{"id":27003,"date":"2021-04-09T18:07:21","date_gmt":"2021-04-09T10:07:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/?p=27003"},"modified":"2026-03-05T16:00:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T08:00:07","slug":"face-acids-bha-aha-retinol-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/blog\/face-acids-bha-aha-retinol-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"BHAs vs AHAs vs Retinol: Ultimate Guide To Understanding Face Acids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Unsure what face acids can do for your skin? Read on for an all-in-one guide for those starting their skincare journey and looking to incorporate acids like salicylic acid, glycolic acid and retinol!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Therese Grosse, our\u00a0YouTrip Ambassador, shares her favourite face acids to use for all skin woes and concerns. Join\u00a0YouTrip Beauty Alley on Telegram for more tips and guides like this.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be intimidated by the scientific-sounding names, acids are pretty easy to understand and use once you understand their uses and benefits. Who knew basic chemistry in school would come in handy here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are BHAs, AHAs & Retinol?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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BHAs<\/strong> are beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid that exfoliate and penetrate deeply into your skin. They can be used as toners<\/a>, exfoliators, or even masks, and are very versatile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

AHAs<\/strong> are alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and lactic acid that work on the skin\u2019s surface. AHAs usually come in the form of toners<\/a>, serums or even chemical peels, and are usually derived from plant sources like sugar cane (glycolic acid) or papaya (citric acid). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Retinoids<\/strong> (the umbrella term of retinol products<\/strong>) are derivatives of Vitamin A and can come in serum, cream or acid types. It\u2019s a powerful ingredient, and can cause flaking or peeling at the start before your skin gets used to it, so be sure to monitor your skin\u2019s reaction! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Difference Between BHAs, AHAs, & Retinol<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Active ingredients can be a confusing addition to your skincare when you think of all the dos and don\u2019ts usually mentioned \u2014 never use A and B at the same time, always put on sunscreen<\/a> after, only use it on alternate days. We\u2019re here to help you so you can confidently say once and for all you know exactly what you\u2019re putting on your face!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/td>BHAs<\/strong><\/td>AHAs<\/strong><\/td>Retinol<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Benefits<\/strong><\/td>\u2022 Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, perfect for combating acne and blackheads. <\/td>\u2022 Ideal for exfoliating the skin’s surface and retaining moisture.

\u2022 Also benefits sun-damaged skin by increasing hydration and collagen production. <\/td>		\u2022 Powerful anti-ageing product as it encourages cell turnover, so it prevents wrinkles and helps fade dark spots.

\u2022 Helps with acne (for products with higher retinol concentrations, best to check with dermatologist.<\/em><\/strong>)<\/td><\/tr>
Best For<\/strong><\/td>\u2022 Oily Skin, as it’s oil soluble.

\u2022 Acne-prone skin, because it helps unclog pores and exfoliate the skin <\/td>		\u2022 Most suitable for dry and sensitive skin as they are water-soluble<\/td>\u2022 Ageing skin, or once you hit 30 years old.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Best BHAs: Salicylic Acids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Paula\u2019s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Credit: Paula\u2019s Choice<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why it\u2019s great: <\/strong>Salicylic acid is one of the most common BHAs used for good reason! This cult product is known to clear up breakouts and minimise the appearance of pores by clearing out junk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For: <\/strong>Acne-prone or oily skin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price:<\/strong> From S$15<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get it from <\/strong>Paula\u2019s Choice Singapore<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sunday Riley U.F.O Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"BHAs<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Credits: Sunday Riley<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why it\u2019s great: <\/strong>This face oil is a triple threat \u2014 with ingredients like tea tree to fight bacteria, chamomile to calm redness, and cucumber to maintain moisture levels. Use this a few times a week for the best results!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For: <\/strong>Acne-prone, oily or combination skin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price: <\/strong>From \u00a334.00 (~S$53.80)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get it from <\/strong>Cult Beauty<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\"BHAs<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Credit: Cosrx<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why it\u2019s great: <\/strong>One of the best exfoliants in the market, this cult product uses a silicon-free gel base for extra gentle exfoliation. It also contains niacinamide, the perfect ingredient for evening your skin tone!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For: <\/strong>Normal to combination, pigmented or scarred skin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price:<\/strong> From US$$17.23 (~S$23.10)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get it from iHerb<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Best AHAs: Glycolic Acids & Lactic Acids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Pixi Glow Tonic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Credit: Pixi<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why it\u2019s great: <\/strong>Containing glycolic acid, the Pixi glow tonic is great for bouncy, soft skin. It stimulates collagen production and contains ingredients like aloe and witch hazel \u2014 known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For: <\/strong>Sensitive to normal skin types<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price: <\/strong>From \u00a310.00 (~S$15.80)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get it from <\/strong>Cult Beauty<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Ordinary <\/strong>AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Credit: The Ordinary<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why it\u2019s great: <\/strong>You may have seen this blood-red product all over Tiktok, and there\u2019s a reason why everyone is raving about it! Combining the benefits of AHA and BHA ingredients, this peeling solution is the secret to baby smooth skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For: <\/strong>All skin types (test it out on a small patch of skin first to ensure it\u2019s not too strong for you!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price: <\/strong>From \u00a36.30 (~S$10.00)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get it from <\/strong>Cult Beauty<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Herbivore Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Credit: Beauty and Berriesss<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why it\u2019s great: <\/strong>Herbivore is known for its all-natural ingredients, and this clarity mask isn\u2019t just popular for its lovely teal-blue shade! Botanical extracts like papaya, pineapple and aloe all help purge impurities and calm any redness \u2014 and it smells great too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For: <\/strong>Blemished skin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price: <\/strong>From \u00a338.00 (~S$60.20)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get it from <\/strong>Cult Beauty<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Best Retinol Products<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Oil<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Credit: Humble & Rich<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why it\u2019s great: <\/strong>This sleeping oil is the perfect example of the powers of retinol! Purported to help with wrinkles and collagen synthesis, ingredients like avocado and chia oil also help strengthen the skin and increase its radiance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For: <\/strong>Aging or dry skin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price: <\/strong>From \u00a345.00 (~S$71.70)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get it from <\/strong>Cult Beauty<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The INKEY List Retinol Serum<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Credit: The INKEY<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why it\u2019s great: <\/strong>The INKEY List is known for its affordable, fuss-free products, so this is a great starter if it\u2019s your first time trying a retinol serum! This serum contains squalane to combat your skin drying out from the retinol, and has a stronger 0.5% Granactive retinoid to boost your skin\u2019s renewal process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For: <\/strong>Aging skin or uneven skin tone<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price: <\/strong>S$18<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get it from <\/strong>Look Fantastic<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Drunk Elephant A-Passioni\u2122 Retinol Cream<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Credit: Ymor Beauty<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why it\u2019s great: <\/strong>This cream is jam-packed with superfood-rich ingredients like marula and jojoba oil to boost your skin\u2019s moisture, and antioxidants like kale and winter cherry to protect your skin from the environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For: <\/strong>Aging or sun-damaged skin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price: <\/strong>From S$40<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get it from <\/strong>Sephora<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How To Layer & Combine Different Face Acids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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It is important to note that hydroxy acids increase sun sensitivity, so always layer on sunscreen<\/a> after using any of these active ingredients. BHAs can also cause dryness, so be sure to use a good moisturiser after applying it to prevent flaking or itching! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, AHAs and BHAs work well together for normal and oily skin types, because AHAs help provide the additional hydration that BHAs need. However, dry skin types should stick to AHAs because BHAs can aggravate and dry their skin out even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for combining with retinol, it\u2019s best to use them at night as some retinol products break down in the sunlight. Alternatively, you can apply either the retinol or BHA\/AHA first and wait for it to be absorbed before applying the second product. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is not advisable to use all three at the same time as it may be too much for your skin, but a combination of AHA + BHA, AHA + Retinol, or BHA + Retinol will work just fine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s to hoping we\u2019re all on our way to better skin after reading this article!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Save more with YouTrip by paying for your favourite face acids in USD<\/a> or GBP<\/a> to score maximum savings! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you still haven\u2019t gotten your free YouTrip card<\/a> yet, use promo code <BLOG5<\/a><\/strong>> to sign up and receive a free S$5 in your account. For more great tips and guides like this, join our Telegram Community (@YouTripSquad)<\/strong><\/a> and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here<\/a><\/strong> or down below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you love being a YouTrooper, we want to put you in the spotlight! Join our\u00a0YouTrip Ambassador Programme\u00a0now!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

*All listed prices rates are accurate to nearest dollar on 7 April 2021 SGT 23:00.<\/sub><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cult Beauty Promo Code Singapore<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 Must-Have Sleep Products: White Noise Machine, Weighted Blankets & More<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

iHerb Hack: How to Pay Less Without Promo Codes<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sephora vs Cult Beauty: Who Has Cheaper Skincare & Makeup?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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