Ingredients AHA BHA Serum
Ingredients AHA BHA Serum
Product Description
A minimalist, no-frills exfoliating serum combining glycolic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid (BHA) to brighten skin, even out tone, and unclog pores. With just 10 clean ingredients and no fragrance, it delivers gentle yet effective chemical exfoliation at an ultra-affordable price point.
โจ Texture & Feel
Dual Acid Exfoliation
Glycolic acid (AHA) resurfaces the skin's top layer while salicylic acid (BHA) penetrates deep into pores for a thorough exfoliation from surface to core.
Ultra-Minimalist Formula
Only 10 ingredients โ no fillers, no fragrance, no unnecessary additives. Every ingredient serves a clear purpose in the formulation.
Built-In Hydration
Betaine (3.4โ5.1%) acts as a natural humectant to attract and retain moisture, counterbalancing the drying effect of the exfoliating acids.
Exceptional Value
At just ยฃ6.00 for 30ml, this serum delivers clinical-grade AHA + BHA exfoliation at a fraction of the cost of premium competitors.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains salicylic acid (BHA). While topical salicylic acid under 2% is generally considered safe by ACOG, many dermatologists advise caution during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before use.
Free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, and polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. Safe for fungal acne-prone skin.
Comedogenic rating 0/5. Contains no oils, waxes, or pore-clogging ingredients. Will not contribute to clogged pores or breakouts.
AHA and BHA increase photosensitivity. Always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen during the day and for one week after discontinuing use.
Free from common allergens, fragrances, and essential oils. Suitable for sensitive and reactive skin types.
Acid concentrations are on the gentler end (glycolic acid ~3%, salicylic acid ~1%), making this suitable for beginners to chemical exfoliation.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งช Glycolic Acid ~2.6โ4% Proven
The most researched alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size among AHAs, allowing it to penetrate effectively and dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells for brighter, smoother skin.
- Exfoliation: Breaks down intercellular bonds holding dead skin cells, accelerating cell turnover.
- Collagen boost: At higher concentrations (10%+), proven to stimulate collagen production for firmer skin over time.
- Hydration: Boosts natural hyaluronic acid production in the skin, improving moisture retention.
- Optimal pH: Works best at pH 3โ4, which this formulation targets.
๐ฌ Salicylic Acid (BHA) ~0.5โ1.2% Proven
The gold standard beta hydroxy acid for acne-prone skin. Unlike AHAs, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores and dissolve sebum buildup from the inside out.
- Pore clearing: Oil-soluble structure enables it to work inside pores, dissolving blackheads and preventing future congestion.
- Anti-inflammatory: Structurally similar to aspirin, it helps calm redness and irritation associated with acne.
- FDA-recognized: Concentrations of 0.5โ2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as effective OTC acne treatments.
๐ง Betaine ~3.4โ5.1% Proven
A natural humectant derived from sugar beets that helps the skin attract and retain moisture. Functions as an osmolyte, helping skin cells regulate their water balance for optimal hydration.
- Hydration: Draws moisture to the skin, working similarly to hyaluronic acid but with a lighter feel.
- Skin soothing: Helps maintain calm, balanced skin โ especially useful alongside exfoliating acids.
- Naturally occurring: Betaine is found naturally in the skin and body, making it highly biocompatible.
๐งฌ Propanediol Solvent/Humectant Proven
A plant-derived glycol that serves as a solvent and hydration booster. Helps other ingredients dissolve and absorb into the skin more effectively while providing a smooth, non-sticky texture.
- Enhanced absorption: Acts as a penetration enhancer, helping active ingredients reach their target layers.
- Moisturizing: Provides lightweight hydration without heaviness or greasiness.
- Clean profile: Considered a safer, more sustainable alternative to propylene glycol.
10 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Propanediol, Betaine, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Disodium EDTA
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use in the evening only. 95% of community routines apply this product in the PM. Apply after toner, before other serums and moisturizer. Always follow with sunscreen the next morning.
๐ How to Use
Start Slow
Begin by using the serum no more than twice per week in the evening until your skin has developed a tolerance to the acids.
Cleanse & Tone
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply toner. Pat skin dry before applying the serum.
Apply Evenly
Dispense 2โ3 drops and spread an even layer across the face. Avoid the eye area, outer eye contour, and lip area.
Let It Absorb
Wait 30โ60 seconds for the serum to fully absorb before applying your next skincare step (serum or moisturizer).
Build Up Gradually
Once your skin tolerates twice-weekly use without irritation, you can increase to once per day in the evening.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You want a gentle introduction to chemical exfoliation
- You have dull, uneven skin tone or texture
- You deal with clogged pores or occasional breakouts
- You prefer a minimalist, clean-ingredient skincare routine
- You want effective exfoliation on a tight budget
- Your skin is sensitive and you need a fragrance-free formula
- You have fungal acne and need a malassezia-safe exfoliant
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You need a high-strength acid treatment for stubborn hyperpigmentation
- You want a multi-acid formula with PHA, lactic acid, or niacinamide
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (consult doctor first)
- Your skin is currently peeling, compromised, or sunburned
- You already use prescription retinoids or other strong actives nightly
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Oil-free, lightweight gel absorbs instantly. BHA penetrates oily pores to control congestion and reduce shine without adding moisture weight.
Dual AHA+BHA action addresses both oily T-zone congestion and dry-area dullness. Betaine provides balanced hydration across zones.
Non-comedogenic (0/5), fungal acne-safe, oil-free. Salicylic acid unclogs pores while glycolic acid fades post-acne marks over time.
Provides a nice glow boost and keeps pores clear. Lower acid concentration makes it a safe daily-use option once tolerated.
Betaine provides some hydration, but dry skin types will need a rich moisturizer on top. Limit use to 1โ2x/week to avoid over-exfoliation.
Fragrance-free and allergen-free with low acid concentrations. A good beginner acid serum, but patch test first if you have very reactive skin.
๐ Results Timeline
Initial Brightening & Smoothness
Skin feels noticeably smoother after each application. Mild tingling upon first use is normal as skin adjusts to the acids. Surface texture begins to refine.
70% noticed smoother skinPore Refinement & Clearer Complexion
Pores appear less congested as BHA works to dissolve buildup. Blackheads begin to reduce. Skin tone starts to even out with continued AHA exfoliation.
60% noticed fewer breakoutsVisible Tone Evening & Glow
Hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks begin to visibly fade. Skin takes on a healthier, more radiant appearance. Texture is consistently smoother.
55% noticed fading dark spotsLong-Term Skin Health
Cumulative exfoliation supports collagen renewal. Skin appears firmer, more luminous, and consistently clear with regular use. Breakouts are significantly reduced.
80% reported overall skin improvementโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Incredibly affordable โ one of the cheapest AHA/BHA serums on the market
- Ultra-clean 10-ingredient formula with no filler ingredients
- Fragrance-free, allergen-free, vegan, and cruelty-free
- Fungal acne (malassezia) safe โ rare for exfoliating serums
- Gentle enough for beginners to chemical exfoliation
- Non-comedogenic (0/5) โ will not clog pores
- Low irritation potential rated by independent reviewers
- Lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly without residue
โ Criticized
- Lower acid concentrations may not satisfy experienced acid users
- Small 30ml bottle doesn't last long with daily use
- Limited availability outside the UK โ harder to find internationally
- No additional actives like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin C
- Dropper packaging can be less hygienic than airless pump
- May not be strong enough for deep hyperpigmentation or scarring
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Much higher acid concentrations (30% AHA vs ~3%). A rinse-off 10-minute treatment rather than a leave-on serum. Far more intense โ suited for experienced acid users only. Includes Tasmanian pepperberry to reduce irritation.
Similar high-strength rinse-off peel concept to The Ordinary. Contains fruit-derived AHAs and salicylic acid. More aggressive than the Boots serum but at a comparable price point. Not suitable for sensitive skin.
A gentle daily-use toner with AHA and BHA. Even lower acid concentration than the Boots serum. Better suited as a prep step rather than a standalone exfoliant. K-beauty formula with apple water base.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Boots Ingredients AHA BHA Serum
ยฃ6.00Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
$33.00COSRX AHA 2 BHA 2 Blemish Treatment
$25.00The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peel
$9.50๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and heat to maintain acid efficacy.
Glass dropper bottle with screw cap. Opaque design helps protect the formula from light degradation.
Yes โ 30ml is well under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Compact size fits easily in any travel kit.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
This serum contains salicylic acid (BHA), which requires caution during pregnancy. While the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists considers topical salicylic acid at concentrations of 2% or less generally safe, many dermatologists still recommend avoiding it when pregnant or breastfeeding as a precaution. The salicylic acid in this product is at a low concentration (~0.5โ1.2%), but we always recommend consulting your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or while nursing.
Yes, this serum is fungal acne safe. It contains no fermented ingredients, fatty acids, esters, oils, or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. With only 10 clean ingredients and no comedogenic compounds, it is one of the safest exfoliating serums for those dealing with fungal acne.
It is generally best not to layer this serum with other strong actives in the same routine. Avoid using retinol, prescription retinoids, or high-strength vitamin C on the same evening. You can alternate nights โ for example, use AHA BHA serum on Monday and Wednesday, and retinol on Tuesday and Thursday. If using another AHA or BHA product, reduce frequency of both to avoid over-exfoliation. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid serums can be safely layered on top.
This serum is most suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types thanks to its oil-free, lightweight formula and pore-clearing BHA. It also works well for normal and sensitive skin due to its low acid concentrations and fragrance-free formulation. Dry skin types can use it but should pair it with a rich moisturizer and limit use to 1โ2 times per week to prevent over-drying.
Most users notice smoother, softer skin within the first 1โ2 weeks of use. Visible improvement in pore congestion and mild brightening typically appears by weeks 3โ4. For more significant results like fading dark spots and evening out skin tone, expect to use the serum consistently for 2โ3 months. Full anti-aging and texture benefits develop over 3โ6 months of regular use.
Apply as step 3 in your evening routine: after cleansing and toning, but before other serums and moisturizer. Use in the PM only. Start with 1โ2 times per week and build up to nightly use once your skin has adjusted. Always apply sunscreen the following morning, as AHAs and BHAs increase sun sensitivity.
No, this serum has a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5. It contains no oils, waxes, silicones, or other pore-clogging ingredients. In fact, salicylic acid actively helps unclog existing pores by dissolving sebum buildup from the inside. It is an excellent choice for those prone to blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores.
The serum has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the acids. At 30ml with daily use (2โ3 drops per application), expect the bottle to last approximately 2โ3 months. With twice-weekly use, it can last up to 6 months.
Verdict: The Boots Ingredients AHA BHA Serum is a brilliantly simple, no-nonsense exfoliating serum that punches above its weight for the price. With just 10 clean ingredients, it delivers gentle yet effective dual-acid exfoliation that suits beginners and sensitive skin types. While the acid concentrations are lower than premium competitors, this is actually an advantage for those new to chemical exfoliation or with reactive skin. The fungal acne-safe, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formula is hard to beat at ยฃ6.00. If you want a stronger treatment, look to The Ordinary's Peeling Solution or Paula's Choice โ but for an affordable, everyday leave-on exfoliant, this Boots serum is an excellent starting point.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Irritation
Dark Spots
|
|
| 4 |
Glycolic Acid
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Exfoliant, Exfoliating, Buffering
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Hydroxide
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Denaturant, Buffering
|
|