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Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) is one of the most effective natural ingredients that are able to treat a variety of skin conditions, AHA body washes, in particular, are very effective in clearing clogged pores by getting rid of dead skin cells and impurities, while promoting collagen production, improving skin tone and texture, and treating wrinkles, pigmentation, acne, keratosis pilaris, and more.
The most common type of AHA, which is also widely used in body washes, is glycolic acid as it has the ability to penetrate deeply and easily into the skin and work more effectively.
But with so many AHA body washes on the market, it is quite challenging to choose the right one. Here in this article, we have researched on your behalf and compiled a list of the best AHA body washes.
Table of Contents
- 1 AHA Body Washes - Top 3 Editor's Picks
- 2 Best AHA Body Washes
- 2.1 Best Overall: Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash with Glycolic Acid
- 2.2 Best Natural Body Wash: Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Soap
- 2.3 Best AHA/BHA Body Wash: Touch Keratosis Pilaris and Acne Exfoliating Body Wash Cleanser
- 2.4 Best Body Scrub: DERMAdoctor KP Duty Body Scrub Exfoliant
- 2.5 Best for Acne: Murad Acne Body wash Gel with Salicylic Acid
- 2.6 Best Scent: ReTone Keratosis Pilaris Exfoliating Body Cleanser Wash
- 3 Frequently Asked Questions
- 4 Conclusion
AHA Body Washes - Top 3 Editor's Picks
Touch
- 15% glycolic acid & 2% salicylic acid
- Contains Aloe Vera, and vitamin E
- Rich lathering body wash
Best AHA Body Washes
Best Overall: Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash with Glycolic Acid
If you are looking for a high-quality AHA exfoliating body wash that is very effective, then look no further than Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash.
This amazing Body Wash is formulated with a high concentration of Glycolic Acid that gently exfoliates dead skin cells, revealing a rejuvenated, silky, and radiant skin.
The 8.8% glycolic acid that it contains helps to gently and effectively remove excess oil and impurities, while treating dry patches, keratosis pilaris (chicken skin), uneven skin tone, body acne, ingrown hair, rough and bumpy skin, and more.
To effectively use this glycolic acid body wash, gently rub your entire body, with emphasis on the drier and rougher areas, rinse thoroughly.
Pros
- Contains 8.8% glycolic acid.
- It is ideal for treating keratosis pilaris, ingrown hair, uneven skin tone, and body acne.
- Very effective in eliminating rough and bumpy patches.
- Helps to minimize bumps and redness.
- It exfoliates dead skin cells.
- Recommended by dermatologists.
- A little goes a long way.
- It only takes a few uses to notice amazing results.
- Affordable.
Cons
- None.
Best Natural Body Wash: Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Soap
Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Soap is enriched with a blend of naturally-derived Alpha hydroxy acids, ginseng, oat protein, and linden to refresh, revitalize, and thoroughly cleanse and exfoliate the skin with every use.
Alpha hydroxy acids naturally derived from Grapefruit help get rid of dead skin cells so your skin looks brighter and rejuvenated, Ginseng and Linden will help heal dry, damaged, or aging skin, while oat protein will soothe and calm irritated areas.
This Botanical body Soap is ideal for all skin types, including oily skin, dry skin, troubled skin, and dull skin. All ingredients that it contains have been clinically tested and proven to be very effective. They also give quality and long-term results.
Use this body wash daily on your entire body using a soft cloth, loofah or sponge.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types.
- It rejuvenates your skin by removing all dead skin cells.
- It leaves your skin softer, brighter, and smoother.
- Contains powerful ingredients that have been tested and proven to work.
- Enriched with fresh fruit enzymes.
- Among the best-selling body washes.
- Nice smell.
- Affordable.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- The consistency is a little watery.
Best AHA/BHA Body Wash: Touch Keratosis Pilaris and Acne Exfoliating Body Wash Cleanser
Touch Keratosis Pilaris and Acne Exfoliating Body Wash has been carefully formulated through extensive research from a reputable and FDA-registered lab. It is made with 15% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid that are very effective in removing oil and dead skin cells both from deep within pores, as well as treating keratosis pilaris and acne.
This skincare product has an optimal PH of 3.5 that allows the acids to work effectively on your skin, giving you a brighter, smoother and healthier skin.
This body wash also contains Gotu Kola, Aloe Vera, and vitamin E that help to protect your skin against irritation. It also includes a blend of humectants and surfactants that provide deep cleansing without over-drying your skin.
The hyaluronic acid that it contains helps to boost skin’s moisture content and reduce moisture loss, thus giving your skin a smooth, supple feel.
Touch Keratosis Pilaris and Acne Exfoliating Body Wash is very effective in treating a wide range of skin conditions, including keratosis pilaris, body acne, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, dull skin, and more.
Pros
- Contains 15% glycolic and 2% salicylic acid that exfoliate and clear your skin.
- It reduces redness, dryness, and irritation.
- All ingredients have been clinically tested and proven to give quality results.
- FDA-inspected.
- 100% money-back guarantee.
- Low PH for effective exfoliation.
- Paraben-free.
Cons
- Takes a few weeks before seeing good results.
Best Body Scrub: DERMAdoctor KP Duty Body Scrub Exfoliant
Formulated by a dermatologist, DERMAdoctor KP Duty Body Scrub provides the benefits of both a chemical peel and a physical scrub to quickly sweep away dry, rough bumps, revealing softer, smoother, healthier-looking skin.
This powerful body exfoliator protects and replenishes the skin thanks to a patented blend of AHAs, PHAs, and BHAs, as well as 8 ceramides and soothing botanicals. It helps restore the appearance of dry, rough, uneven skin, and keratosis pilaris.
To get the most out of the scrub, apply it to dry skin just before stepping into the shower, and then rinse it off. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above daily.
Pros
- Contains 10% AHAs + PHAs.
- Contains ceramides to prevent transepidermal water loss and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Offers the benefits of both a chemical peel and a physical scrub.
- Moisturizes the skin.
- Created by a dermatologist.
- Easy to use.
- Fragrance-free.
- Certified cruelty-free.
Cons
- Some users complained about the smell.
Best for Acne: Murad Acne Body wash Gel with Salicylic Acid
Murad Acne Body wash Gel with Salicylic Acid is a refreshing body wash gel designed to treat and prevent body breakouts on the shoulders back and chest without drying out or irritating your skin. It contains glycolic acid and salicylic acid that work together to penetrate deep into your skin pores to clear current breakouts and prevent new ones from forming.
This patented salicylic acid body wash also contains date seed powder that helps to gently exfoliate to remove oil, impurities, and dead skin cells, humectants that retain moisture and prevent moisture loss from the skin to keep your skin smooth and hydrated, as well as licorice root extracts and green tea that help soothe skin inflammation.
If you are looking for a body wash gel that helps get rid of stubborn acne and exfoliate your skin, leaving it bright, smooth and radiant, then Murad Acne Body wash Gel is an excellent choice for you.
Massage gently onto wet skin and rinse.
Pros
- Contains 1% salicylic acid that clears and prevents breakouts, balances and exfoliates the skin.
- Contains clinically tested and proven ingredients.
- Easy to use.
- Paraben-free.
- Cruelty-free.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Some complained that it didn’t work for them.
Best Scent: ReTone Keratosis Pilaris Exfoliating Body Cleanser Wash
ReTone body wash is uniquely formulated to dramatically improve keratosis pilaris and body acne, relieve dry patches and soothe irritation.
The Glycolic Acid contained in the formula provides a gentle exfoliation and works to unclog the pores, giving the skin a smooth appearance and allowing moisturizing products that follow to penetrate your skin deeply and evenly for optimal efficiency.
ReTone Keratosis Pilaris Exfoliating Body Cleanser Wash is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to get rid of body acne or keratosis pilaris, while achieving a brighter, softer, younger, and healthier complexion.
To achieve the best results, use a loofah or a sponge to gently massage ReTone Exfoliating Cleanser all over your body, wash off thoroughly with water.
Pros
- Contains glycolic acid.
- Great for body acne and keratosis pilaris.
- It reduces irritation.
- Contains clinically prevent ingredients.
- Easy to use.
- Smells good.
- Affordable.
- Paraben and phthalate free.
Cons
- None.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are AHAs?
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a class of acids originating from plants and animals and used in a wide range of over-the-counter skincare products, including serums, lotions, toners, cleansers, and face creams, as well as more intensive treatments such as chemical peels.
AHAs come in a variety of forms; the most prevalent being glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid.
What does AHA body wash do?
AHA washes promote the exfoliation of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which improves radiance and skin texture. They have grown in popularity as an effective treatment for keratosis pilaris, body acne, uneven skin tone, crepey skin on arms and legs, and bumpy, dry skin.
How often should you use AHA body washes?
When you first start using AHAs, you should use them once or twice a week to give your skin time to become used to them. If your skin shows no negative reaction, you can increase the frequency of use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for the best AHA (Glycolic acid) body wash that will help revitalize your skin, then look no further than the list that we have provided above. All body washes that we have listed have been clinically tested and proven to give excellent results; they are also affordable and have excellent customer reviews and ratings.
However, if you have sensitive skin, a condition like eczema, or if you have recently undergone an intense body treatment such as microneedling or laser, you should avoid using AHA-containing products altogether.
Hi, it’s Judy!
I’m a passionate skincare specialist and writer. I have more than 7 years of experience as a beauty, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor, and I’m extremely passionate about what I do.