> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.neutralyze.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Salicylic Acid vs. Mandelic Acid

> How salicylic acid (BHA) and mandelic acid (AHA) differ, and why Neutralyze combines 2% salicylic with 1% mandelic.

| | Salicylic acid (BHA) | Mandelic acid (AHA) |
| - | - | - |
| Solubility | Oil-soluble — penetrates into pores | Water-soluble — works at the surface |
| Primary action | Unclogs pores, controls oil | Gentle surface exfoliation, evens tone |
| Gentleness | Moderate | One of the gentlest AHAs (large molecule) |
| Best at | Blackheads, clogged pores, active breakouts | Post-acne marks, texture, darker skin tones |

**They work better together than either alone**: salicylic clears inside the pore while mandelic renews the surface and fades marks. Neutralyze combines **2% salicylic acid + 1% mandelic acid** in the Face Wash, Exfoliating Pads, and Renewal Complex.

Read more on the Neutralyze blog: [Salicylic Acid vs Mandelic Acid — Which Wins for Acne?](https://www.neutralyze.com/blogs/news/salicylic-acid-vs-mandelic-acid-which-wins-for-acne)


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