Despite the scary sounding name, in the skincare world using acids on your face every day is pretty commonplace! Skincare acids are actually very gentle and great for many skin issues from revealing brightness to calming blemishes. You’ve heard of hydrating hyaluronic acid, which has become stratospheric in recent years. In a slightly different category, but also powerful, and beneficial, you’ll find alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) including salicylic acid, and more. Even though they are all termed ‘acid’ there’s plenty that differentiates these powerhouses, so here we present the lowdown on one at a time.

We’ll start with the famous one …

Hyaluronic Acid

Naturally occurring in the skin, this restorative ingredient can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. It works by bonding to and keeping hold of water, meaning cells and skin look plump and stay hydrated. All skin types will benefit from hyaluronic acid and/or its salt form, sodium hyaluronate, and the best part? There’s almost no risk of side effects associated with either. It’s necessary for anyone looking to hydrate skin. It pairs perfectly with most other skincare ingredients so you can use it in conjunction with exfoliating acids, no problem.

Try: Ultimate Boost Serum

Our bestselling, moisture-boosting serum enhances the skin’s natural hydrolipid barrier with sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide. It helps to strengthen skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, try it as a booster under your AM sunscreen or PM moisturiser.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

AHA! Meet the AHAs – a group of exfoliating ingredients that includes fruit acids like citric acid, lactic acid and mandelic acid. In general, there are two ways to exfoliate skin: manually – which buffs away dead skin with scrubs, blades, or microdermabrasion or chemically – with AHA’s which work to break the bonds that anchor dead cells to the skin’s surface. Removing dead skin cell build-up is in your interest as it reveals brighter, smoother, newer skin and gets rid of dry, rough skin that can hang around too long and make your complexion look dull. AHAs are gentle on skin and have humectant properties, so, they won’t dry out your skin. They help to reveal smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin. Apply your AHAs before your most active serums to supercharge the effects; by clearing away clogging dead skin cells you’ll allow your serum to penetrate more easily and, thus, achieve better results!

Try: AHA Renewal Serum

Our gentle exfoliating serum uses 8% lactic acid to remove dead skin layers, reduce the appearance of discolouration AND smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is one multi-tasking must-have you want in your daily regime!

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid is the one and only Beta Hydroxy Acid or BHA, it’s remarkably similar to the AHA family in that it exfoliates by dissolving the bonds that hold the dead skin cells to the surface, but salicylic’s superpower is that it is oil soluble! Excitingly, this means salicylic acid can deep clean the pore and exfoliate where it’s needed most. Ideal for targeting blackheads, visible pores and for keeping blemishes at bay.

Try: Bright & Clear Solution

This award-winner combines the powers of both lactic acid and salicylic acid for an exfoliating solution that works to improve skin texture. Bumpy, dead skin cells be gone! Skin feels clearer and looks visibly brighter.

Kojic Acid

If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of sun-related discolouration, then kojic acid could be the brightening acid of your dreams! Derived from mushrooms, kojic acid is also created as a by-product of some fermented foods including sake and soy sauce. In skincare, it helps to prevent discolouration from forming, works to dramatically reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and even stubborn discolouration.

Try: Intellibright Complex

A lightweight, silky serum that harnesses the power of kojic acid alongside arbutin and punica granatum extract to help even skin tone and improve the appearance of discolouration & sun damaged skin.

L-Ascorbic Acid

AKA vitamin C and a hugely popular skincare ingredient that features heavily in antioxidant products. L-Ascorbic acid is a good choice for those looking for a smooth, even, and glowing complexion – oh that is everyone then! As well as being a super antioxidant, it also helps to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles which leads to plumper, younger-looking skin. L-ascorbic acid also hydrates, brightens, and works as a protective antioxidant – keeping nasties from damaging skin and causing premature ageing.

Try: Vitamin Rich Smoother

This unique multitasking primer helps to brighten and revitalise skin with an antioxidant duo of 15% vitamin C (USP grade L-ascorbic acid) and vitamin E. L-Ascorbic acid does its thing, helping to improve brightness, hydrate, and plump skin over time, while vitamin E softens and moisturises. The silky blend immediately evens out skin texture and minimises the appearance of fine lines. Makeup goes on like silk and gives skin an extra hit of important environmental protection. It also features a clinically validated peptide, which supports L-ascorbic acid’s job of targeting lines and wrinkles, and it was the first ever vitamin C + peptide serum proven and published as an anti-ageing serum! Winner!

To find out more about skincare acids and get personalised advice on the products that are perfect for your skin needs, connect with one of our approved professionals and start the journey to the best skin of your life!