Any one of several natural acids (glycolic, lactic, citric, malic) obtained from fruit which assist in shedding dead skin cells. They provide the benefit of chemical exfoliation of the skin, making skin appear clearer. Solutions vary from 2% to 15% (with anything higher needing a prescription to acquire.) 8% formulas are generally recognized as being quite effective with minimal irritation. Glycolic acid is thought to be the most effective exfoliant of all the alpha hydroxy acids. (See Special Information Section for how to make a homemade AHA solution.)
known as AHA, these solutions are used as exfoliants. They can help reduce ingrown hairs and improve the look of skin.
Product containing AHA exfoliate. Should be used with caution as can cause increased sensitivity to sun and damage to the skin's protective barrier.
an active ingredient derived from fruit acids. Helps exfoliate the top layers of the epidermis: promotes moisture restoration and helps penetration of other ingredients; highly sought after for use in anti-aging and bleaching skin care products. May irritate the skin especially if overused. Buffering the pH helps make them less irritating to the skin, but also reduces exfoliating effect. AHA's include: citric acid (citrus fruits), glycolic acid (sugar cane), lactic acid (milk), and the less common AHAs used in cosmetics malic acid (apples) and tartaric acid (wine). AHAs increase sun sensitivity due to their exfoliant behavior.
an organic acid containing both OH (alcoholic hydroxyl group) and COOH (carboxyl acid group) groups, for example lactic and tartaric acid. Has the qualities of an alcohol in addition to its acid properties. Alpha refers to the chirality of the molecule.
(AL fah high DROK see): A naturally occurring humectant with antixerotic and antipruritic effects. May help regulate keratinization. Used as an ingredient in dry skin preparations. Examples include lactic acid, malic acid, and glycolic acid.
Substance found in various fruits and milk that diminishes corneocyte cohesion that affects the thickness of the stratum corneum. Tartaric acid is found in grapes; malic acid in apples; lactic acid from soured milk; glycolic acid from sugar cane.
A group of plant-derived acids used to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, unblock and cleanse pores, improve oily skin or acne, and improve skin condition in general by exfoliation, or shedding of the surface skin. The most frequently used are glycolic acid and lactic acid.
Appearing naturally in fruits such as coconuts, apples, citrus fruits and black currants, alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, exfoliate and moisturize the skin. High in glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy's have become a popular ingredient among cosmetic manufacturers who regularly include synthetic AHAs in wrinkle creams, masks and toners. Antioxidants - These substances have received a lot of press lately, mainly because of their ability to counteract the destructive effects of free radicals in the body. The most common use of antioxidants, however, is as a preservative. Synthetic antioxidants, such as BHA and BHT, are often included by cosmetic manufacturers to keep their products from spoiling, but natural antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C and E can be added to cosmetics as a safer alternative to the synthetic variety.
Also known as AHA; Used an exfoliants and can help reduce ingrown hairs
AHA can be any of various fruit acids capable of capturing moisture within the skin and initiating the formation of a fibrous protein called collagen.
or AHA is a simple organic fruit acid found in nature or synthesized in the laboratory
a group of acids that reduce sun induced fine wrinkles and pigment spots by removing the superficial layers of the skin and drawing moisture into the tissue, causing the skin to fill out. AMPOULES sealed, glass or plastic containers that keep solutions sterile until required for injection
this organic acid taken from fruit acids, is used widely in anti-aging skin care products. It encourages moisture restoration, exfoliation and helps other ingredients to penetrate through the skin more effectively. Always use products containing AHAs in combination with sunscreen as they make your skin more susceptible to sun damage.
Hydroxy acids (AHA's) are a class of chemical compounds that consist of a carboxylic acid substituted with a hydroxy group on the adjacent carbon. They may be either naturally occurring or synthetic. AHAs are well-known for their use in the cosmetics industry.