The most trusted name in distribution and value added services for the:

Pharmaceutical, nutritional, food & beverage, flavor & fragrance, cosmetic, cleaning & water treatment chemical-related industries.

Common Hydroxy Acids for Consumer Skin Care Products
April 29, 2019

Look into the wide array of consumer skin care products on the market today and you will inevitably see hydroxy acids listed as active ingredients in many of them.  Used for centuries for skin rejuvenation, hydroxy acids weaken the bonds that hold dead skin cells together and promote exfoliation, revealing the healthy skin cells underneath.  They are also used in slightly higher concentrations to help improve skin pigment and texture.  Hydroxy acids fall under two categories: alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids.  Both types occur naturally in various foods and plant-based sources such as sugar cane, citrus fruits, sweet birch and willow bark.  Alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble while beta hydroxy acids are oil soluble and thus more effective on oily skin. 

Salicylic acid is the only beta hydroxy acid used in commonly found skin care products.  It is less irritating than most alpha hydroxy acids despite penetrating deeper into the skin because it has anti-inflammatory properties.  It does however increase sun sensitivity and must be used with care when one is going to be outdoors exposed to direct sunlight.  Salicylic acid is often used to help unclog pores and treat acne.  It is also sometimes used to correct dark spots. 

There are several frequently used alpha hydroxy acids, including:

  • Glycolic Acid
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Lactic Acid
  • Citric Acid
  • Malic Acid

Glycolic acid, derived from sugarcane, is considered one of the best performing skin exfoliants because it can penetrate deeper and act faster than other acids.  It is also used for wrinkle reduction since it is the most effective at stimulating collagen production.  But it is more irritating to those with sensitive skin than other alpha hydroxy acids. 

Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally by the human body.  In addition to helping skin retain moisture, it aids in the healing process by reducing inflammation and signaling the body to build more blood vessels in the injured area, all while reducing the risk of infection thanks to its antibacterial properties.  Hyaluronic acid supplements can help to counter the natural decrease over time due to aging.

Lactic acid is another acid that is naturally produced in the body, most often associated with muscle pain during intense exercise when it builds up faster than the body can burn it off.  In skin care applications, lactic acid acts as a gentler exfoliant where glycolic acid may be too irritating to the skin. 

Citric acid is naturally produced in citrus fruits, and it is yet another alternative to glycolic acid as a skin exfoliant.  In addition, it is used in various skin care products as a buffering agent to maintain desired pH levels.

Malic acid occurs naturally in apples and other fruits.  The body produces malic acid when converting carbohydrates into energy.  In skin care applications, it provides many of the same benefits as other alpha hydroxy acids such as exfoliation and moisture retention.  As with lactic acid, it is a milder alternative to glycolic acid where skin sensitivity is an issue. 

Independent Chemical provides many common skin care ingredients such as Lactic Acid (CAS 79-33-4), Glycolic Acid (CAS 79-14-1), and Citric Acid (CAS 77-92-9).  Search our product offerings or contact us to inquire about availability and current pricing. 

Head Office
71-19 80th Street
Glendale, NY 11385
United States
718.894.0700
Custom solutions for any business.