Beauty Tips

A Kinder, Gentler Acid Is About to Take the Skin Care World by Storm

It's time to meet AHA's and BHA's sensitive sister, PHA

by Rebecca Norris | COMMENT

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Skin care acids have been around for decades, but ingredients like lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids seem to get all the attention. Lately, a new acid has been gaining steam, thanks in large part to buzzy beauty brand Glossier, which just dropped a product called Solution. Suddenly, polyhydroxy acid is the acid to know.

"Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) represent a newer generation of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA); the most common are gluconolactone, galactose and lactobionic acid," says board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Neil Sadick. "Their main purpose is to exfoliate the skin, removing the dead cells, but since they are also hydrophilic molecules, they attract and retain moisture in the skin." Meaning, they're a whole lot gentler than your typical acid, which can often dry out skin.

But that's not all. "Skin care products containing PHAs give your beauty routine an instant upgrade," Sadick says. "Not only can they exfoliate, moisturize and clear the skin, but they are also rich in antioxidants that protect the skin against free radicals, combat redness and inflammation, and stimulate wound healing pathways." Since PHAs are safe for all skin types, high in efficacy and have few side effects, expect to see the ingredient used in daily moisturizers, serums and face masks in the near future, especially now that a 20-year patent has just expired.

Ready to be a PHA early adopter? Read on for some effective products containing polyhydroxy acids and keep an eye out for more to come in the future.

Image via Imaxtree

SEE NEXT PAGE: Glossier Solution, $24

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