Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) have been a staple in the skincare industry for decades, and for good reason. These water – soluble acids, which include glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid, are derived from natural sources such as sugar cane (glycolic acid), milk (lactic acid), apples (malic acid), citrus fruits (citric acid), and grapes (tartaric acid).
AHAs work by exfoliating the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. They break down the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together, allowing them to slough off more easily.
20 Most Effective Alpha Hydroxy Scrubs
1. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant with AHA Booster
This product combines 2% beta – hydroxy acid (BHA, which is salicylic acid) with a blend of AHAs. The BHA helps to unclog pores and reduce inflammation, while the AHAs exfoliate the skin’s surface. It has a lightweight, watery texture that absorbs quickly into the skin. Users with combination to oily skin have reported a significant improvement in skin texture, with reduced blackheads and a more even skin tone. The formula is free from fragrance, parabens, and other potential irritants, making it suitable for many skin types.
2. Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion with 10% Glycolic Acid
Alpha Hydrox is a well – known brand for its AHA products. This lotion contains 10% glycolic acid, which is a great concentration for those who are looking for a more intensive exfoliation. It also includes antioxidants like green tea and vitamin E to soothe and protect the skin. Many users have noticed a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, age spots, and an overall improvement in skin radiance. The lotion has a lightweight consistency and absorbs easily into the skin, without leaving a greasy residue.
3. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream with AHA
This cream is formulated with a combination of accelerators and retinol SA (a stabilized form of vitamin A) along with an AHA complex. The AHA helps to exfoliate the skin, while retinol SA works to stimulate collagen production. Users have reported a visible reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines after consistent use. The cream has a rich, creamy texture that provides good hydration, making it suitable for dry to normal skin types.
4. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
This serum contains a blend of AHAs (12% glycolic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, and citric acid) along with fruit – derived enzymes and raspberry extract. The combination of these ingredients provides a powerful exfoliation, helping to smooth the skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and improve skin texture. The serum has a lightweight, gel – like texture that is easily absorbed by the skin. However, due to its high AHA concentration, it is recommended for those with normal to oily skin who have built up a tolerance to AHAs.
5. Sunday Riley Good Genes All – In – One Lactic Acid Treatment
Good Genes is a cult – favorite product that contains 10% lactic acid. Lactic acid is known for its hydrating and exfoliating properties. This treatment also includes licorice root extract, which helps to brighten the skin, and lemongrass oil, which gives it a pleasant scent. Users have reported a significant improvement in skin texture, with a reduction in the appearance of pores and an overall glow. The product has a thick, creamy texture that feels luxurious on the skin.
6. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA
This budget – friendly option from The Ordinary contains 5% lactic acid, which is a gentle concentration suitable for beginners. The addition of hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate the skin, counteracting any potential dryness from the AHA. Users have noticed a gradual improvement in skin texture, with a reduction in roughness and an increase in skin radiance. The serum has a lightweight, water – like texture that is easily absorbed.
7. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
This treatment combines physical exfoliants (such as pumice and aloe vera beads) with AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid). The physical exfoliants provide an immediate scrubbing effect, while the AHAs work on a deeper level to exfoliate the skin. Users have reported a deep – clean feeling, with a significant improvement in skin texture and a reduction in the appearance of blackheads. The product has a thick, paste – like texture and a strong, refreshing scent.
8. Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash
This exfoliating wash contains both AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid) and physical exfoliants (rice bran and silica). The combination of these ingredients provides a dual – action exfoliation, removing dead skin cells both mechanically and chemically. It has a gentle, foaming formula that is suitable for daily use. Many users have noticed a smoother complexion and a reduction in the appearance of pores after using this product.
9. Derma – E Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Wash
Formulated with 10% glycolic acid, this exfoliating wash is designed to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. It also contains aloe vera and vitamin E to soothe and moisturize the skin. Users with oily to combination skin have reported a significant improvement in skin texture, with less breakouts and a more even skin tone. The wash has a creamy texture that lathers well.
10. Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Melting Cleanser
This cleanser contains a blend of AHAs (glycolic, lactic, and citric acid) along with vitamin C and fruit oils. The AHAs exfoliate the skin, while vitamin C helps to brighten and boost collagen production. The fruit oils provide hydration, leaving the skin feeling soft and supple. Users have reported a brighter complexion and a reduction in the appearance of dark spots after using this cleanser.
11. Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
This cleanser combines AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid). The AHAs exfoliate the surface of the skin, while the BHA penetrates the pores to unclog them. It also contains green tea extract to soothe the skin. Users with acne – prone skin have reported a reduction in breakouts and a smoother skin texture. The cleanser has a gel – like texture that foams up well.
12. Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel
This peel contains a blend of AHAs (including lactic acid) and papaya enzymes. The papaya enzymes help to gently exfoliate the skin, while the AHAs provide a deeper exfoliation. It also contains honey and shea butter to hydrate and soothe the skin. Users have reported a softer, smoother complexion with a visible reduction in the appearance of fine lines and age spots. The product has a creamy, mask – like texture.
13. La Roche – Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel with AHA
Designed for oily and acne – prone skin, this foaming gel contains AHAs (glycolic and salicylic acid). The AHAs help to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce oiliness. It also contains zinc PCA to regulate sebum production. Users have reported a significant improvement in skin clarity, with fewer breakouts and a matte finish. The gel has a light, refreshing scent and lathers well.
14. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 with AHA
This lotion is part of Clinique’s 3 – step skincare system. It contains AHAs (glycolic and salicylic acid) to exfoliate the skin and remove impurities. It also helps to balance the skin’s pH level. Users with oily to combination skin have reported a smoother complexion and a reduction in the appearance of pores. The lotion has a lightweight, watery texture.
15. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask with AHA
This mask combines active charcoal, which is known for its ability to draw out impurities from the skin, with AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid). The AHAs exfoliate the skin, while the charcoal cleanses the pores. It also contains bamboo charcoal and lecithin to help with absorption. Users have reported a deep – clean feeling, with a reduction in the appearance of blackheads and a more even skin tone. The mask has a thick, black, paste – like texture.
16. Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado and AHA
This eye treatment contains a blend of avocado oil, shea butter, and AHAs (glycolic acid). The AHAs help to exfoliate the delicate skin around the eyes, reducing the appearance of fine lines and dark circles. The avocado oil and shea butter provide hydration. Users have reported a brighter, smoother under – eye area after consistent use. The treatment has a thick, creamy texture.
17. Lancôme Clarifique Gentle Exfoliating Cream
This exfoliating cream contains AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid) along with gentle exfoliating beads. The AHAs exfoliate the skin on a chemical level, while the beads provide a physical exfoliation. It also contains rose extract to soothe the skin. Users have reported a smoother complexion and a reduction in the appearance of dullness. The cream has a rich, creamy texture.
18. Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Mask with AHA
This mask contains pure retinol and AHAs (glycolic acid). The retinol helps to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while the AHA exfoliates the skin. It also contains various moisturizing ingredients to keep the skin hydrated. Users have reported a significant improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after using this mask. The mask comes in a sheet form for easy application.
19. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Micro – Exfoliating Power Peel
This peel contains a blend of AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid) along with a blend of fruit enzymes. The combination provides a gentle but effective exfoliation, helping to smooth the skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and improve skin texture. It also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin. Users have reported a more radiant complexion and a reduction in the appearance of pores. The product comes in a two – part system for easy application.
20. MAC Cosmetics Cosmetics Strobe Cream with AHA
This strobe cream contains AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid) along with various skin – brightening and hydrating ingredients. The AHAs exfoliate the skin, while the other ingredients provide a radiant glow. It can be used as a primer under makeup or on its own for a dewy finish. Users have reported a more luminous complexion and a smoother base for makeup application. The cream has a lightweight, creamy texture.
Conclusion
Alpha hydroxy scrubs can be a powerful addition to your skincare routine, offering a range of benefits from exfoliation to anti – aging. When choosing an AHA scrub, consider factors such as concentration, pH level, ingredients, and your skin type. By incorporating these scrubs correctly into your routine and taking proper precautions, you can enjoy smoother, brighter, and more youthful – looking skin. Whether you’re dealing with dry skin, oily skin, or signs of aging, there is an AHA scrub out there that can help you achieve your skincare goals.