A blog post review of sephora AHA BHA cleanser on oily skin

I Tried Sephora AHA/BHA Cleanser For A Month – Here’s What Happened

The Sephora AHA BHA Cleanser is here and I could not wait to try it! I am a sucker for exfoliation and I’m always on the hunt for the next great product to give me smooth and glowy skin.

Sephora has a huge range of skincare products and they have now added some more under their Clean At Sephora range. This is an initiative to offer products that are formulated without harmful ingredients and that have environment-sensitive packaging.

The Sephora AHA BHA cleanser is vegan, gluten-free as well as cruelty-free. The cleanser comes in gel form in a recyclable tube. While Sephora says it is unscented, that just means there are no added perfumes. It does have a slight citrusy smell that is not overpowering. Sephora AHA BHA cleanser comes in a 125ml tube that retails for $10.

About this AHA BHA Cleanser

The Sephora AHA BHA cleanser is a lightweight cleanser gel formulated with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Salicylic acid (BHA); skin smoothing acids. What really makes it appealing is how those actives are paired with a gentle, skin calming base.

The AHAs come from natural fruit and plant extracts such as bilberry, sugar cane, orange, lemon, and sugar maple. These are the types of acids that quietly dissolve dull, dead skin on the surface so your complexion looks fresher and smoother after every cleanse. They are usually loved by anyone who wants more radiance or is dealing with uneven texture.

Salicylic acid, the BHA in the formula, is oil soluble. This allows it to move into the pores to break down buildup, soothe redness, and help keep blemishes away. If you are acne prone or get the occasional hormonal breakout, this is often the ingredient that makes the biggest difference.

Even with all of these exfoliating acids, the overall base of the cleanser remains gentle. Coco glucoside and cocamidopropyl betaine are mild, plant based cleansing agents that give it a soft lather without stripping the skin. Glycerin provides hydration, while aloe vera and chamomile extract offer a soothing, comforting touch so the formula never feels harsh.

The texture is held together with supporting ingredients like xanthan gum and carrageenan. You also have pH balancing ingredients such as sodium hydroxide and citric acid to help the acids perform effectively without stressing your skin barrier.

The only drawback is the lack of clarity on how much AHA and BHA the formula actually contains. Sephora does not disclose the percentages, which makes it harder to predict the exact strength of the exfoliation. Even so, the formula reads as a balanced and beginner friendly introduction to acids. It refreshes the skin without leaving it tight or irritated.

My opinion On The Sephora AHA BHA Cleanser

I love cleansing gels and the AHA/BHA ingredients really piqued my interest. Also, with the affordable price point of $10, I figured I had nothing to lose. The gel foams well and feels great on the skin but I do feel it heat up at times. as I rub it in a circular motion. Therefore, this may not be the best aha face wash for sensitive skin.

As I wash the product off, I can feel the water just glide down my skin. My face just feels fresh and clean. My face also looks brighter but I also do notice some redness. On the bright side -pun intended – the redness doesn’t last long. It is gone by the time I apply my toner and SPF. Speaking of sunscreen, please wear some when applying acids! You should wear sunscreen regardless but especially when exfoliating.

I have been using the Sephora AHA BHA cleanser every other day for over a month now. Here are the changes I have noticed. While I don’t breakout in general, now I have occasional whiteheads that pop up. As someone who went on Accutane, I freaked out at first. However, this means that the AHA BHA cleanser is doing its job by clearing congested pores. Other than that, my face doesn’t get oilier when I do use the aha face wash and my pores do appear smaller.

This product is definitely oily-skin friendly but use it with caution if you have sensitive skin as my skin did show some irritation signs in the form of redness. I would suggest using it a couple of times a week instead of everyday as I did. On the flip side, if you are looking for a gel face wash to give you smooth and brighter skin, this should be on top of your list.

Will you be trying the Sephora AHA BHA cleanser?

MalianaC

Beauty curator and globe trotter with a mission: testing endless products so you don't have to ! My journey started with my own struggles like dealing with oily skin and hyperpigmentation. It inspired me to dive deep into understanding what works best for us. That’s why I created my platform, a space where I can share my tips, tricks, and experiences. But more than that, it's a community where we can support and inspire each other every step of the way.