In today’s article, we will discuss the acid group that has the least talked about in skin care: The PHAs, of which Gluconic acid is one. Everyone knows about the AHAs and the BHAs.
You hear about Salicylic and Glycolic acid, but what about Gluconic acid? Have you ever considered including a PHA in your skincare routine? After reading this article, consider incorporating gluconic acid into your skincare routine.
Source: Dr. Jenny Liu
What is a PHA?
Polyhydroxy Acids help improve skin tone, texture, and overall health, and they are mostly suited for sensitive skin types. Why?
Sensitive skin types have difficulty finding a skin care product that will not irritate them. Since they have heightened sensory responses to all sorts of triggers (environmental or chemical), something that may work perfectly on someone with a standard skin type may give them subpar results such as stinging, burning or redness; hence, the reason for PHA’s.
While standard skin types can use AHAs with tiny molecules that penetrate the skin, sensitive skin types should use PHAs as their molecules are much larger and will not penetrate as deeply.
Therefore, it is less likely to irritate. With this short explanation, you could say that AHAs and PHAs are cousins.
Types of PHA’s.
There are three major PHA’s in skincare, namely;
– Gluconalactone aka Gluconic acid
– Lactobionic acid
– Galactose acid
All you need to know about Gluconic acid (Gluconolactone)
Gluconic acid is naturally present in the human skin. It aids with anti-ageing and gently exfoliates the skin without the adverse effect of sun sensitivity. It strengthens the skin’s barrier and protects the skin from free radicals. Gluconic acid works like an AHA, but its molecular size is much larger than an AHA, making it perfect for sensitive skin types or anyone who may have undergone a recent cosmetic surgery or procedure.
Benefits of PHA’s over AHA’s for sensitive skin: Gluconic vs Glycolic acid
- It is perfect and ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types
- It is the best option for a cosmetic procedure
- Unlike AHA’s, they do not cause sun sensitivity
- They strengthen the moisture barrier of the skin
- They have anti-oxidizing properties
- They provide gentle exfoliation for the skin.
You can find PHAs in many products, such as cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and serums.
Examples of PHA products
- Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA – Contains Gluconic acid
- Neostrata Bionic Face Cream – contains 12% PHA
- Neostrara Bionic PHA Face Serum – contains 12% PHA
- Exuviance Skinrise Morning Glow Gentle exfoliating pads – contains gluconic acid
- Exuviance Radiance Boosting Anti-aging facial serum – contains 9% PHA
- The Inkey List PHA gentle exfoliating toner.
So, if you have a typical skin type and are doing fine with your AHAs, there is no need to include a PHA in your skin routine. However, you can always do so if you want to. PHAs are a better option for sensitive skin types as they are gentle and cause zero irritation.
