Acidity and Effectiveness of Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (BHA) in Facial Cleanser
Question
If a facial cleanser contains Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (BHA), will it still be acidic? How effective is BHA in a wash-off product like a cleanser compared to a leave-on product, considering its contact time is short?
Answer
Yes, a facial cleanser containing BHA (Encapsulated Salicylic Acid) will still be acidic. Regarding effectiveness, while it won't be as potent as a leave-on product, BHA can still provide some benefits even with short contact time because it works relatively quickly. AHA/BHA ingredients are known to be effective even when used in wash-off formulations like cleansers, which is why such products exist in the market. However, for maximum results, leave-on BHA products are generally more effective due to longer absorption time. This principle applies specifically to AHA/BHA; other expensive skincare ingredients are generally not cost-effective in wash-off products.