Let’s talk PHA's a.k.a Polyhydroxy Acids- The “Cool Girl” Exfoliant
A close-up shot of a person applying skincare serum to their face using a dropper. The dropper is dispensing a clear liquid onto their cheek, and the person has a nose ring and a septum piercing. The person’s skin appears dewy, and they have a towel wrapped around their head, suggesting a skincare routine.
Much like BHAs [betahydroxy acids] and AHAs [alpha-hydroxy acids], PHAs are a group of chemical exfoliants.
Common PHAs used in skincare products include gluconolactone, lactobionic acid and galactose.
They are second-generation alpha-hydroxy acids that work by exfoliating off the dead cells on the skin's surface to promote a more even tone and texture.
PHAs stand out because of their molecular structure – they are much larger than their counterparts which means that they cannot penetrate as deeply into the skin.
They work exclusively on the skin's surface which reduces the chance of them causing irritation.
Two amber-coloured glass bottles, one with a gold cap and the other with a dropper cap, are placed on a reflective, water-covered surface. The bottles are reflected in the water, and light ripples create a soft distortion, adding a moody, artistic feel to the image.
Additionally, their exfoliating properties help your other skincare actives penetrate deeper into the layers of your skin so you can truly get your money's worth.
PHAs also fight glycation; a process where a sugar attaches itself to the collagen in your skin and weakens it.
This, along with their antioxidant properties helps promote skin plumpness and stimulate epidermal growth and repair.
AHAs have an affinity for enhancing natural moisturising factors, promoting that glow we all desire.
Essentially, with PHAs you can get all the benefits of other chemical exfoliants and then some without as much irritation.
This chemical exfoliant may be for you if you have normal to dry skin or have found that your skin gets irritated with other exfoliating actives.
Get into it, yuh:
In case you wanna geek out:
Healthline | Brainy Beauty: What Can PHAs Really Do for Your Skin?
allure | Your Guide to PHAs and Why They're Trending in Skin Care Right Now
This post was originally written for the all who wonder blog by Praise and has been shared with permission. Post links may contain commission codes which go towards fair pay for writers.