Glycolic acid molecule

 Lactic acid molecule

α-Hydroxyacids (AHA) are weak organic acids found in fruits, plants and milk sugars.

For centuries, α-hydroxyacids have been one of the most commonly utilized peeling agents used to treat dry skin, acne, actinic damage and to improve skin color/texture.

AHAs are also reported to effectively treat pigmentary lesions such as solar lentigenes, melasma and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

At low concentrations AHAs promotes exfoliation by decreasing corneocyte cohesion and stimulating new growth in the basal layer, while at higher concentrations AHAs promote epidermolysis and dispersed basal layer melanin.

The accelerated desquamation of the stratum corneum by AHAs is complemented by a direct inhibition of tyrosinase, without influencing mRNA or protein expression.

Lactic acid and glycolic acid are AHAs derived from sour milk and sugarcane juice, respectively.