AHA or Alpha Hydroxy Acid products aren’t exactly new on the skincare scene. For a long time, the only version of these products you could get would be at a professional treatment — since only strong versions of the product existed. When more toned-down versions of AHA products began to appear — gentle enough for non-professionals to use in the comfort of their own home — they infiltrated the market slowly. Over the last couple of years, the resurfacing properties in AHA products have become common knowledge and a must in the skincare routines of those in the know.
These are the best AHA skincare products on the market, how they work, and why you should have one in your daily or weekly skincare routine.
Lotus AHA Gentle Resurfacing Serum — Fresh
Size: 1fl oz
Price: $68
Use frequency: Nightly
If you’re looking for plant power, Fresh is the brand where you’ll find it! Gently resurfacing AHA’s, super lotus, and prickly pear extract work together in this nightly formula to smooth out uneven texture, reduce the appearance of lines and dark spots, and boost radiance so you always look as glowy as possible. This most comforting of face serums works in harmony with your skin’s natural nighttime renewal cycle and gives it an extra boost. Since the formula is so gentle, all skin types and tones can use this product, which exfoliates different layers of the skin’s surface and smooths them over while skin renewal is bolstered by prickly pear extract.
Key ingredients:
- AHAs glycolic and citric acid: glycolic penetrates deep surface layers, and citric helps detach dead skin cells and get rid of them.
- Prickly pear flower extract enhances exfoliation by helping skin cells renew themselves every night.
- Super lotus helps minimize signs of aging and protects from daily stressors. Ethically sourced.
- Polyglutamic acid maintains moisture on the skin’s surface for a plump, smooth complexion.
Witch Hazel Mattifying Toner — AcneFree
Size: 8.4 fl oz
Price: $10.49
Use frequency: Daily — morning and night
Keeping skin balanced doesn’t have to be a challenge — especially if you have a toner like this in your arsenal. Oily skin requires a firm hand, and this AcneFree product offers that firm hand without drying your skin, even though it’s used daily. Manage shine and keep your skin matte but never tight, itchy, or uncomfortable with a daily toner that helps your skin achieve a healthier balance than ever before. According to Amazon, this product is recommended by dermatologists to target oily skin’s overproduction of oil while still maintaining hydration. Witch hazel has been used in skincare routines for hundreds of years — who are we to argue with its efficacy?
Key ingredients:
- AHA ingredient glycolic acid chemically exfoliates the outer layers of the skin.
- Aloe vera hydrates without clogging pores.
- Witch hazel mattifies skin and tightens pores for a smooth complexion.
Mandelic Topical Acid 12% — Naturium
Size: 1.0 fl oz
Price: $19.99
Use frequency: Start with a few times weekly and slowly use more regularly until the skin develops a tolerance. Remember to use SPF every day when using this product.
This product is a little different in that you can use it all over your body—not just your face! Naturium developed this product for all skin types and tones to help minimize the signs of aging and give users a glowing complexion every day. Its ability to manage photoaging like dark spots, blemishes, and fine lines all in one go makes this a practical and useful product. The key to this formula is the mandelic acid, which helps your skin produce collagen and prevents it from getting irritated and inflamed at the same time.
Key ingredients:
- Niacinamide reduces blemishes, repairs sun damage, maintains moisture, and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.
- Mandelic acid helps with skin cell turnover and has antibacterial properties that help minimize breakouts and reduce hyperpigmentation.
Liquid Gold — ALPHA-H
Size: 3.38 fl oz
Price: $74.95
Use frequency: Build up to using three times per week on alternate evenings.
This product has had a cult following for a long time now and has been on the market for 25 years. ALPHA-H is one of the top-tier AHA products on the market and, according to the brand, is the closest you can get to a professional treatment at home. Liquid Gold’s unique low-pH delivery system makes this product so special. It’s been proven to even skin tone and texture and increase luminosity to give you that lit-from-within glow you always wanted. Liquid gold sloughs away dead skin cells clinging to your face and increases cell turnover by stimulating the skin’s natural HA and collagen production process.
Key ingredients:
- 5% glycolic acid exfoliates away dead skin cells.
- Silk proteins bolster the skin barrier and improve skin bounce and firmness.
- Licorice root extract lightens dark spots and evens skin tone.
Hydra Beauty Camellia Glow Concentrate With AHAs — Chanel
Size: 1.01 fl oz
Price: $125
Use frequency: An intensive one-month treatment whenever the skin needs it.
If your skin is in dire need of hydration and a fresh start, this is the product for you. Chanel’s Hydra Beauty Camellia Glow Concentrate begins to deeply hydrate parched skin from the very first use. It works the same way as most other AHA products in that it exfoliates and stimulates at the same time, but this treatment is a little bit too intense to use on a daily basis for an extended period of time.
Chanel warns that you may experience a slight tingling while applying the product, but the tingling should not continue after application.
Key ingredients:
- Glycerin hydrates dry skin.
- Arginine is an amino acid that naturally moisturizes.
- Citric acid exfoliates and freshens the skin.
AHAs Are Your New Best Friend
If you know how to use them properly, AHAs can make a huge difference to your skin and give you a fresh and glowing face every day. These products have different strengths, so pay attention to the usage instructions when you purchase, and always use an SPF!
