Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) (glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid)
Category: Active ingredient
Brief description: AHAs are a group of water-soluble, naturally occurring acids that exfoliate the skin's surface, revealing fresher, smoother skin.
Benefits: Exfoliation, improvement of skin texture, reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promotion of cell turnover.
Skin type suitability/concerns: Suitable for most skin types, but higher concentrations may be irritating for sensitive skin.
Target audience: People looking to address uneven skin texture, signs of aging, or dullness.
Chemical composition: Water-soluble carboxylic acids, with varying molecular sizes and properties.
Physical aspect: Typically colorless liquids or crystals, depending on the specific AHA.
Compatibility: Compatible with most cosmetic ingredients; can be formulated with other exfoliating agents, such as BHAs, but may increase the potential for irritation.
Concentration: Typically used at concentrations of 5-10% in cosmetic formulations for over-the-counter products; higher concentrations may be used in professional treatments.
Side effects/adverse reactions: Potential for skin irritation, redness, or increased sun sensitivity; users should wear sunscreen when using AHA-containing products.
Regulatory status: Generally recognized as safe, but concentrations and pH levels are regulated in some regions.
Sustainability/ethical considerations: Can be derived from natural sources, such as fruit, milk, or sugar, or synthesized; no significant sustainability or ethical concerns.
Brief description: AHAs are a group of water-soluble, naturally occurring acids that exfoliate the skin's surface, revealing fresher, smoother skin.
Benefits: Exfoliation, improvement of skin texture, reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promotion of cell turnover.
Skin type suitability/concerns: Suitable for most skin types, but higher concentrations may be irritating for sensitive skin.
Target audience: People looking to address uneven skin texture, signs of aging, or dullness.
Chemical composition: Water-soluble carboxylic acids, with varying molecular sizes and properties.
Physical aspect: Typically colorless liquids or crystals, depending on the specific AHA.
Compatibility: Compatible with most cosmetic ingredients; can be formulated with other exfoliating agents, such as BHAs, but may increase the potential for irritation.
Concentration: Typically used at concentrations of 5-10% in cosmetic formulations for over-the-counter products; higher concentrations may be used in professional treatments.
Side effects/adverse reactions: Potential for skin irritation, redness, or increased sun sensitivity; users should wear sunscreen when using AHA-containing products.
Regulatory status: Generally recognized as safe, but concentrations and pH levels are regulated in some regions.
Sustainability/ethical considerations: Can be derived from natural sources, such as fruit, milk, or sugar, or synthesized; no significant sustainability or ethical concerns.
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Active Ingredient
Retinoids (retinol, retinaldehyde, tretinoin)
Category: Active ingredient Brief description: Retinoids are a class of vitamin A derivatives that have been widely used in skincare for their ability to address various skin concerns. Benefits: An...
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Active Ingredient
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) (salicylic acid)
BHAs: Acne fighter. Clears skin pores.
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