BHA face wash or a leave-on BHA: what is the difference?

A BHA face wash is rinsed off at the basin. The Glowness 2% BHA Serum is a leave-on product: the product page says "Do not rinse." That is the difference in how the two are used. We make no recommendation on using a BHA face wash alongside the Glowness 2% BHA Serum; follow each product's own directions, and check with a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist before you combine them.

Rinsed off, or left on

A BHA face wash goes on at the basin and comes off again with the water. A leave-on BHA goes on after cleansing and stays on your face.

The Glowness 2% BHA Serum is the leave-on kind. Its directions read: "Dispense 2-3 drops of Glowness Serum onto your fingertips, then gently massage the product onto your skin using upward motions. Do not rinse."

Side by side

	A BHA face wash	The Glowness 2% BHA Serum
Where it is used	At the basin, as a wash	After cleansing, on a clean face
Do you rinse it off	Yes, it is rinsed off with the water	No. The product page says "Do not rinse"
What comes next	Whatever its own directions say	Allow the serum to absorb for 15-20 minutes. For best results, follow up with a moisturiser.
Where the directions are	On its own pack	Follow the directions on the pack

Why this page compares use, not results

A wash and a leave-on product are used at different points and in different ways, and this page goes no further than that. We state no result for either. For the Glowness 2% BHA Serum, follow the directions on the pack; for any other product, follow its own.

The Glowness 2% BHA Serum (50 ml) is a leave-on exfoliant with 2% plant-derived salicylic acid, made for oily and combination skin*.

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*Based on a 28-day dermatologist-assessed study of 20 women aged 18-35 when used as part of a skincare routine. Individual results may vary.

The Glowness 2% BHA Serum, in the words of its product page

Quoted from the product page:

Helps clear pore build-up and helps reduce the look of blemishes for smoother skin.
Plant-derived 2% BHA helps clear built-up oil and dead cells for visibly tighter-looking pores.

How to use the Glowness 2% BHA Serum

Follow the directions on the pack. New to a BHA? Patch test it first.

Cleanse: start with a fresh, clean face.
Dispense 2-3 drops of Glowness Serum onto your fingertips, then gently massage the product onto your skin using upward motions. Do not rinse. Avoid eye contour, lash line, and eyelids.
Allow the serum to absorb for 15-20 minutes. For best results, follow up with a moisturiser.
Use SPF, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterward.

If you already use a BHA face wash

We make no recommendation on using a BHA face wash alongside the Glowness 2% BHA Serum. Follow each product's own directions, and check with a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist before you combine them.

For the same question about other products, see what can you mix with salicylic acid. For how a leave-on exfoliant differs from a scrub, see BHA liquid exfoliant, serum or scrub.

What about an AHA BHA face wash?

Some washes put an AHA and a BHA in the same bottle. We do not make one, and we make no recommendation on using one with the Glowness 2% BHA Serum. For what the two letters mean, see BHA for oily and combination skin, and for the pairing question, see what can you mix with salicylic acid.

Where to go next

For the steps and how often, see how to use a 2% BHA exfoliant. To compare bottles before you buy, see how to choose a salicylic acid serum.

Warnings (from the product page)

External use only. Patch-test before first use. In the event of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice if you experience irritation; rinse skin and discontinue use. Consult a physician if you are pregnant, nursing, or allergic to salicylic acid. Not to be used for children under 3 years of age. Keep out of reach of children.

Use SPF, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterward.

Frequently asked questions

Is a BHA face wash the same as a BHA serum?

No. A face wash is rinsed off at the basin. The Glowness 2% BHA Serum is left on: the product page says "Do not rinse."

Can I use a BHA face wash and the Glowness 2% BHA Serum?

We make no recommendation on this. Follow each product's own directions, and check with a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist before you combine them.

How often should I use the Glowness 2% BHA Serum?

Follow the directions on the pack.

What goes on after the serum?

Allow the serum to absorb for 15-20 minutes. For best results, follow up with a moisturiser.

Do I need SPF with a BHA?

Yes. Use SPF, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterward.