Sérum Exfoliant Visage AHA + BHA 30 ml

AHA BHA serum: everything to know before you start

The Sérum Exfoliant Visage AHA + BHA brings two families of exfoliating acids together in a single formula: AHA 10% and BHA 2% (salicylic acid), with niacinamide, panthenol, amino acids and green tea extract. Here is how it works, who it is for and how to add it to your routine without rushing your skin.

AHA and BHA: what are they?

AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) are water-soluble acids. This serum contains glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid and malic acid, with apple, bilberry, sugar cane, citrus and vine leaf extracts. They work on the skin’s surface: they help loosen the dead cells that make the complexion dull and the texture uneven.

BHA (beta hydroxy acid) is salicylic acid. It is oil-soluble, which lets it penetrate pores filled with sebum. It helps unclog them and reduce the look of blackheads and blemishes.

Together, the two acids work on two levels: the surface for softness and radiance, the pores for clearer skin. This is what is called an AHA BHA serum, sometimes also a peeling serum.

What the formula contains

• AHA 10%: glycolic and lactic acids and fruit acids, to smooth skin texture and revive radiance.
• BHA 2% (salicylic acid): to unclog pores and limit blackheads.
• Niacinamide (vitamin B3) and green tea extract: to support the acids and help limit discomfort.
• Panthenol (provitamin B5), amino acids and sodium hyaluronate: to maintain hydration during exfoliation.

The serum is vegan and not tested on animals. The full ingredient list appears higher up on this page.

Which skin type is it for?

The AHA BHA serum is best suited to combination to oily skin, visible pores, blackheads, uneven texture and a dull complexion. With AHA 10%, it is a concentrated treatment: it is meant for skin already used to acids, or for skin that introduces it very gradually.

Dry skin: it can suit once or twice a week, always followed by a moisturiser. Sensitive or reactive skin: it is better to start with the AHA BHA exfoliating toner, which is gentler (AHA 5% + BHA 2%), and to ask a dermatologist for advice if in doubt, or with rosacea or eczema.

How to use the AHA BHA serum?

1. In the evening only, on a cleansed and completely dry face.
2. Apply a few drops in a thin layer over the face, avoiding the eye area and lips.
3. Let it absorb, then apply a moisturiser or the hyaluronic acid serum.
4. The next morning, SPF 50 sun protection is essential.

How often? Two evenings a week for the first two or three weeks. If your skin tolerates it well, three evenings a week. There is no need to go further: exfoliating more often brings more sensitivity, not more radiance.

A slight, passing tingle is possible during the first applications. If the skin turns red, feels hot, peels or stays tight, space out the applications or take a break of one to two weeks.

AHA or BHA: what is the difference?

• Where they work: AHAs on the surface, BHA inside the pores.
• Solubility: AHAs in water, BHA in oil (sebum).
• What for: AHAs for radiance, skin texture and an even tone; BHA for pores, blackheads and excess sebum.
• Who for: AHAs also suit dull or dry skin; BHA is mainly for combination to oily skin.

No need to choose: an AHA BHA serum combines both. To go further, our guide AHA vs BHA: what is the difference and how to exfoliate explains each acid.

AHA BHA serum or toner?

Both treatments exfoliate, at different intensities. The serum (AHA 10% + BHA 2%, 30 ml) is more concentrated and targets texture, pores and radiance. The AHA BHA exfoliating toner (AHA 5% + BHA 2%, 200 ml) is gentler, is applied with a cotton pad right after cleansing and suits beginners. You can use both, but not on the same evening: for example the toner two evenings and the serum one evening a week, depending on how your skin tolerates them.

Which products from the range to pair it with?

• Sérum Niacinamide Pores Resserrés: in the morning or on evenings without acids, for pores and shine.
• Sérum Hydratation Intense à l’Acide Hyaluronique: after the AHA BHA serum or in the morning, to hydrate.
• Sérum Rétinol Régénérant: never on the same evening. One evening one, one evening the other, with rest evenings in between.
• Sérum Éclaircissant à la Vitamine C: in the morning, while the AHA BHA serum stays an evening treatment.

The serum is part of the Routine Pores Resserrés & Anti-Acné, with the exfoliating toner and the niacinamide serum.

Sun, hammam and precautions

Exfoliating acids make skin more sensitive to the sun, throughout the period of use and in the days that follow. Under the Moroccan sun, SPF 50 every morning is essential, reapplied when exposed. No AHA BHA serum on the evening of a hammam, a scrub, facial hair removal or a salon treatment: it is better to wait at least 48 hours. Before the first use, a patch test on a small area is recommended. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before using acids.