Do you fantasize about having skin that glows and seems years younger than it actually is? No need to look any further! In this article, we will provide you with a curated selection of the 11 finest Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) products that are currently sold on Amazon. These products can help you attain skin that is brighter, tighter, and more radiant. AHA is a potent exfoliator that is well-known for its capacity to exfoliate dead skin cells, enhance the texture of the skin, and expose a glowing complexion. The next step is to investigate these marvels of skin care and find out the advantages and disadvantages of using each product.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution:
An inexpensive and effective AHA toner is available from The Ordinary. This toner works to increase the skin’s brightness, unclog pores, and exfoliate the skin in a gentle manner.
✔️Pros: Affordable, good for most skin types, improves skin texture.
❌Cons: Negative aspects include the possibility that those with sensitive skin will experience a tingling sensation.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant:
The AHA gel exfoliant from Paula’s Choice is a popular product that has gained a following due to its ability to effectively remove dead skin cells, decrease the appearance of fine wrinkles, and create a smoother skin texture.
✔️Pros: The product is suitable for all types of skin, it reduces the appearance of pores, and it slows down the aging process.
❌Con: If you don’t follow it up with a moisturizer, it can make your skin dry out.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum:
The Drunk Elephant night serum is a potent combination of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and other skin-loving ingredients that work together to help smooth the skin’s texture, minimize hyperpigmentation, and boost overall luminosity.
✔️Pros: The product does not test on animals and brightens dull skin while also reducing black spots.
❌Cons: Negatives include the high cost and the potential for an initial cleansing of the skin.
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid:
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid, and it functions as a mild chemical exfoliation that successfully removes whiteheads, smoothes skin texture, and improves skin clarity.
✔️Pros: The product is suitable for acne-prone skin, enhances skin tone, and reduces the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads.
❌Cons: Negative aspects include the potential for a moderate stinging sensation and the warning that it should not be used on sensitive skin.
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser:
This product from Murad is an exfoliating cleanser that contains jojoba beads in addition to alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA) to help deep clean pores, refine skin texture, and create a more radiant complexion.
✔️Pros: Polishes the skin while performing dual-action exfoliation, which is appropriate for oily and acne-prone skin types.
❌Cons: It’s quite pricey, and it may be too drying for those with sensitive skin.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment:
Good Genes by Sunday Riley is a lactic acid treatment that delivers deep exfoliation, enhances brightness, and smoothens fine lines and wrinkles. Other benefits include these as well.
✔️Pros: The benefits include a more radiant complexion, improved skin plumpness, and a reduction in hyperpigmentation.
❌Cons: It’s quite pricey, and it could cause some initial redness.
Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion:
Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion is a body moisturizer that is fortified with glycolic acid. It is good for addressing rough skin texture, dryness, and keratosis pilaris because of its ability to exfoliate the skin.
✔️Pros: The benefits include smoothing rough skin, evening out skin tone, and moisturizing the skin.
❌Cons: It’s expensive, and it could irritate delicate skin if you have that kind of skin.
Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner:
Mario Badescu The Glycolic Acid Toner by Mario Badescu is a mild exfoliating toner that promotes a smoother complexion, tightens pores, and brightens the skin tone. It also works to brighten the skin.
✔️Pros: The benefits include an affordable price tag, enhanced radiance, and compatibility with mixture skin types.
❌Cons: Dryness is a potential risk, and this formula is not recommended for those with sensitive skin.
Pixi Glow Tonic:
Pixi Glow Tonic is an alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) toner that has quickly become a fan favorite among beauty enthusiasts. It works to exfoliate and brighten the skin, resulting in a complexion that is smoother and more radiant.
✔️Pros: The product offers a gentle exfoliation, is appropriate for all types of skin, and imparts a radiantly healthy appearance.
❌Cons: Dryness and discomfort are potential side effects that may be experienced by certain individuals.
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Toner:
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Toner is an affordable alternative that produces a more even skin tone, efficiently exfoliates the skin, and decreases the appearance of pores. It also works to exfoliate the skin.
✔️Pros: The product is rather inexpensive, it helps skin that is prone to acne, and it makes the skin’s texture better.
❌Cons: Negative aspects include the possibility of an early tingling sensation and incompatibility with sensitive skin.
OLEHENRIKSEN Invigorating Night Transformation Gel:
OLEHENRIKSEN’s Night Transformation Gel is a potent AHA treatment that works overnight to exfoliate, smooth skin texture, and decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is marketed under the brand name “Invigorating Night Transformation Gel.”
✔️Pros: The benefits include intense exfoliation that occurs overnight, brighter skin, and a reduction in the visible indications of aging.
❌Cons: It’s expensive, and it might give you some early redness or peeling.
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment:
The ExfoliKate Treatment by Kate Somerville is an extremely efficient exfoliant that uses a combination of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), beta hydroxy acids (BHA), and fruit enzymes to improve the skin’s texture, clarity, and brightness.
✔️Pros: The product is good for all different kinds of skin and provides an intensive exfoliation that makes the skin smoother.
❌Cons: It’s quite pricey, and it could give you a tingling or reddening sensation.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask:
The Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask from Glow Recipe is a moisturizing overnight mask that is loaded with AHA. It gently exfoliates and nourishes the skin as you sleep, leaving it plump and radiant in the morning.
✔️Pros: Formula is hydrating, exfoliation is mild, and it has an aroma reminiscent of a pleasant watermelon.
❌Cons: It’s expensive, and it might not deliver a vigorous exfoliation for all consumers.
Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Solutions Toner:
Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Solutions Toner is a powerful alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) toner that helps to decrease the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture in order to reveal a smoother complexion.
✔️Pros: The product provides a powerful exfoliation, enhances the tone and texture of the skin, and is appropriate for use on aged skin.
❌Cons: Negative aspects include high cost and the possibility that those with dry or sensitive skin will experience discomfort.
Conclusion
With the use of these fantastic AHA products, you will be well on your way to attaining skin that is brighter, more toned, and more radiant. There is a solution for every one of your skincare requirements, whether you are looking for an exfoliating toner, a serum, or a treatment. Always remember to perform a patch test before using new goods, and always follow the instructions exactly. Therefore, go ahead and indulge your skin with these AHA miracles, and allow your natural beauty to shine through!
Please be aware that the offered product descriptions are based on general information as well as user reviews that were accessible on Amazon at the time this article was written. Before purchasing any skincare product, it is highly encouraged to do extensive research on the product and read reviews to determine whether or not the product is appropriate for your individual skin type and concerns.
FAQs
Which AHA is best for skin brightening? ›
Malic acid and tartaric acid
These brightening AHAs come from fruit (lemons, apples, and grapes) and are the "least potent and the most gentle of the AHAs," says Dr.
They help visibly brighten skin
When these acids exfoliate your skin, dead skin cells are broken down. The new skin revealed beneath is brighter and more radiant. AHAs with glycolic acid can help break down skin cell accumulation, while products with citric acid can brighten your skin even further.
Glycolic acid helps break up and exfoliate dead skin cells by loosening the cellar adhesion and your top layer of skin. Also, the use of glycolic acid proves to aid in the clearing of overkill of debris and excess oil. If you want to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, glycolic acid is a superhero in doing just that.
Which AHA is best for hyperpigmentation? ›A combination of Mandelic acid with Salicyclic acid as in 5 %Mandelic acid serum by Suganda can help treat Hyperpigmented skin effectively and is ideal for sensitive skin types.
What percentage of AHA is best? ›Your selected AHA should have a maximum concentration between 10 and 15 percent. Apply new products every other day until your skin gets used to them. This will also reduce the risk of side effects, such as irritation.
Which acid is best for glowing skin? ›Glycolic acid is the most popular alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) used in skin care. It comes from sugar cane, and is the smallest AHA, so it's the most effective at getting into the skin. Glycolic acid is a fantastic anti-aging agent that seems to do it all.
Which acid serum is best for skin whitening? ›- Jovees Premium Whitening Serum. ...
- Lotus Herbals White Glow Intensive Skin Serum+ Moisturiser. ...
- WOW Skin Science Vitamin C Serum for Skin whitening. ...
- Plum 15% Vitamin C Face Serum with Mandarin. ...
- O3+ Whitening Serum for Pigmentation Control and Skin Brightening.
If you want to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and tighten saggy skin, glycolic acid is a superhero in doing just that. Glycolic acid works as an antiaging product by regenerating collagen production.
What is better than AHA? ›BHA, or beta-hydroxy acid, is also a group of acids that are also derived from natural sources. However, BHAs are oil-soluble, which means they can penetrate deeper into the pores than AHAs. This makes them ideal for people with oily or acne-prone skin.
Which is better AHA or hyaluronic acid? ›Go with hyaluronic acid. Unlike other acids, hyaluronic acid doesn't buff away dead skin cells. Instead, HA “is a sugar that has skin-hydrating and plumping properties,” says Dr. Zeichner.
Is retinol or AHA better? ›
Your Daily Skin Care Regimen
Both ingredients can smooth skin tone and reduce wrinkles, but also provide unique benefits that the other lacks. When it comes to answering the question – Alpha hydroxy acids vs retinol – the answer is that ideally, your skin care regimen should include both!
AHAs are preferable for aging skin because they provide anti-aging benefits without being irritating. Choose an AHA if you have dry, sun-damaged skin and are looking to smooth out and fill in fine lines.
Which is better for wrinkles collagen or hyaluronic acid? ›For topical products, hyaluronic acid is the clear winner. Building collagen takes time and other methods, but it will give you the most long-term and visible results to prevent wrinkles and improve skin elasticity and strength overall.
Does AHA remove age spots? ›AHAs are a type of organic acid that people can use to exfoliate the skin. Over time, AHAs may help to improve skin texture, fade dark spots, and reduce the visible signs of aging. AHAs can increase sensitivity to UV damage, so people will need to wear sunscreen every day while they are using them.
Which acid serum is best for hyperpigmentation? ›- Minimalist 2% Alpha Arbutin Serum for Pigmentation. ...
- The Derma Co 2% Kojic Acid Face Serum with 1% Alpha Arbutin & Niacinamide. ...
- PLIX - THE PLANT FIX 2% Alpha Arbutin Pineapple De-Pigmentation Dewy Face Serum.
But does retinol work better without AHA or BHA exfoliants? In short, no. Research has actually shown that retinol combined with exfoliants (like AHAs) helps to fade hyperpigmentation in skin, and improves the results you get from both ingredients.
How long does AHA take to fade hyperpigmentation? ›AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid): You can start seeing results within minutes of the first application, but peak results — such as anti-aging effects — don't appear until 12 weeks.
Is 30% AHA too much? ›“30 per cent AHA is definitely very high, especially to be sold over the counter – people should be very careful with this product,” she explains. “I highly advise consulting with an esthetician or dermatologist before using this.
Which AHA is best for beginners? ›Glycolic Acid
It is the most popular and well researched among all other AHAs. It is also the most effective because it has the smallest molecular weight of all the acids out there, which helps it penetrate deeper into the skin even at very low concentrations.
...
| Face Serums | Right Age To Use | How To Use |
|---|---|---|
| AHAs | 25 years | 2-3 times a week or every other day, day/night |
| Peptides | 25 to 30 years | Twice daily |
Which acid for face anti-aging? ›
Hyaluronic acid can significantly decrease the depth of wrinkles and enhance skin firmness and elasticity. One 2014 study involved women applying hyaluronic acid topically, twice daily, for 8 weeks.
What ingredient makes skin brighter? ›#1 Vitamin C
Vitamin C is the most well-known ingredient for luminosity. A rich antioxidant that is vital for skin health, this radiance-boosting molecule helps produce collagen, reduce photodamage and increases cell turnover.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%
That makes skin look instantly brighter and feel super smooth to the touch after just one use. Long term, this TikTok-famous serum keeps skin clarified to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Because it's a mild exfoliant, it's great at treating acne, too.
Laser resurfacing This is the most effective procedure for tightening loose skin. Unlike the laser treatment described above, this procedure requires some downtime. You'll need to stay home for 5 to 7 days. Laser resurfacing also gives you the fastest results.
What natural product tightens the skin? ›Oils like avocado oil, coconut oil, almond oil, castor oil, olive oil, mustard oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, primrose oil, argan oil, and fish oil are used for skin tightening.
What is the disadvantage of AHA? ›An AHA like glycolic acid has a small molecule that can penetrate the skin more deeply. This can cause irritation for dry or sensitive skin types.
What to avoid with AHA? ›- Vitamin C.
- Retinol.
- Benzoyl peroxide.
- Physical exfoliating scrubs.
The most common AHAs in cosmetic products are glycolic acid and lactic acid. Among others are citric acid, hydroxycaprylic acid, and hydroxycapric acid.
What is more powerful than hyaluronic acid? ›Polyglutamic acid's biggest claim to fame is its hydrating powers, specifically the ability to hold 4000 times its weight in water (that's 4 times more than hyaluronic acid—the most iconic hydrating ingredients out there…for now).
Which is better for mature skin glycolic acid or hyaluronic acid? ›Glycolic Acid or Hyaluronic Acid - Which Is Better For Anti-Aging. Glycolic Acid works as an exfoliant and serves to improve skin tone and texture. Hyaluronic Acid works as a great source of hydration for the skin and promote collagen while reserving moisture.
Can you use AHA and hyaluronic acid together? ›
Can I Combine AHA/BHA With Hyaluronic Acid? Yes! In fact, this is an ideal combination. Hyaluronic acid doesn't function like an AHA or BHA in that it does not strip your skin — it's actually highly nourishing and hydrating, so having “acid” in the name is a bit misleading.
What is better than retinol for face? ›Ingredients that can serve as more gentle alternatives to retinol include bakuchiol, peptides, azelaic acid and more. Below, check out top-recommended products and then learn a bit more about how these alternative ingredients work.
What is more effective than retinol? ›Also known as retinoic acid, tretinoin is about 20 times more potent than retinol. It's stronger because retinoic acid is a form of vitamin A that acts directly on the skin to boost cell renewal, turnover, and DNA damage repair.
What product is stronger than retinol? ›Because tretinoin is stronger than retinol, it's available only by prescription. Whether you want to try retinol or tretinoin, a conversation with a dermatologist may help you to decide the best treatment plan for you.
Does AHA increase collagen? ›AHAs don't just work on the skin epidermis but also display remarkable effects on the dermis (the deeper layer of your skin). By boosting collagen production, AHAs give you plump and smooth skin. In addition to it, you can also incorporate collagen-rich food into your diet to increase collagen levels in your body.
Should you put moisturizer over AHA? ›The bottom line: When using products with AHA or BHA acids, follow up with a hydrating product. Do Mix: AHA/BHA acids with moisturizing ingredients and SPF. "Moisturizing after applying AHA and BHA is extremely important so as to limit irritation.
Can you wear makeup over AHA? ›Yes, you can wear makeup after a chemical peel. In fact, many women choose to wear makeup immediately after their peel because they don't want to wait until their skin heals completely.
Which collagen makes you look younger? ›Hydrolyzed collagen is the type often mentioned when it comes to skin benefits. Hydrolyzed collagen is very digestible and therefore readily absorbed by the body. Collagen is a protein.
What is the best collagen to reverse wrinkles? ›The single best collagen supplement to take for skin health, wrinkles and sagging is MedmaRX Collagen. MedmaRX Collagen. These ultra-pure, full spectrum collagen capsules contain every bioactive form of collagen, including all of the types clinically proven to be most beneficial to skin.
Which collagen is good for anti-aging? ›If you're taking collagen for the anti-aging benefits, look for type I, or a combo of type I and type III. Both are found in the skin and support skin health (think: improved skin hydration, firmness and texture, as well as fewer wrinkles, per a review study in 2019 in the journal Molecules).
What permanently removes age spots? ›
Laser and intense pulsed light.
Some laser and intense pulsed light therapies destroy melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) without damaging the skin's surface. These approaches typically require two to three sessions. Wounding (ablative) lasers remove the top layer of skin (epidermis).
Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for many skin issues, and it can reduce the appearance of age spots by drying them out to help them fade. Apply a solution of equal parts water and apple cider vinegar directly to brown spots at least once a day.
What is the fastest way to get rid of age spots on your face? ›Laser treatment (procedure): One or two laser treatments can treat age spots quickly, and you'll likely have longer-lasting results than with a cream that can fade age spots. Lasers can also cause some side effects, such as crusting or temporary darkening of age spots, which you won't get with creams.
Is AHA or BHA better for whitening skin? ›AHA seems to be more effective for treating issues with skin pigmentation. BHA is less aggressive and irritating and has additional antibacterial properties. Both AHA and BHA repair sun-damaged skin.
Does AHA help with skin discoloration? ›Regular use of AHA products or peels may help to treat hyperpigmentation or dark marks on the skin, such as: melasma. age spots. sun damage.
Can AHA and BHA lighten skin? ›They help exfoliate, lighten the skin, boost collagen, reduce hyperpigmentation, treat acne, and prevent sun damage. Though they are safe for your skin, you may experience a few side effects if you are using them for the first time.
Which is better AHA BHA or Alpha Arbutin? ›These two skincare ingredients deliver great results when combined. AHA and BHA peeling solutions remove dead cells from the skin. Therefore, when you apply the skin brightening agent alpha-arbutin, it gets absorbed even better, making the skin look brighter and lighter.
Should you use AHA in the morning or night? ›The other liquid exfoliant is Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHA's, Glycolic, Lactic). As AHA's increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, I'd suggest using this at night. If you use a AHA in the morning, always make sure to follow with a broad spectrum sunscreen.
What is better Retinol or AHA BHA? ›If your skin is sensitive, oily or prone to congestion, BHAs can help to clear deep pores, reduce inflammation and prevent acne or breakouts. Retinol can help to clear acne, and it's also an effective anti-aging ingredient. It can be used on all skin types.
Can you use AHA and vitamin C together? ›AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.
Which acid removes dark spots? ›
Tartaric acid treats dark spots, acne scars, acne, melasma, hyperpigmentation, dry skin, sun-damaged skin, and fine lines.
How long does it take to see AHA results? ›AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid): You can start seeing results within minutes of the first application, but peak results — such as anti-aging effects — don't appear until 12 weeks.
What to avoid when using AHA? ›- Vitamin C.
- Retinol.
- Benzoyl peroxide.
- Physical exfoliating scrubs.
The two major side effects of alpha hydroxy acids are irritation and sun sensitivity. Symptoms of irritation include redness, burning, itching, pain and possibly scarring. 5 The use of alpha hydroxy acids can increase sun sensitivity by 50%, causing an interesting dilemma.
How many times a week do I use AHA and BHA? ›“Once every other day is plenty, unless you are on a programme with an expert that says otherwise.” However, it is often safe to use BHA daily. Remember, too, to be mindful of the other active ingredients (such as retinols and antioxidants) in your skincare line-up.
What should you not mix AHA and BHA with? ›Don't Mix: AHA/BHA acids with retinol. "I strongly caution those also using retinoids for acne or anti-aging as the combination with various acids may cause excessive skin sensitivity, irritation, and redness.
Which is the best serum for hyperpigmentation? ›1. Minimalist 2% Alpha Arbutin Serum for Pigmentation. For brighter, even toned skin, this serum from Minimalist is just what you need. It helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and blemishes.
Which serum is best for face to remove dark spots? ›- ISDIN ISDINCEUTICS Melaclear Advanced. ...
- BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner. ...
- SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF. ...
- Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum. ...
- iS Clinical Brightening Complex. ...
- Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. ...
- Dr. ...
- Obagi Nu-Derm Clear Fx.
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA is a water-based serum specifically designed to target uneven skin tone and visibly improve pigmentation. It combines a high concentration of purified alpha arbutin, a well-known skin-brightening ingredient, with hyaluronic acid.