Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) — the family name for a group of naturally occurring acids often referred to as “fruit acids.” AHAs are used in cosmetics as moisturizers, emollients, and exfoliants. They are also employed to treat such conditions as photodamage, hyperpigmentation, eczema, and ichthyosi...
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Bev's Skincare Glossary
Want to know more about the details in the chemistry of skin care?
Here you can look up any topic - sorted alphabetically - and read more about what each ingredient includes and does for your skin.
Lactic Acid (sodium lactate) — (see also Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)) an alpha hydroxy acid, an exfoliating agent. It can help normalize epidermal structure, and stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin. Lactic acid is a component of the skin’s natural moisturizing facto...
Malic acid — (see also Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)) the third smallest AHA in terms of molecular size. Although it is used in numerous cosmetic products, particularly those indicating a “fruit acid” content and generally designed for anti-aging, unlike glycolic and lactic acids, its skin benefits ...