Ingredients

Exfoliation and Acids

Physical and chemical exfoliation and common acids.

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A plain-language overview of AHAs, BHAs and PHAs, how chemical exfoliants differ from scrubs, and how to start using them gently.

4 min read

Meet the AHA family, including lactic, mandelic and others, learn how they differ in strength, and why sun protection matters when you use them.

4 min read

What exfoliation can realistically do for texture and dullness, what it cannot do, and why more is not always better for your skin.

4 min read

A plain profile of glycolic acid: why it is considered strong, what it is used for, how irritation happens, and how to use it cautiously.

4 min read

A tour of the acids found in skincare, from exfoliating AHAs and BHAs to hyaluronic and azelaic acid, and what each is generally used for.

4 min read

A practical guide to exfoliating: how to do it step by step, how often is reasonable for different skin, and signs you are overdoing it.

4 min read

More in ingredients

Ingredient Guides Reading labels and understanding key ingredients. Natural and Botanical Plant-based and natural ingredients with realistic expectations. Active Ingredients Retinoids, niacinamide, acids and how they fit together.