Ingredient
PHA
A gentle chemical exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and brightens the complexion, while also pulling moisture into the skin rather than drying it out. Its larger molecule size means it penetrates more slowly than AHAs, exfoliating without the stinging or flaking they can cause. Look for gluconolactone or lactobionic acid on the label, typically at 4–5%.
Ingredient
Suitable for
Sensitive skin — delivers the texture and brightening benefits of chemical exfoliation without the sting, redness, or adjustment period of AHAs or BHAs.
Also suitable for sensitive skin, dry skin, oily skin and rosacea-prone skin.
Ingredient
Ingredient combination
Combinations that work
- CeramidesExfoliating
PHA's larger molecule stays at the surface and acts as a humectant while it exfoliates; ceramides replace the lipids that come away with the dead cells. The exfoliation route for a compromised barrier.
- Hyaluronic AcidHydrating
PHA is a humectant as well as an exfoliant, so it works without the water loss an AHA causes. Layered with hyaluronic acid it leaves skin smoother and better hydrated in the same step.
- NiacinamideClearing
PHA clears the surface slowly enough not to provoke reactive skin; niacinamide keeps barrier and sebum in balance while it does. A clarifying pairing for skin that cannot take an AHA.
Combinations to avoid
PHA is the gentle exfoliant — pairing it with an AHA in one session simply makes it an aggressive one. If PHA alone is not enough, change the acid rather than stacking two.
Same reasoning: two exfoliants in one session is more exfoliation, not better exfoliation. Alternate them across the week.
Routine
Routines with PHA
Routines featuring this ingredient are coming soon.