Can you be allergic to AHA and BHA?

Author: Josh Moen  |  Last update: Friday, December 5, 2025

Individuals sensitive to acids may find AHA and BHA irritating. Salicylic Acid can cause reactions in those with salicylate sensitivity. Skin-sensitizing or irritant components such as Sodium Hydroxide may pose a risk.

What are the side effects of AHA BHA?

However, caution is required in relation to adverse reactions to AHA products, which can include redness, swelling, burning, and pruritus. Notably, factors influencing the safety and effectiveness of AHA products include concentration, pH, exposure time, and the amount of free acid present.

Does AHA BHA cause irritation?

While AHA's dont affect pores, BHA's can help them look smaller by keeping them clean. Irritation: Any acid can be drying and irritating if you use it as the wrong concentration or pH, or of you apply it too frequently for your skin. However AHA's are more often associated with irritation, redness and inflammation.

Can you be allergic to alpha hydroxy acid?

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Can I be allergic to AHA and BHA?

Individuals sensitive to acids may find AHA and BHA irritating. Salicylic Acid can cause reactions in those with salicylate sensitivity. Skin-sensitizing or irritant components such as Sodium Hydroxide may pose a risk.

Difference between AHA, BHA & PHA? | Exfoliating Acids in Skincare

Why is my skin suddenly reacting to my skincare?

When skincare products cause more subtle symptoms like dryness, pimple-like bumps, and uneven skin tone, it may be due to irritation rather than an allergy. Allergic reactions and skin irritation may occur due to certain product ingredients such as fragrances, preservatives, and dyes.

Why am I breaking out after using AHA BHA?

These include chemical exfoliants such as alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids and popular anti-ageing active, retinol (Vitamin A). When first introducing these ingredients, you may experience breakouts as your skin's exfoliation and turnover processes get a kickstart.

What not to pair with AHA BHA?

Avoid pairing these ingredients with AHA BHA PHA:
  • Retinol or retinoids can make exfoliation more effective but also cause irritation and redness.
  • Benzoyl peroxide: It may break down the acid barrier of the skin and leave it less protected.

Is it normal for AHA BHA to sting?

For all of these skin concerns, exfoliation can be great and using the AHA/BHA peeling solution is a wonderful option. However, take into account that this product can sting and burn.

Who should not use alpha hydroxy acid?

Sensitive skin: Alpha hydroxy acids can worsen skin conditions by causing skin irritation and removal of the top layer of skin cells.

What happens if you use AHA BHA everyday?

Although our AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum is gentle and soothing – you shouldn't reach out for it more than thrice a week. Using the serum daily can lead to over-exfoliation which zaps natural oils from the dermis. It can make your skin dry, and uncomfortably tight and even cause inflammation.

What are the disadvantages of AHA and BHA?

Since both AHAs and BHAs are exfoliants, they can be very irritating to the skin if combined. If a person wants to use both AHA and BHA products for different skin problems, they should consult a doctor. Excessive skin irritation may worsen skin conditions and appearance.

What is the side effect of AHA BHA?

Risks of AHAs and BHAs

Skin care products with either ingredient may irritate your skin, bring on redness, or make you more likely to get a sunburn for up to a week after you stop using them. It's a good idea to talk to a dermatologist before you try an over-the-counter product with AHAs or BHAs.

What is the gentlest exfoliating acid?

Here's where PHAs come into play: They are among the gentlest chemical exfoliants you can introduce into a regimen because they have a large molecule size that doesn't penetrate the skin as well as the others. The most common types of PHAs you'll find today are gluconolactone, galactos, and lactobionic acid.

Is AHA and BHA supposed to tingle?

Common Ingredients That Can Cause Tingling or Stingling

This includes AHAs like glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids, BHAs like salicylic acid, and even PHAs. Some acids, like glycolic acid, have a smaller molecule size than others. This means they can penetrate more deeply and may be more likely to cause tingling.

Should I moisturize after AHA BHA?

AHA and BHA acids are ingredients that have an exfoliating effect, so it is important that the skin is properly moisturized after using them to avoid irritation and dryness. It is recommended to use products containing hyaluronic acid, aloe or bisabolol, ceramides or squalane.

What is skin purging?

“Skin purging” is a term some people use to describe an increase in acne after starting a new skin care product, such as a retinoid. However, there are no scientific studies on this topic. Dryness, flaking, or peeling are well-known side effects of some skin care ingredients, such as retinoids.

What ingredients Cannot be mixed with AHA BHA?

Don't mix: AHAs and BHAs should not be used with retinol products as this can cause irritation. Additionally, these ingredients should not be mixed with vitamin C products as this can also irritate your skin.

How long does AHA BHA purging last?

Since it occurs as a result of cell turnover and movement of deeper clogs to the surface, purging should last for about one complete skin cycle, which is about 28-40 days or four to six weeks.

What should you not use after AHA BHA?

Some of the main skincare ingredients you should not apply to the skin after using AHA and BHA are the following.
  • Vitamin C.
  • Retinol.
  • Benzoyl peroxide.
  • Physical exfoliating scrubs.

Why is my skin suddenly hypersensitive?

Why is my skin so sensitive all of a sudden? A range of factors can cause discomfort in skin – from weather changes to clothing materials, stress and active skincare products. The key to having sensitive skin all of a sudden is to look to recent changes.

What does a skincare allergy look like?

Red to purple or darker than your natural skin tone. Swollen, hive-like or elevated from the skin surrounding it. Bumpy with a small cluster of pimples or blisters. Oozing fluid or pus.

Am I allergic to CeraVe?

Serious side effects of CeraVe

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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