6 ingredients · 3 active
Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Explore all 6 ingredients in the Alpha Hydroxy Acid category. Learn about their benefits and find products that contain them.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from citrus fruits, where it gives lemons and oranges their characteristic tartness. In skincare it is most commonly used at low concentrations as a pH adjuster and chelating agent to stabilise formulations, but at higher concentrations (typically 10–20%) it acts as an exfoliant, loosening bonds between dead skin cells to improve texture and brightness. It is considered the weakest of the commonly used AHAs — less potent than glycolic or lactic acid — making it a gentler option for exfoliation.
Learn more →Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), derived from sugarcane. It works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed more easily and revealing fresher skin beneath. With regular use it also stimulates collagen synthesis, increasing skin thickness and firmness over time.
Learn more →Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is the second most well-researched alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), naturally found in milk and fermented foods. It has a larger molecular structure than glycolic acid, which means it penetrates the skin more slowly and gently while still effectively loosening the bonds between dead skin cells. Uniquely among AHAs, lactic acid also acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin as it exfoliates.
Learn more →Malic Acid
Malic acid is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) found in apples, pears, and other fruits. It works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells on the skin's surface, promoting gentle exfoliation to reveal smoother, brighter skin. With a larger molecular size than glycolic or lactic acid, it penetrates less deeply, making it one of the gentler AHAs available in cosmetic formulations.
Learn more →Tartaric Acid
Tartaric acid is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) found abundantly in grapes, tamarind, and wine. It works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, promoting gentle exfoliation to reveal brighter, smoother skin underneath. It is one of the larger AHA molecules, which makes it gentler and less deeply penetrating than glycolic or lactic acid.
Learn more →Mandelic Acid
Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds, named from the German word 'mandel' meaning almond. It has a larger molecular structure than glycolic acid, which means it penetrates the skin more slowly and superficially, making it one of the gentler AHAs available. It works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells to promote exfoliation, while also providing antibacterial action that helps address acne-prone skin.
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