🇺🇸United States

SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser for combination skin

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

SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

High

  • HighCombination Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

A great choice for combination skin; a few cleansers 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 moderate exfoliation for your combination skin, as salicylic acid and citric acid help decongest pores and regulate texture, addressing oily shine. Licorice root extract and bisabolol further soothe your skin, ensuring a comfortable experience.
  • The presence of panthenol and glycerin provides essential hydration, complementing the exfoliating action for balanced skin.
  • The formula is safe for your combination skin, containing no harsh ingredients and including beneficial soothing agents.

How to apply

  • Use this cleanser AM and PM as part of your daily routine. Start 3×/week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
  • Apply this cleanser as the very first step in your morning routine and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening.
  • Gently massage a small amount of cleanser onto your skin using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
  • For the best results , apply the cleanser directly onto slightly damp skin to help lift away excess oil.
  • Avoid the immediate eye area and do a patch test before your first use to check for any sensitivity.

People Say

★4.8Overall rating based on 1.2k+ reviews

Based 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
    • “couldn't justify spending $85 on cleansers”
    • “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

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

SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is a great fit for combination skin because its acids decongest pores and control oily shine while soothing ingredients keep your skin comfortable. Panthenol and glycerin also provide essential hydration to maintain a balanced, smooth feel.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

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

Salicylic acid and citric acid help decongest pores and control oily shine, while licorice root extract and bisabolol soothe the skin. Additionally, panthenol and glycerin provide essential hydration to keep combination skin balanced and comfortable.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

What does Alpha Hydroxy Acid do for combination skin?

Alpha hydroxy acid helps balance combination skin by clearing out pores and removing dead skin cells while keeping the skin hydrated. It smooths out rough spots and keeps the skin feeling fresh and soft.

Skin Research and Technology, 2023International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2015

What does Bha do for combination skin?

BHA helps keep combination skin clear by diving deep into pores to sweep away dead cells and excess oil, which reduces breakouts and calms redness. It is generally very safe and unlikely to cause irritation when used in a daily routine.

BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

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

This cleanser goes as the first step in your morning routine and following makeup removal in your evening routine. Starting it once a week is best, and you can carefully use it more often if your skin tolerates it well and shows good results.

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

You can use this cleanser in your routine, but because it exfoliates, you should use it gently alongside retinol to avoid irritation. Try using this cleanser in the morning or on alternate nights from your retinol, and always follow with a good moisturizer.

How often should I use this cleanser?

Start using this cleanser once a week, and if your combination skin tolerates it well and shows good results, you can carefully use it more often. The gentle exfoliating acids help decongest pores and manage oily shine while soothing ingredients keep your skin comfortable.

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

SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is a great fit for combination skin and is unlikely to clog pores or cause major breakouts, though initial purging may rarely happen as it decongests oily areas. The salicylic acid and soothing ingredients help clear texture while keeping your skin calm and balanced.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021BioMed Research International, 2020

Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?

SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is too strong for the very thin skin around the eyes and is generally meant for facial use rather than the body. For treating delicate or body skin safely, a product of this type needs gentler exfoliants and rich hydrators to prevent irritation.

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

  • Daily treatment with a facial serum containing multiple acids reduced post-inflammatory hyperchromia lesion grade and number by 29.4% at 56 days, and decreased skin oiliness by 30.7% at 7 days in Brazilian patients with acne vulgaris.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021

  • 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

  • Topical 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, 2002

  • A 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, 2017

  • 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

  • Combining 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, 2015

  • Licochalcone 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, 2015

  • Bioactive 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

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.

  • 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

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product.

QR code: get the Lovi app
Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play

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