There are a lot of acids out there. And just like a beauty or fashion trend, some become more popular than others. However, a few acids stand the test of time - True ride or die ingredients. So, we've rounded up the acids you need to know about and how you can incorporate them into your skincare routine.
First and foremost, why would someone want to use an acid on their skin? In the skincare industry, acids are well-known and used for their chemical exfoliating properties. There are various types of chemical exfoliants but the two most commonly used are Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids.
AHA's and BHA's are famed for their ability to break down the bonds or glue that hold your dead cells together. Some can reach deeper into the dermal layers of your skin (depending on the concentration, of course), but ultimately, they work surface level, gently breaking down the dead cells that sit on top of your complexion. Afterward, without any manual scrubbing or brushing, your body will naturally shed these cells, leaving you behind with softer, smoother skin. We've written a blog all about exfoliation to help you determine whether chemical or physical best suits your skin needs. Read all about it here.
There are numerous acids that are used in the skincare industry, each with their own set of benefits. Sometimes it can feel like there's a new trendy acid or skincare ingredient popping up every month. We're happy to report that after a thorough investigation, Azelaic Acid seems to be the current talk of the town. We wonder which one will be next🕵️ So, how do you identify which one is right for you? Don't worry, we've got you covered.
Lactic Acid
- Best known for brightening and exfoliating
- Commonly derived from milk or fermented fruit
- Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin
- Found in our AHA Cream
Glycolic Acid
- Known for being the most reliable and best performing acid
- Derived from sugarcane
- Suitable for most skin types but can be more irritating for those with delicate skin
- We love glycolic acid and have formulated it into our AHA Gel, Cleanser II, Solution I/II and Spot Solution
Azelaic Acid
- Neither an AHA nor BHA but a dicarboxylic acid
- Derived from grains such as wheat and barley
- Suitable for all skin types including the most sensitive and rosacea-prone skin
- We've formulated Spot Solution with azelaic acid
Citric Acid
- Commonly used for brightening and evening out the complexion
- Derived from citrus fruit extracts
- Suited for all skin types, especially those with oily skin
- Found in our AHA Gel, Toner, Cleanser I and Rejuvenating Mist
Salicylic Acid
- A BHA known for reaching deep into the pore to fight against acne
- Derived from willow bark
- Most suitable for acne-prone skin types
- Find it in these incredible products Spot Solution, Veil, Solution I/II and AHA Gel
Wild Card - Hyaluronic Acid
Okay, not quite a chemical exfoliant but an important acid, nonetheless! Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in our skin and has this incredible capacity to hold 1000x times its weight in water. Since it's a humectant, it likes to absorb all of the moisture around it and keep it there. We've formulated many of our products with hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated for longer. Some of our products include AHA Cream, Eye Treatment, Moisture, Firm, Light Serum and so many more. We've written a blog post all about hyaluronic acid - read it here.