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How to layer Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum in your routine

Ingredients in Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum

how to use Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum

Before and after comparison of a person's face with acne on the left and clear skin on the right.

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Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum | The INKEY List

Name: Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum
Brand: Inkey List
SKU: IF015UE
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (335 reviews)

Fight breakouts and blackheads

4.5

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5 Stars (335 Reviews)

$11.00 / 30ml

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Worth 55 Points

What you get: A lightweight, non-drying, gentle exfoliating beta hydroxy acid serum formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid to penetrate deep into pores, helping to unclog and reducing excess oil and 1% Hyaluronic Acid to help deliver results without drying the skin.

Why it works: 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA) gently but effectively unclogs blackheads and blemishes. 1% Hyaluronic Acid, helps skin stay hydrated, preventing dryness or stripping.

How it feels: A lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a sticky residue. A targeted serum for blackheads & blemishes that leaves skin feeling lightly hydrated and balanced.

When to use: Apply to cleansed skin in the morning and/or evening. Use 1-2 drops, gently patting into the face and neck. Follow with your preferred serums and moisturizer. Always apply SPF as the last step in your AM routine.

Suitable for:

Normal skin
Oily skin
Combination skin
Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Targets:

Blemishes & congestion
Blackheads
Excess oil

How to Use

Can be used in your AM & PM skincare routine. After cleansing and hydrating with your chosen hydrator, gently pat 1-2 drops of Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum onto the face and neck.

Follow with

Moisturizer.

Finish with SPF in your AM routine.

INKEY Tip

When layering serums, layer from the thinnest consistency to thickest.

Heads Up

When adding new products to your routine, we always recommend patch-testing.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place (15–25°C). Keep out of direct sunlight. Avoid eyes. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.

Ingredients

2% Salicylic Acid: Helps to unclog pores and gently exfoliate.
1% low molecular Hyaluronic Acid: To help hydrate and avoid dry skin.

Water (Aqua / Eau), Propanediol, Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zinc PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Maltodextrin, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate.

FAQs

WHEN DO I USE BHA SERUM? Use after cleansing and hydrating, as your 'Treat' step. AM or PM - but always wear SPF if used in the morning.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE IT? Daily in the PM is fine for most. If your skin is dry or sensitive, start with 1–3 times a week.

CAN I LAYER IT WITH OTHER INGREDIENTS? Avoid using with other exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs, PHA), Vitamin C or Retinol in the same routine. Alternate evenings instead to avoid irritation.

IS IT SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN? Yes - just patch test first and build up slowly.

CAN I USE IT ON DRY, BLEMISH-PRONE SKIN? Yes. It’s formulated with 1% Hyaluronic Acid so it won’t dry you out. Use 2–3 times a week if needed.

WILL IT HELP WITH BLACKHEADS? Yes. 2% Salicylic Acid helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads, breakouts + pore size.

IS IT COMEDOGENIC? No - it contains no pore-clogging ingredients.

WHAT'S THE PH? 4.5–5.3 AHAS VS BHAS - WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Alpha Hydroxy Acidsd (AHAs) = surface exfoliation (e.g. Glycolic Acid). Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) = deeper exfoliation inside pores (e.g. Salicylic Acid). Use AHAs in PM, BHAs can be AM or PM - always follow with SPF.

HOW LONG UNTIL I SEE RESULTS? Up to 6 weeks. Be consistent. Don’t overdo it - more isn’t better.

IS IT VEGAN? Yes! Certified by The Vegan Society.

IS IT SAFE DURING PREGNANCY? Yes

CAN I USE IT WITH PRESCRIPTION MEDS? Check with your doctor first.

No BS Skincare

Skincare can be confusing.

So we cut the BS, and get straight to the point. We simplify the INCI list - commonly known as the ingredients list, that every skincare product has. That’s also where we get our name from. We’re The INKEY List - here to help you get better skin with real knowledge and formulas that deliver. No BS. No hype. Just effective, science-backed skincare that does what it says it will. We show you what your skin needs, not what’s trending. Whether you’re new to skincare or have a solid routine, we’ve always got your back with innovation, education and clinically-proven results.

All at a price that makes sense.

INKEY. No BS, just better skin.

We are B CORP. Our products are formulated with responsibly sourced ingredients, and packaged with 100% recyclable materials. Skin needs love, but so does our planet.

Carbon Net-Zero. All our emissions are offset annually through planet friendly projects with a focus on education.

Approved under the Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny programme.

100% of our packaging is recyclable. Learn how to recycle your INKEY List products.

Certified by The Vegan Society

This product is;

Dermatologically tested

Fragrance-free

Gluten-free

Non-comedogenic

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding safe

Shipping info

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More Blogs

"Keanu stuck to his INKEY skincare routine for one year, using Salicylic Acid Cleanser with Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum and Succinic Acid Treatment."

Keanu
Shannon shared her myINKEY skin journey with her TikTok followers. She used Omega Water Cream AM and PM to improve her skin barrier, alongside Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum, Niacinamide Serum, Salicylic Acid Cleanser and Succinic Acid Treatment to tackle her breakouts.

Shannon
"I’ve used INKEY products religiously and my skin is just amazing! This is before I started and what it is like now. My skin's never been better!"

Adelle
“Now after almost 4 months, my skin has started to feel good. I am free of active acne. Not to mention I had stubborn acne vulgaris. The INKEY List’s products helped me to get rid of stubborn active acne. Succinic Acid Treatment & BHA helped me majorly.”

Shefana
"Your products are SO affordable and make such a big difference. So many of my followers asked me to send my routine". Andreas used Salicylic Acid Cleanser with Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum for 4 weeks.

Andreas

4.5

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

Based on 335 reviews

Total 5 star reviews: 224 Total 4 star reviews: 68 Total 3 star reviews: 23 Total 2 star reviews: 10 Total 1 star reviews: 10

Reviews Summary

Customers say this serum has a light, non-sticky texture that absorbs quickly into the skin. Many users notice visible improvements in pore appearance and skin texture after consistent use. While some experience initial adjustment periods, frequent users report clearer skin over time. The watery gel formula receives praise for easy application and layering well with other products. Some mention the bottle size is small and runs out quickly. Reviews are mixed on blackhead reduction, with many seeing improvements while others report limited results.

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335 reviews

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Sam H.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age Range 25 - 34
Skin Type Normal
Skin Concerns Blackheads
Sensitive Skin Friendly? Yes
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
3 days ago
worth it
i can notice a difference in how clean my pores are on my nose, it minimized the appearance of a lot of my blackheads
Was this helpful?
Matic K.
Verified Buyer
I do not recommend this product
Age Range 25 - 34
Skin Type Oily
Skin Concerns Breakouts, Oiliness, Blackheads, Under Eye Circles, Texture
Sensitive Skin Friendly? Yes
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
5 days ago
no change
si far, my skin looks the same with no improvements..
Was this helpful?
riqui
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
1 week ago
5 Stars
I love the way it makes my skin look and feel!
Was this helpful?

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Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum | The INKEY List

Suitable for:

Targets:

How to Use

Ingredients

FAQs

No BS Skincare

Shipping info

Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches

Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml

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