> ## 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)