Polyhydroxy Acid

Learn how to use PHA’s in your skincare routine and discover how Polyhydroxy Acids like gluconolactone can benefit skin, exfoliate, and help visibly brighten.

Polyhydroxy Acids (often abbreviated to PHAs) can deliver some of the same skincare benefits (like exfoliating and visible brightening) as AHAs but have a few key differences, including that they may be gentler and less irritating on skin. They also have smoothing properties, working well on dry skin.

What is Polyhydroxy Acid?

Polyhydroxy acids are a type of acid – like Alpha Hydroxy Acids long used in skincare – but unlike traditional AHAs, they have multiple hydroxy groups. These molecules can work as a humectant — thus giving them moisturizing properties.

What do Polyhydroxy Acids do for Skin?

When you hear of a new skincare ingredient, you are obviously going to want to know what it actually does for skin and what are the benefits? Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are ingredients known for their antioxidant, humectant, and exfoliation properties.

Polyhydroxy Acids for Exfoliating: PHAs like Gluconolactone and Lactobionic Acid are often used for exfoliating the skin and have mild exfoliating properties which can be suitable for sensitive and dry skin.

Polyhydroxy Acids to Help Support the Skin’s Moisture Barrier: Polyhydroxy Acids are also humectant ingredients. Humectants help to attract water to the skin to help with skin hydration.

Polyhydroxy Acids and Antioxidant Benefits: Many PHAs, including Gluconolactone, have antioxidant properties, meaning they can help with scavenging free radicals.

Polyhydroxy Acids for Skin Tone: PHAs can also help to visibly improve skin tone. Skincare products containing Gluconolactone have been shown to visibly improve dark spots and skin tone in addition to making skin look brighter and more luminous.

Source: Lancôme