Actives
AHA (Glycolic & Lactic Acid)
also known as Alpha hydroxy acids
Surface exfoliants that smooth texture and brighten — the water-loving counterpart to BHA.
What it is
AHAs are water-soluble acids — glycolic (smallest, strongest), lactic (gentler, also hydrating), and mandelic (largest, gentlest) — that exfoliate the skin's surface. They're the counterpart to oil-soluble BHA, which works inside the pore.
What it actually does
AHAs dissolve the bonds holding dull, dead cells on the surface, so skin looks smoother, brighter, and more even, and fine lines and rough texture soften with regular use. They also help fade surface pigment over time. Because they work on top of the skin (not down in the pore), they're the go-to for texture, radiance, and tone rather than blackheads — that's BHA's job.
Why K-beauty uses it
K-Beauty tends to deliver AHAs in low-key, well-buffered 'toner pad' and gentle-peel formats rather than harsh peels — very on-brand for the gradual, barrier-conscious Korean approach to exfoliation.
Best for
- Rough texture
- Dullness
- Uneven tone
Not ideal for
- Compromised or very sensitive barriers
- Blackhead-focused routines (use BHA)
Pairs well with
Use with care
BHA
use cautionBoth exfoliate — combining risks over-exfoliation.
→ Alternate nights, or use an AHA/BHA blend designed to be balanced.
Retinal
avoid same stepAcid plus retinoid in one go is a fast track to irritation.
→ Different nights.
Not "avoid at all costs" — most K-beauty routines get away with these combos by splitting AM/PM or alternating nights. The caution is about how you layer, not whether you use them.
Routine placement
- Where it lives
- Toner · Serum · Mask
- AM/PM
- PM
- Frequency
- 1-3 nights a week
Pregnancy note: Low-percentage cosmetic AHAs are generally considered fine, but check with your provider.
How to use it
Start once or twice a week at night and build up. AHAs make skin more sun-sensitive, so daily SPF is mandatory. Don't stack with other strong actives while your skin adjusts.
The Plug verdict
AHA is your texture-and-glow exfoliant; BHA is your pore one. Most people don't need both — pick by concern, start slow, and never skip sunscreen the next day.
Products featuring aha (glycolic & lactic acid)
96 productsEditorially picked products where aha (glycolic & lactic acid) is the hero — ranked by real value across authentic retailers.
SOME BY MI
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam
from $13.30$13.92 · $0.13/ml
3 retailers
SOME BY MI
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam (OTC Version)
from $13.30$13.54 · $0.13/ml
3 retailers
Arencia
Eraser Shot Glycolic Acid Exfoliator
from $13.30$15.71 · $0.07/ml
3 retailers
Nineless
Molecule-Clear 5% Mandelic Acid Serum
from $16.20$17.55 · $0.54/ml
2 retailers
SOME BY MI
Aha Bha Pha 30 Days Miracle Serum
from $14.77$20.71 · $0.30/ml
6 retailers
SOME BY MI
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
from $13.44$16.23 · $0.09/ml
4 retailers
SOME BY MI
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum Light
from $19.31$19.51 · $0.39/ml
2 retailers
APLB
Aha Bha Pha Centella Facial Cream
from $9.80$16.00 · $0.18/ml
3 retailers
VT Cosmetics
Glycolic Reedle Shot Head To Toe Mist
from $11.40$15.93 · $0.10/ml
2 retailers
TOCOBO
Aha Bha Lemon Toner
from $15.95$19.18 · $0.11/ml
3 retailers
APLB
Mandelic Acid Retinol Ampoule Serum
from $9.80 · $0.25/ml
2 retailers
APLB
Aha Bha Pha Centella Facial Toner
from $9.80$18.19 · $0.06/ml
2 retailers
APLB
Aha Bha Pha Centella Mist Essence
from $9.80 · $0.09/ml
2 retailers
Tosowoong
AHA Blackhead Out Cleansing Oil
from $22.63$29.63 · $0.15/ml
2 retailers
HEIMISH
RX AHA BHA Peeling Serum
from $19.60$22.40 · $0.56/ml
2 retailers
beplain
Pink Salt Aha Bha Cleansing Foam
from $13.95$16.42 · $0.12/ml
2 retailers
COSRX
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
from $14.00$18.17 · $0.09/ml
4 retailers
Mary&May
Vegan Cica Teatree Aha Pha Blemish Toner
from $18.06$16.36 · $0.09/ml
3 retailers
Isntree
Hyper Acid 4 Aha Bha Pha Lha 30 Serum
from $11.90$17.45 · $0.60/ml
2 retailers
SOME BY MI
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Cleansing Bar 106g
from $10.29$10.62 · $0.10/g
2 retailers
COSRX
The AHA 2 BHA 2 Blemish Treatment Serum
from $17.00$20.00 · $0.34/g
2 retailers
Haruharu Wonder
Black Rice Triple Aha Gentle Cleansing Gel
from $7.95$11.79 · $0.08/ml
4 retailers
SOME BY MI
Aha Bha Pha Miracle Body Toner Mist
from $16.66$18.10 · $0.12/ml
3 retailers
COSRX
AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
from $11.95$16.86 · $0.12/ml
6 retailers
APLB
Lactic Acid Retinol Ampoule Serum
from $9.80 · $0.25/ml
2 retailers
numbuzin
No 4 Ceramide Aha Glazed Skin Prep Serum
from $18.20$21.74 · $0.61/ml
3 retailers
Beauty of Joseon
Green Plum Refreshing Toner : AHA + BHA
from $14.40$15.93 · $0.10/ml
3 retailers
APLB
Aha Bha Pha Centella Ampoule Serum
from $9.80$15.42 · $0.25/ml
2 retailers
SOME BY MI
Aha Bha Pha 30 Days Miracle Cream
from $14.77$19.03 · $0.25/g
5 retailers
COSRX
The Aha Bha Pha Lha 35 Peel
from $11.99$14.76 · $0.40/ml
3 retailers
LANEIGE
Water Bank Aqua Facial Serum BHA + AHA - Gently Exfoliate, Hydrate & Glow
from $29.60$32.80
2 retailers
KAINE
Rosemary AHA Night Serum
from $14.70$20.15 · $0.49/ml
2 retailers
Arencia
Eraser Shot Glycolic Acid Booster
from $18.00$22.00 · $0.60/ml
3 retailers
SOME BY MI
AHA-BHA-PHA 30days Miracle Acne Clear Body Cleanser
from $17.35$19.18 · $0.04/g
2 retailers
SOME BY MI
AHA-BHA-PHA 14 Days Super Miracle Spot All Kill Cream
from $12.95$16.81 · $0.43/ml
3 retailers
The Face Shop
Dr.Belmeur AHA/PHA Exfoliating Toner
$11.00 · $0.11/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
FRANKLY
Aha 8.05% Toner
$14.85 · $0.15/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
Cos De BAHA
Lactic Acid 12.5 Serum (LS)
$8.97 · $0.30/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
Cos De BAHA
AHA/BHA GS Toner (GS)
$10.76 · $0.05/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
CKD
Green Plum AHA BHA Mochi Mask Cleanser
$16.80 · $0.13/g
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
Glow Recipe
Watermelon Glow AHA Pink Dream Body Cream
$26.00
Authentic · sourced via Sephora
The Ordinary
- Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
$20.95 · $0.09/ml
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
COSRX
Refresh ABC Daily Toner (AHA BHA Vitamin C)
$14.00 · $0.05/ml
Authentic · sourced via Official Brand Stores
SOME BY MI
Aha Bha Pha 30 Days Miracle Cleansing Bar 1pc 2024 Version
$9.76
Authentic · sourced via Amazon
Mimo by Mamonde
- Mint AHA Cleansing Oil in Water
$6.95 · $0.07/ml
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
Nard
- Heartleaf AHA BHA PHA Peeling Pad
$10.95 · $0.16/ea
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
Torriden
BALANCEFUL 5D Cica Complex AHA Pore Refining Toner for Clear, Smooth Skin
$27.00
Authentic · sourced via Sephora
APLB
Glycolic Acid Niacinamide Ampoule Serum
$9.80 · $0.25/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
Nineless
Molecule-Clear Lactic Acid Serum
$18.90 · $0.63/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
CARE:NEL
AHA BHA Peeling Serum
$8.50 · $0.28/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
Nard
Heartleaf AHA BHA PHA Peeling Pad
$11.99 · $0.10/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
APLB
Mandelic Acid Retinol Facial Cream
$9.80 · $0.18/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
COSRX
Refresh Aha Bha Vitamin C Daily Toner
$17.60 · $0.12/ml
Authentic · sourced via YesStyle
APLB
Glycolic Acid Niacinamide Facial Cream
$9.80 · $0.18/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
The Ordinary
- Lactic Acid 5% + HA
$12.95 · $0.43/ml
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
The Ordinary
- AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
$18.95 · $0.63/ml
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
Hanskin
- Cleansing Oil & Blackhead AHA
$22.95 · $0.08/ml
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
MEDI-PEEL
Medipeel - AHA BHA Hyal Cream
$12.95 · $0.43/ml
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
coxir
AHA + BHA Pore Clearing Toner
$14.45 · $0.10/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
Bonajour
- Green Tea AHA Peeling Gel
$9.95 · $0.07/ml
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
Arencia
- Facial Moisturizer Eraser Glycolic Acid Booster x 2
$33.95 · $1.13/ml
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
APRILSKIN
Calendula 10% PHA+AHA Resurfacing Serum
$22.44 · $0.75/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
CKD
Green Plum AHA BHA Pore Zero Cleansing Oil
$17.50 · $0.09/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
SOME BY MI
Aha Bha Pha 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Body Cleanser 2024
$15.92
Authentic · sourced via Amazon
LANEIGE
Balance Mode Rice Foaming Gel Cleanser with Glycolic Acid to Control Shine & Unclog Pores
$26.00
Authentic · sourced via Sephora
The Ordinary
- Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
$11.95 · $0.40/ml
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
Paula's Choice
- Skin Revealing body Lotion 10% AHA
$38.95 · $0.19/ml
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
Ottie
Soak Out AHA BHA Ampoule
$10.09 · $0.20/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
Elizavecca
Hell Pore Clean Up AHA Fruit Toner
$24.77
Authentic · sourced via BuyBeautyKorea
SOME BY MI
Aha Bha Pha Miracle Calming Body Lotion 2024 Version
$12.84 · $0.06/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
Centellian24
- AHA Aqua Peeling Boosting Ampoule
$16.95 · $0.56/ml
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
Cos De BAHA
Glycolic Serum (G)
$9.39 · $0.31/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
SOME BY MI
AHA-BHA-PHA 30days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad - 70 pad
$16.76
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
COSRX
Refresh Aha Bha Vitamin C Lip Plumper
$13.30 · $0.67/g
Authentic · sourced via Official Brand Stores
By Wishtrend
Mandelic Acid Gentle Exfoliating Toner
$23.00 · $0.77/ml
Authentic · sourced via Olive Young US
Muldream
Brightening Glow Facial Cream AHA & VitaminC
$22.86
Authentic · sourced via Hemeko
TIA'M
- AHA BHA PHA Toner
$15.95 · $0.09/ml
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
SOME BY MI
Aha Bha Pha 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Body Cleanser Otc
$18.97
Authentic · sourced via Olive Young US
Ureun
Ureun Vegan AHA PHA Ampoule
$31.50
Authentic · sourced via Hemeko
Isntree
Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence
$20.50 · $0.21/ml
Authentic · sourced via BuyBeautyKorea
Mimo by Mamonde
- Mint AHA Peeling Gel
$6.95 · $0.07/ml
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
COSRX
Refresh AHA/BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum
$12.50 · $0.42/ml
Authentic · sourced via Official Brand Stores
FRANKLY
- AHA 8.05% Clearing & Exfoliating Toner
$13.95 · $0.14/ml
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
face republic
Calming Care AHA/BHA Moisturizer
$16.80 · $0.34/ml
Authentic · sourced via StyleKorean
The Face Shop
Dr.Belmeur AHA/BHA Sebum Control Gel Cleanser
$9.00 · $0.09/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
Glow Recipe
LHA + AHA Korean Watermelon Toner Pads for Hydration and Gentle Exfoliation
$30.00
Authentic · sourced via Sephora
CKD
Green Plum AHABHA Makeup Remove Cleansing Oil Balm
$17.50 · $0.35/g
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
COSRX
Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Daily Cream
$14.90 · $0.30/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
Cos De BAHA
- Glycolic Acid 10% AHA Serum
$15.95 · $0.53/ml
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
Muldream
Brightening Glow Serum AHA & Vitamin C
$22.86
Authentic · sourced via Hemeko
COSRX
- AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
$12.95 · $0.13/ml
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
Cos De BAHA
AHA 30% BHA 2% Peeling Serum (AB)
$9.69 · $0.32/ml
Authentic · sourced via Stylevana
Glow Recipe
Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum
$42.00
Authentic · sourced via Sephora
Paula's Choice
- 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant
$47.95 · $0.48/ml
Authentic · sourced via Koreabe
Then I Met You
Rose Resurfacing & Brightening BHA + AHA Facial Mask for Minimized Pores
$58.00
Authentic · sourced via Sephora
MISSHA
Glycolic Acid Cream
$10.40 · $0.21/ml
Authentic · sourced via Official Brand Stores
Products with aha (glycolic & lactic acid)
6 productsAPLB
Aha Bha Pha Centella Ampoule Serum
APLB
Aha Bha Pha Centella Facial Cream
APLB
Aha Bha Pha Centella Facial Toner
APLB
Aha Bha Pha Centella Mist Essence
APLB
Glycolic Acid Niacinamide Ampoule Serum
APLB
Glycolic Acid Niacinamide Facial Cream
We match by ingredient mentions in product copy from our authentic retailers. If we missed a product you know contains aha (glycolic & lactic acid), let us know.
Related ingredients
BHA
aka Salicylic acid
An oil-soluble exfoliant that gets inside pores — for blackheads, congestion, and texture that won't smooth out.
Niacinamide
aka Vitamin B3
The all-rounder — evens tone, calms redness, and tightens the look of pores without irritation.
Beginner-safe
Azelaic Acid
aka Azelaic acid
The multitasker for redness, bumps, and dark marks — unusually gentle for how much it does.