The power of alpha hydroxy acids comes in many formulas, whether they use glycolic acid or other AHAs. Forget about roughing up your skin with a scrub and go for the gentle exfoliation options that will leave your skin looking softer and younger.
Discover a few of the best AHA exfoliants and find out how they can keep dead skin cells off your face while still providing plenty of other great benefits for your skin, including fine line and wrinkle reduction.
Alpha Hydrox AHA Souffle
If you’re looking for a basic AHA exfoliant, with no bells and whistles, the AHA Souffle is a great choice. Using 12% glycolic acid with a pH of 4, this lightweight formula is a great option for scrub-free exfoliation.
Fragrance-free and packaged in a tube for better long term use, it can also soften fine lines and make your skin glow.
DHC Renewing AHA Cream
One of the best AHA exfoliants combines 10% AHAs, including lactic acid, with a pH of 3.8 for excellent exfoliating power. With a fragrance-free formula, the cream is not intended for daily use and it exfoliates best during the night. When worn during the day, always use sunscreen over it for the right results and for keeping your skin protected.
Olay Regenerist Night Resurfacing Elixir
Excellent for all skin types, the Olay Regenerist elixir contains 8-10% glycolic acid. While it can’t compete with professional chemical peels, it can exfoliate thoroughly and also includes anti-oxidants and glycerin. Promoted mainly as a moisturizer, this AHA exfoliant might not be as strong as others, but it can deliver great results for anyone trying AHAs for the first time.
MD Formulations Vit-A-Plus Night Recovery
One of the best AHA exfoliants, the Vit-A-Plus cream also includes BHAs combining the power of an 8% glycolic compound with 1% salicylic acid. The fragrance-free formula is lightweight and works for all skin types. Forget about blemishes and fine lines with this effective Night Recovery solution from MD Formulations.
NeoStrata Renewal Cream, 12 PHA
Using a 12% gluconolactone formula, the NeoStrata Renewal Cream is especially effective for dry skin. Packed with vitamin E, one of the strongest antioxidants, and pro-retinol, the renewal cream isn’t tested on animals and will exfoliate thoroughly, while making improvements a skin tone that’s even and youthful.
Derma E Overnight Peel With Alpha Hydroxy Acids
With a blend of 5% glycolic acid along with other AHAs, the overnight peel is definitely one of the best AHA exfoliants, and an excellent choice for normal to dry skin. The peel has the most dramatic effects on sun-damaged skin, but it can deliver plenty of exfoliation power with a pH of 3, and its special formula can also make pores look smaller.
Vivité Daily Firming Lotion
When you’re looking for an AHA exfoliant for your entire body, the Daily Firming Lotion by Vivité delivers 15% glycolic acid and other AHAs. The high concentration means that it’s not the best choice for daily use, but if your skin doesn’t get irritated by stronger AHAs, it’s definitely a must-try. It also promises to reduce the appearance of “orange peel” skin.
DERMAdoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Moisturizing Therapy for Dry Skin
Especially created for people who suffer from keratosis pilaris, the DERMAdoctor KP Duty moisturizer is also one of the best AHA exfoliants for any skin type. Using 10% glycolic acid, this gentle exfoliant includes a high quantity of green tea extract, with excellent antioxidant benefits for your skin in the long run.
Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Moisturizer
With a pH of 3.8, the Peter Thomas AHA moisturizer for normal to dry skin is fragrance-free and has a formula enriched with arginine, for a slow release of glycolic acid on the skin. Get smoother skin with the help of this excellent moisturizer that also exfoliates your skin in the most gentle way.
Paula’s Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Mixing 5% glycolic acid with 0.5% salicylic acid, this AHA smoothing treatment will clear out any dead skin cells and definitely makes the list os one of the best AHA exfoliants, thanks to the way it also stimulates collagen production.
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