This post was reviewed and updated by Sarah Otto, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Otto Skin Goods on June 8, 2026.

Exfoliating acids are what we like to call multifunctional, because they’ve been shown to improve mild acne, fade hyperpigmentation, boost collagen production, smooth fine lines and accelerate your cell turnover rate to promote a brighter, more refreshed appearance. They’ve also been shown to improve the penetration of your other skincare ingredients so they work even better.

That being said, there is such a thing as over-exfoliating, which can lead to irritation and redness. That’s why it’s important to find the right balance for your skin.

So, how do you incorporate exfoliating acids into your skincare routine?

Before you run to your nearest Sephora, you should choose your exfoliating acid based on your skin’s needs (as well as your skin type) first. Let’s take a look at some of your options...

What Are the Different Types of Exfoliating Acids?

AHAs

AHAs, or alpha-hydroxy acids, are derived from plant substances like sugar cane, milk and fruit. These water-soluble exfoliants function by loosening the glue that holds skin cells together on the top layer of your skin. These also work by stimulating collagen production, smoothing fine lines, fading hyperpigmentation, and brightening your complexion.

Where It’s Hiding: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, fruit acid complex (such as bilberry, sugar cane, sugar maple)

BHAs

BHAs, aka beta-hydroxy acids, are considered oil-soluble, which means they penetrate deeper into the pores, allowing them to work better for oily, acne-prone skin. They also have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which help to dissolve excess oil in the pores. So, as you can imagine, BHAs are great for those who suffer from mild acne, clogged pores, white heads and blackheads.

Where It’s Hiding: Salicylic acid (willow bark extract), citric acid (orange or lemon extracts)

PHAs

PHAs, or polyhydroxy acids, are a second generation AHA that provide similar effects with less irritation. They work to gently remove dead skin cells for a smoother, more even complexion. In addition, PHAs are superstars at smoothing your complexion and alleviating sun damage. If you struggle with sensitive skin, PHAs are the perfect option for you!

Where It’s Hiding: Gluconolactone, galactose and lactobionic acid

Your Go-To Guide for Blending Acids Based on Skin Concern and Skin Type

By blending exfoliating acids, you’ll not only target one main skin concern, but others at the same time—from reducing the appearance of brown spots to speeding up cell renewal, helping lessen breakouts or fading acne scars. Just be sure you’re using the right combination and frequency. This way, your skin will get the best results from your acids.

Acne-prone, oily skin types

For acne-prone, oily skin types, try pairing CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser with a good multi-acid toner, such as Pacifica's Brightening Peel Pads. For best results, use the cleanser daily, or every other day, and the toner three to four times per week.

Acne-prone, normal to sensitive skin types

For acne-prone, normal to sensitive skin types, try Cetaphil's Gentle Clear Pore Clearing Acne Cleanser, made with a blend of salicylic acid and a fruit acid complex. Next, pair it with Prequel's Multi-Acid Milk Peel.

Repairing sun damage, reducing hyperpigmentation, normal to sensitive skin types

For those of you with normal to sensitive skin who want to repair sun damage while reducing hyperpigmentation, try our Multitasker Night Serum every night to every other night.

Smooth fine lines and wrinkles, brighten overall complexion, normal to sensitive skin types

For those with normal to sensitive skin who want to smooth fine lines and brighten complexion, switch to Otto's Multitasker Night Serum only two to three times per week. Lastly, use our Fresh Start Face Oil nightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are exfoliating acids and what do they do?

Exfoliating acids are multifunctional skincare ingredients that can improve mild acne, fade hyperpigmentation, boost collagen production, smooth fine lines, accelerate cell turnover, and even help your other skincare products absorb better.

Can you over-exfoliate?

Yes. Using too many exfoliating acids too frequently can lead to irritation and redness, so finding the right balance for your skin type is important.

What are AHAs and who are they best for?

AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) are water-soluble acids derived from plant sources like sugar cane, milk, and fruit. They work on the skin's surface to loosen dead skin cells, stimulate collagen, fade hyperpigmentation, and brighten the complexion. Common examples include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid.

What are BHAs and who are they best for?

BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) are oil-soluble, meaning they penetrate deeper into pores. They have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them ideal for oily, acne-prone skin, clogged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads. Salicylic acid is the most common example.

What are PHAs and who are they best for?

PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are a gentler, second-generation form of AHA. They remove dead skin cells, smooth the complexion, and help with sun damage, but with less irritation than traditional AHAs, making them the best option for sensitive skin types.

Can you combine different exfoliating acids?

Yes. Blending acids can help you target multiple skin concerns at once, such as fading brown spots, speeding up cell renewal, reducing breakouts, or fading acne scars. The key is using the right combination and frequency for your skin type.

What acids should I use for oily, acne-prone skin?

A salicylic acid cleanser paired with a multi-acid toner works well. Use the cleanser daily or every other day, and the toner three to four times per week.

What acids should I use for acne-prone but sensitive skin?

Look for a gentle cleanser that blends salicylic acid with a fruit acid complex, paired with a multi-acid milk peel, to treat acne without over-irritating sensitive skin.

What acids should I use to address sun damage and hyperpigmentation?

A multi-acid night serum used every night to every other night is a good option for normal to sensitive skin types looking to repair sun damage and even out skin tone.

What acids should I use to smooth fine lines and brighten my complexion?

For normal to sensitive skin, using a multi-acid night serum two to three times per week, like the Otto Skin Goods Multitasker Night Serum alongside a nightly face oil can help smooth fine lines and boost overall radiance.