topical administration. ([Gels, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37754433/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20488582/))
- Topical application of 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel reduced erythema index by 0.03 U and improved early crusting and general wound appearance compared to placebo in thirty individuals undergoing facial laser resurfacing. ([Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310680/))
- 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/))
- Topical herbal treatments including lemon balm, olive leaf extract, propolis, and sage-rhubarb cream reduce pain, swelling, lesion size, and healing time in patients with herpes labialis compared with placebo or acyclovir. ([Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40526027/))
- Topical oleuropein formulations reduced erythema, transepidermal water loss, and blood flow by approximately 22%, 35%, and 30% in healthy volunteers with UVB-induced erythema. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18377620/))
- An oil-in-serum formulation containing olive extract standardized in hydroxytyrosol improved skin barrier function and significantly reduced hyperpigmentation in participants with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after 45 days of application. ([AAPS PharmSciTech, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41507660/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users with sensitive, acne-prone, and textured skin frequently praise these pads for delivering gentle yet effective exfoliation that smoothes roughness without causing irritation. The dual-sided design allows for targeted treatment of clogged pores and dead skin cells, leaving the complexion feeling hydrated, calmer, and noticeably softer.

- Liked: Smoother skin texture (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle for sensitive (often mentioned)
- Liked: Effective dual-sided (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Hydrating and non-sticky (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Soothing and calming (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Can be drying (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Gauze side rough (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Pad moisture low (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Scent not preferred (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Slightly sticky (rarely noted)

## 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.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/028e5e793422a3b665c02ff502cf5a68.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes Celimax Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad a great fit for acne-prone skin?

This exfoliant treatment is a great fit because salicylic acid and betaine salicylate help clear pores and smooth texture to manage breakouts. Heartleaf extract and centella asiatica extract further calm redness and support the skin barrier with a very low risk of irritation.
Sources: [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

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

Salicylic acid and betaine salicylate make this exfoliant a great fit by clearing out pores and smoothing skin texture to manage breakouts. Heartleaf extract, madecassoside, and oil tree leaf further help calm redness and support the skin barrier.
Sources: [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### What does Heartleaf Extract do for acne-prone skin?

Heartleaf Extract helps calm acne-prone skin by reducing redness, swelling, and breakouts. Studies show it helps lower inflammation and target acne-causing bacteria without irritating the skin.
Sources: [Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27023331/), [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31424962/)

### What does Bha do for acne-prone skin?

BHA helps clear acne-prone skin by clearing out pores to reduce both inflammatory and non-inflammatory breakouts. It also helps calm redness and lower oil production, and is unlikely to cause harsh side effects when used regularly.
Sources: [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

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

This exfoliant treatment goes in your evening routine once a week to start, after cleansing and before moisturizing. You may carefully use it more often if your skin tolerates it well and sees good results.

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

You can use this treatment with retinol by applying the exfoliant first and following with your retinol on alternating nights or in separate routines to help prevent irritation. This product helps clear pores and smooth texture, but combining strong active ingredients too often may increase skin dryness.

### How often should I use this exfoliant?

Start using this exfoliant once a week in your evening routine, and if your skin handles it well and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often. This frequency helps keep pores clear and smooths texture while keeping your skin calm.
Sources: [Dermatologic Surgery, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14725662/), [Dermatologic Surgery, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16640681/)

### Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

This exfoliant treatment is a great fit for acne-prone skin because salicylic acid and betaine salicylate clear out pores and smooth texture while heartleaf extract and centella asiatica calm the skin. It is very unlikely to clog pores or cause irritation, though any product that clears out pores deeply may occasionally cause a brief adjustment period.
Sources: [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### Is this exfoliant fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It contains fragrance (limonene) and drying alcohol (denatured alcohol).

## Alternatives for acne-prone skin

- [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-cica Intensive Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-intensive-ampoule/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €15.46 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/b-lab/matcha-hydrating-foam-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €13.99 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €19.90 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Centella Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skin1004/centella-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €19.20 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.nl: €18.03 (https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0H6ZGQQL2?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Notino: €19.50 (https://www.notino.nl/celimax/ji-woo-gae-heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad-exfolierende-kussentjes-met-kalmerend-effect/p-16254396/)
Prices checked 10 Oct – 5 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Butylene Glycol, Denatured Alcohol, Camellia Flower Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arginine, Salicylic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, C12-14 Pareth-12, Lactobionic Acid, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Glycerin, Bifida Lysate Ferment, Centella Asiatica Extract, Disodium Edta, Lactose, Oil Tree Leaf, Wheat Extract, Purslane Extract, Perilla Frutescens Extract, Panthenol, Honeysuckle Extract, Centipede Geranium Extract, Cats Claw Extract, Eupathoria Gypsy Herb Extract, Chosun Cordyceps Root Extract, Pine Pine Leaf Extract, Catnip Extract, Madecassoside, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chlorphenesin, Betaine, Betaine Salicylate, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Chamaecparis Obtusa Water, Sea Water, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Oil Leaf, Limonene
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/celimax/heartleaf-bha-peeling-pad/for/acne-prone-skin