BHA liquid exfoliant, serum or scrub: what is the difference?

A BHA liquid exfoliant and a BHA serum both use a beta hydroxy acid, so both are chemical exfoliants. A scrub is a mechanical exfoliant. A chemical exfoliator here means that leave-on chemical kind, not a scrub and not a face peel. The Glowness 2% BHA is one product with two names. Our website calls it the Glowness 2% BHA Serum; its label and Amazon listing call it a BHA exfoliant. The difference between this serum and a face peel is quoted in If you are looking for a face peel.

Liquid exfoliant or serum: one product, two names

Our website calls it the Glowness 2% BHA Serum; its label and Amazon listing call it a BHA exfoliant. It is the same 50 ml product with 2% plant-derived salicylic acid.

Whatever the name, you use it the same way: "Dispense 2-3 drops of Glowness Serum onto your fingertips, then gently massage the product onto your skin using upward motions. Do not rinse."

Chemical or mechanical exfoliation

	BHA liquid exfoliant or BHA serum	Scrub
Type of exfoliation	Chemical exfoliation	Mechanical exfoliation
What does the exfoliating	A beta hydroxy acid (BHA), such as salicylic acid	A scrub
Do you rinse it off	No. The Glowness product page says "Do not rinse"	Yes, a scrub is rinsed off

What this page does not do

It does not rank the formats. It describes how each one exfoliates. Follow each product's own directions.

If you came here searching for a face peel, this guide is about a leave-on exfoliant, not that procedure. See If you are looking for a face peel.

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.

What the Glowness 2% BHA Serum does

In the words of the Glowness 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.

Using a scrub as well

We make no recommendation on using a scrub with a BHA. Follow each product's own directions. For other products, see what you can mix with salicylic acid.

Every ingredient in the Glowness 2% BHA Serum is in our full ingredient list guide. For BHA and AHA, see BHA for oily and combination skin. 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 liquid exfoliant the same as a BHA serum?

For Glowness, it is one product with two names. Our website calls it the Glowness 2% BHA Serum; its label and Amazon listing call it a BHA exfoliant.

Is a scrub a chemical or a mechanical exfoliant?

Mechanical.

Do I rinse the Glowness 2% BHA Serum off?

No. Do not rinse.

Can I use a scrub with a BHA?

We make no recommendation on using a scrub with a BHA. Follow each product's own directions.

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

Follow the directions on the pack.