What about cleansers with ahas or bha ingredients?

I never recommend cleansers that contain AHAs or BHA, for several reasons. First, if they are in a water-soluble cleanser, you run the risk of possible contact with the eyes, which can cause irritation. Second, AHAs and BHA work on the skin or the pores when they have been absorbed. When they are in a cleanser, they get rinsed down the drain before they can work. Some companies shockingly recommend leaving the cleanser on the face for several minutes so the AHAs or BHA can be absorbed into the skin, but that means the detergent cleansing agents would be left on the skin for longer than necessary, and that absolutely can cause unwanted irritation. Cleansing the face gently is imperative for everyone who wants to have healthy skin. (Sources: Skin Research and Technology, February 2005, pages 53-60; and Dermatology, March 1997, pages 258-262.)