Walgreens 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant With Salicylic Acid | Ingredients Explained

Walgreens 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant With Salicylic Acid Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA

Review

Does Walgreens 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant With Salicylic Acid Work?

Walgreens 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant With Salicylic Acid is a type of skincare product designed to be rinsed off, peeled off, or otherwise removed from the skin. Research confirming the moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, and soothing effects of such products is very limited. Therefore, we do not provide efficacy ratings for these types of skincare products.

However, you can explore the roles of specific ingredients in the Ingredient Breakdown section below.

📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

Anti-Seborrheic
Astringent
Fragrance
Preservative
Formula helpers

Other

Est. % The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more	Ingredient	Origin	Functions
85	Water The most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients. Water The most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.	Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water.	Formula helper Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Formula helper Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients.
6	Methylpropanediol Methylpropanediol is a unique glycol that contains two primary hydroxyl groups. That makes methylpropanediol a powerful humectant and an excellent solvent. Methylpropanediol Methylpropanediol is a unique glycol that contains two primary hydroxyl groups. That makes methylpropanediol a powerful humectant and an excellent solvent.	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Formula helper Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Formula helper Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients.
4	Butylene Glycol A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups. Butylene Glycol A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.	Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Petroleum Ingredients derived from petroleum, also called crude oil. Crude oil deposits were obtained from the remains of ancient organisms, such as plants, algae, and bacteria. Petroleum Ingredients derived from petroleum, also called crude oil. Crude oil deposits were obtained from the remains of ancient organisms, such as plants, algae, and bacteria.	Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Formula helper Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product. Formula helper Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
2 Verified concentration of an ingredient as indicated on its package, in the ingredient list, or on the official website. Verified concentration of an ingredient as indicated on its package, in the ingredient list, or on the official website.	Salicylic Acid This effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores. Salicylic Acid This effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Anti-Acne Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Anti-Acne Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Exfoliant Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Exfoliant Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Soothing Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Soothing Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Anti-Seborrheic Anti-seborrheic ingredients help to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Anti-Seborrheic Anti-seborrheic ingredients help to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Formula helper Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable. Formula helper Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable.
1.9	Polysorbate 20 A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions. Polysorbate 20 A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.	Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Formula helper Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Solubilizing – helps ingredients dissolve. Formula helper Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Solubilizing – helps ingredients dissolve.
1.5	Sodium Hydroxide An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin. Sodium Hydroxide An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Formula helper Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable. pH adjuster – alters the pH level of a formula. Formula helper Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable. pH adjuster – alters the pH level of a formula.
1.3	Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract An emollient extract derived from the leaves of the Tea-oil Camellia, which is native to Southeast Asia. It contains astringent and wound-healing tannins that create a tightening feeling on the skin and can speed up the healing process of small cuts. Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract An emollient extract derived from the leaves of the Tea-oil Camellia, which is native to Southeast Asia. It contains astringent and wound-healing tannins that create a tightening feeling on the skin and can speed up the healing process of small cuts.	Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials.	Antioxidant Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Antioxidant Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Soothing Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Soothing Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Astringent Astringent ingredients provide the skin with a tightened feeling, help to reduce the appearance of large pores, and assist in the healing of small cuts and wounds. Astringent Astringent ingredients provide the skin with a tightened feeling, help to reduce the appearance of large pores, and assist in the healing of small cuts and wounds.
0.3	Tetrasodium EDTA One of the most common synthetic chelators. It can reduce the 'hardness' of water and so is often used in rinse-off products. Tetrasodium EDTA One of the most common synthetic chelators. It can reduce the 'hardness' of water and so is often used in rinse-off products.	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Formula helper Chelating – deactivates harmful heavy metal ions. Formula helper Chelating – deactivates harmful heavy metal ions.

Water

Function:

Origin:

Methylpropanediol

Function:

Origin:

Butylene Glycol

Function:

Origin:

Salicylic Acid

Function:

Origin:

1.9

Polysorbate 20

Function:

Origin:

1.5

Sodium Hydroxide

Function:

Origin:

1.3

Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract

Function:

Origin:

0.3

Tetrasodium EDTA

Function:

Origin:

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %	85
Function	Solvent Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Solvent Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients.
Origin	Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water.

The most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.

Methylpropanediol
Est. %	6
Function	Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Solvent Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Solvent Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients.
Origin	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

Methylpropanediol is a unique glycol that contains two primary hydroxyl groups. That makes methylpropanediol a powerful humectant and an excellent solvent.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %	4
Function	Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Solvent, Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Solvent, Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Viscosity Controlling Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product. Viscosity Controlling Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
Origin	Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic, All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic, All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Petroleum Ingredients derived from petroleum, also called crude oil. Crude oil deposits were obtained from the remains of ancient organisms, such as plants, algae, and bacteria. Petroleum Ingredients derived from petroleum, also called crude oil. Crude oil deposits were obtained from the remains of ancient organisms, such as plants, algae, and bacteria.

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Salicylic Acid
Est. %	2
Function	Anti-Acne, Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Anti-Acne, Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Exfoliant, Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Exfoliant, Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Soothing, Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Soothing, Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Anti-Seborrheic, Anti-seborrheic ingredients help to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Anti-Seborrheic, Anti-seborrheic ingredients help to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Denaturant Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable. Denaturant Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable.
Origin	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

This effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.

Polysorbate 20
Est. %	1.9
Function	Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Emulsifying, Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Emulsifying, Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Solubilizing Solubilizing – helps ingredients dissolve. Solubilizing Solubilizing – helps ingredients dissolve.
Origin	Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.

Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %	1.5
Function	Denaturant, Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable. Denaturant, Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable. pH Adjuster pH adjuster – alters the pH level of a formula. pH Adjuster pH adjuster – alters the pH level of a formula.
Origin	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Est. %	1.3
Function	Antioxidant, Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Antioxidant, Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Soothing, Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Soothing, Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Astringent Astringent ingredients provide the skin with a tightened feeling, help to reduce the appearance of large pores, and assist in the healing of small cuts and wounds. Astringent Astringent ingredients provide the skin with a tightened feeling, help to reduce the appearance of large pores, and assist in the healing of small cuts and wounds.
Origin	Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials.

An emollient extract derived from the leaves of the Tea-oil Camellia, which is native to Southeast Asia. It contains astringent and wound-healing tannins that create a tightening feeling on the skin and can speed up the healing process of small cuts.

Tetrasodium EDTA
Est. %	0.3
Function	Chelating Chelating – deactivates harmful heavy metal ions. Chelating Chelating – deactivates harmful heavy metal ions.
Origin	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.