AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Dr. Howard Murad had treated tens of thousands of faces before launching this cleanser, and his clinical experience shows in the formula’s logic. Instead of using one exfoliating acid, he combined three—each with a different mechanism and depth—into a wash-off format. This delivers professional-grade exfoliation without the intimidation of a leave-on peel. It is a cleanser with a treatment mindset.

The triple-acid approach defines the formula. Glycolic acid, the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid molecule, penetrates most deeply to dissolve the intercellular bonds holding dead skin cells to the surface. Lactic acid, a larger AHA, works more gently on the outermost layers and acts as a humectant; it draws moisture into the skin while it exfoliates. Salicylic acid adds a BHA dimension, penetrating pores to dissolve the sebum-and-dead-cell mixture that forms blackheads and comedonal acne. Each acid reaches territory the others cannot.

Jojoba ester beads add physical exfoliation. These are not jagged walnut shell fragments; jojoba beads are smooth, round, and partially dissolve during use. This provides a gentle mechanical action that helps lift the dead cells the acids have already begun to dissolve. This dual-modality approach (chemical plus physical) creates more immediate results than either method alone.

Texture and application are straightforward. The creamy gel lathers lightly with water, distributes the beads evenly, and rinses clean without residue. The acids create a mild tingling during the recommended one-to-two-minute contact time—noticeable but not uncomfortable for most skin types. That tingling signals the acids are working, not just a marketing-engineered sensation.

Results appear immediately after the first use. Skin feels smoother, looks brighter, and has a subtle glow that lasts into the next day. Using it consistently two to three times per week yields cumulative effects: refined pores, fewer blackheads, more even tone, and smoother texture that helps moisturizers and serums absorb more evenly. It is a prep product that creates a better canvas for subsequent steps.

The honest disclaimers: this cleanser contains sodium laureth sulfate as its primary surfactant and includes methylparaben and propylparaben as preservatives. SLS cleanses effectively but can be stripping, especially for dry skin. The FDA, CIR, and EU scientific committees consider parabens safe at cosmetic concentrations, though some consumers avoid them. These are older-generation formulation choices that Murad hasn’t updated—a rare area where the brand’s three-decade heritage shows its age.

The fragrance-free formulation is a positive, especially with active acids. Many competitors add fragrance to mask the chemical scent of AHAs and BHAs, but Murad lets the formula speak for itself. There are no essential oils or perfume—just the clean, faintly clinical scent of the actives.

Vitamin C (as sodium ascorbyl phosphate) and licorice root extract (dipotassium glycyrrhizate) provide antioxidant and brightening support, though contact time limits their efficacy in a wash-off format. Sodium PCA, a natural moisturizing factor component, helps offset the stripping potential of the acids and SLS.

The value is strong. At $42 for 6.75 ounces, used two to three times per week, the bottle lasts four to six months—roughly two to three dollars per use for a clinically effective exfoliating treatment. A professional value size (16.9 oz) is available for regular users. Compared to in-office chemical peels or dedicated exfoliating treatments, this is accessible and practical.

Murad positions this for all skin types, but sensitive and very dry skin should proceed with caution. Start with once weekly and increase only if the skin tolerates it. On non-exfoliating nights, use a gentle, non-active cleanser. Always follow with sunscreen the next morning, as the acids accelerate cell turnover and make fresh skin more vulnerable to UV damage.

For acne-prone users, the salicylic acid makes this more versatile than AHA-only cleansers. Many exfoliating cleansers skip the BHA, limiting them to surface smoothing. Including salicylic acid means this single product addresses both rough texture on cheeks and forehead and clogged pores in the T-zone—a common combination in adult acne.

This cleanser does not reinvent skincare. It delivers a proven approach from a dermatologist who understood decades ago that most people need exfoliation, most people overdo it, and the best exfoliating product works effectively enough to use infrequently. Three acids, a few times a week, in a format that rinses away before it does too much. That restraint comes from having seen fifty thousand faces.

Formula

PM routine