Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Alpha Hydroxy Acids, often referred to as AHAs, are best known for their exfoliating effects. They work by dissolving the chemical bonds holding dead skin cells onto the surface of the skin. AHAs include lactic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, phytic acid and glycolic acid. Phytic is the gentlest of these and is used more as an antioxidant than as an exfoliant. Lactic, mandelic and malic acids are the sort you will find in the gentler type of acid toners and glycolic acid is the strongest. These acids are used in both at-home skincare products and in skin peels.
