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There are a few reasons glycolic acid and salicylic acid are magic words in the skincare world. The former has anti-aging properties, and the latter is effective in tackling clogged pores, whiteheads, and blackheads (be sure to check out our cheat sheet to skincare acids). While professionals do warn against overusing these acids, particularly if you have sensitive skin, there are plenty of products that contain a lower percentage of glycolic or salicylic acid and still effectively treat the same skincare concerns.

Take Botanic Tree's Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser, for example. The 10 percent glycolic and salicylic acid cleanser has over 12,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, with shoppers raving about its transformative effects. Made with bamboo, shea butter, and tea tree extract, the cleanser claims to both deeply cleanse and remove any dead skin or dullness, leaving its users with soft, radiant skin. When it comes to IRL results, however, the proof is in the pudding — or, in this case, the reviews.

To buy: $20 (was $23); amazon.com.

One shopper says the Botanic Tree cleanser is "one of the most gentle chemical exfoliants" they've ever used, and it leaves their skin "noticeably smoother after each use." Others say they use the cleanser for various skin-specific concerns, including hormonal or cystic acne. "It brings the cystic bumps that usually stay deep under the skin to the surface, which helps [relieve] the pain and heal the spots so much quicker," one explained. "I love this cleanser and will buy it forever!"

What if you just have one or two annoying pimples? The exfoliating cleanser can also help with that, according to another shopper, who wrote, "I had a bulging pimple on my face… I [used] the cleanser at night, went to bed, and the next morning the pimple dried out and was barely noticeable."

Any type of exfoliating, particularly on your face, should be monitored and not necessarily incorporated into your daily regimen. Botanic Tree suggests using the cleanser two to five times a week, and many of the reviewers support this sentiment, in order to avoid over-exfoliated skin.

Other Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser green flags include the fact that it's cruelty-free and sulfate-free (or SLS-free) and you only need a small, pea-sized amount of product for each use. Plus, the price tag is pretty good, too. Coming in at just under $22, the 6-fluid-ounce bottle is on the more affordable side.

After exfoliating, it's extra important to give that soft skin some extra protection from UV rays, so be sure to use (and reapply!) SPF every single day.