Polyhydroxy Acids

Ingredient Spotlight

Polyhydroxy Acids

What It Is

A class of gentle chemical exfoliants often considered a milder alternative to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), making them suitable for sensitive or easily irritated skin.

What It Does

PHAs help remove dead skin cells while providing hydration and antioxidant support.

Find It In

PHA Skin Refining Toner, Daily PHA Gentle Renewal Serum.

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Key Benefits of Polyhydroxy Acids

Gently exfoliate the skin's surface, improving skin texture and smoothness

Support the skin barrier and hydration by attracting moisture

Help reduce the appearance of fine lines and uneven tone

About Our Formulas

PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids) are featured in gentle exfoliating formulas designed to refine skin texture while supporting hydration and barrier health. Their larger molecular structure allows for gradual exfoliation, making them ideal for sensitive-skin, hydration-focused, and age-supportive formulations.

Marketing Considerations

Position as a gentle alternative to traditional AHAs and BHAs

Ideal for sensitive-skin, hydration, brightening, and healthy-aging skincare lines

Appeals to consumers seeking effective exfoliation without significant irritation

Suitable for daily-use and beginner-friendly exfoliating products

Manufacturing & Formulation

Form: Water-soluble acid active (powder or liquid depending on the specific PHA)

Compatibility: Excellent with humectants, niacinamide, ceramides, peptides, antioxidants, and soothing botanical ingredients

Applications: Exfoliating toners, hydrating serums, facial mists, moisturizers, masks, sensitive-skin treatments, and age-support formulas

The Science of Polyhydroxy Acids

Gently exfoliate the skin's surface by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing a smoother and more radiant complexion

Attract and retain moisture due to their humectant properties, helping improve skin hydration levels

Support skin barrier function while delivering exfoliation, making them well-suited for sensitive and compromised skin

Provide antioxidant benefits that help defend against environmental stressors and visible signs of premature aging

Larger molecular size allows for slower penetration compared to AHAs, resulting in reduced irritation potential while maintaining efficacy

The most common PHAs used in skincare formulations include:

Gluconolactone – Known for gentle exfoliation, hydration, and antioxidant benefits.
Lactobionic Acid – Provides mild exfoliation while helping soothe and moisturize the skin.
Galactose – A sugar-derived ingredient that supports hydration and skin renewal.

Each offers similar exfoliating benefits, though lactobionic acid is particularly valued for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties.

PHAs function similarly to AHAs by exfoliating the skin's surface, but their larger molecular size results in slower penetration and a lower likelihood of irritation. While BHAs primarily target pores and excess oil, PHAs focus on gentle surface exfoliation while providing added hydration and barrier support.

Yes. PHAs are widely considered one of the gentlest exfoliating acid categories available. Their mild nature makes them a popular choice for sensitive, dry, mature, or compromised skin, though individual tolerance may vary.

PHAs can help:

Smooth rough or uneven texture
Improve skin radiance
Support healthy skin renewal
Enhance hydration levels
Minimize the appearance of fine lines
Promote a stronger-looking skin barrier

Many PHA-based products are formulated for daily use due to their gentle exfoliating profile. Usage frequency should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and may vary depending on concentration, formulation, a.

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