Korean AHA BHA exfoliant
for beginners — how to choose
You want to try a Korean exfoliant without turning your skin into a crisis zone. That's the right instinct: the real point isn't to go fast, but to get it right — the right formula, the right frequency, the right tolerance.
Why a Korean exfoliant for beginners genuinely changes your routine
Many blemish-prone or dull skin types don't need more products — they need better cell turnover. When dead cells build up, skin texture becomes uneven and breakouts settle in more easily.
AHAs, such as glycolic acid, work on the surface to smooth and revive radiance. BHAs, with salicylic acid, go into the pores — popular with combination to oily skin. Starting out doesn't mean stacking up percentages: the right product isn't the one that stings the most, it's the one your skin tolerates well enough to show progress over several weeks.
AHA, BHA, PHA: which to choose as a beginner
AHAs for a dull complexion
Suitable if your goal is softer, brighter skin with fewer superficial marks. Worthwhile for normal, combination or dry skin, provided your skin barrier is in good shape.
BHAs for pores and blemishes
Often the most logical choice if you're targeting blackheads and sebum-related breakouts. A good BHA leaves skin clear, not stripped.
PHAs if your skin is easily irritated
An excellent entry point for starting very gently — gradual exfoliation, better tolerated.
How to spot a formula suited to beginners
A good formula brings together three things: reasonable concentrations, a simple texture, and supporting soothing ingredients — centella asiatica, panthenol, aloe vera or ceramides. A light exfoliating lotion is often easier to get used to than a highly concentrated peel.
The most common mistakes
The first is overdoing it because your skin seems to react well the first two times — sensitivity sometimes shows up a few days later. The second, a real classic, is combining too many actives on the same evening: exfoliant, retinol, acidic vitamin C, grainy scrub.
How to add it without sensitising your skin
Start in the evening, on clean, dry skin. Once or twice a week is plenty to begin with. After the exfoliant, keep your routine short and reassuring: a hydrating serum, then a cream that supports the skin barrier.
Which exfoliant to choose for your skin type
Combination to oily skin with visible pores: a gentle BHA or a low-dose combined AHA/BHA formula. Dry or dehydrated skin: opt for a gentle AHA or a PHA in a hydrating base. Sensitive or redness-prone skin: start with a PHA, and go even more slowly.
- The gentlest — BENTON PHA Peeling Gel — 28,90€
- Toner format — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Toner — 28,90€
- See the full Exfoliants collection →
- The right exfoliant isn't the one that stings the most, but the one your skin tolerates over several weeks.
- AHA for radiance, BHA for pores, PHA for easily irritated skin or beginners.
- Once or twice a week is plenty to start with.
- Morning SPF is non-negotiable as soon as you exfoliate.
- A simple routine around the exfoliant beats a pile-up of powerful actives.
At Haru & Bom, the best first experience with acids isn't the most spectacular — it's the one that makes you want to keep going. Discover our exfoliants →
