What Is AHA in Skincare?
AHAs, or alpha hydroxy acids, are water-soluble exfoliating acids used in skincare to help smooth texture, brighten dullness, and support a more radiant-looking complexion. Common AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, and fruit-derived exfoliating acids.
Unlike BHAs, which are oil-soluble and often chosen for pores and congestion, AHAs work mainly on the skin’s surface. Compared with PHAs, AHAs can feel more active, making them a popular choice for glow, uneven texture, dryness, and visible signs of aging.
Why choose AHA skincare?
- Helps exfoliate dead skin cells on the skin’s surface
- Supports a brighter, smoother, more radiant-looking complexion
- Helps improve the look of dullness and uneven texture
- Often used for dry, mature, sun-damaged, or lacklustre-looking skin
- Commonly found in exfoliating toners, masks, peels, cleansers, and treatments
AHA vs BHA vs PHA
AHAs, like glycolic and lactic acid, are water-soluble acids often chosen for glow, texture, dullness, dryness, and visible signs of aging. BHAs, like salicylic acid, are oil-soluble acids often used for pores, blackheads, congestion, and breakout-prone skin. PHAs, like gluconolactone and lactobionic acid, offer a gentler exfoliating option often chosen for sensitive, dry, or reactive skin.
Who are AHAs best for?
AHA skincare is often best suited for dull, dry, rough, mature, or uneven-looking skin. It can be a great choice if your goal is glow, smoother texture, a more polished-looking complexion, or support for visible signs of aging.
If your skin is sensitive or new to exfoliation, start slowly and consider beginning with a gentler AHA, such as lactic or mandelic acid. Use SPF during the day, and avoid applying AHA products to irritated, freshly treated, or compromised skin.
Want to learn more about skincare ingredients? Visit our Ingredient Education Glossary for simple explanations of common skincare ingredients and how to choose what fits your routine.
Browse our curated AHA skincare collection below, including exfoliating cleansers, toners, masks, peels, serums, and glow-supporting formulas available online across Canada and in-store at Oak + Tonic in Calgary.
