The library

Ingredient library

Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2165 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.

11 ingredients in Exfoliant matching "acid"

Exfoliant
Citric Acid

An AHA most often used in small amounts to adjust pH.

ahaph-adjuster
Mild exfoliationAdjusts formula pH
Can irritate at exfoliating concentrations
Exfoliant
Gluconolactone

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that exfoliates gently and hydrates.

pha
Gentle exfoliationAntioxidantSuitable for sensitive skin
Exfoliant
Glycolic Acid

The smallest AHA; a potent surface exfoliant.

aha
Smooths textureBrightensFades surface pigmentation
Sun sensitivityIrritation if overused
+ Glycerin
× Retinol× Retinal
Exfoliant
LHA
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid

A lipophilic derivative of salicylic acid developed by L'Oréal, known as lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA), which exfoliates more gradually and selectively than salicylic acid with improved skin tolerability.

ExfoliantKeratolyticAntimicrobialAnti-inflammatory
Gentle surface exfoliation with lower irritation potential than salicylic acidPenetrates sebum-rich pores to unclog them and reduce blackheads/whiteheadsImproves skin texture, clarity, and accelerates cell turnover
May increase photosensitivity; sunscreen use recommendedApproved by EU COSING in leave-on products; generally better tolerated than BHA
Exfoliant
Lactic Acid

A gentler AHA that also has humectant properties.

aha
Smooths textureHydrating for an acidBrightens
Sun sensitivityPossible irritation
× Retinol× Retinal
Exfoliant
Lactobionic Acid

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that exfoliates very gently while also drawing in moisture and providing antioxidant benefits. Suited to sensitive skin.

exfolianthumectantantioxidant
Gently exfoliatesHydratesAntioxidant protection
+ Niacinamide+ Gluconolactone+ Hyaluronic Acid
× Retinol
Exfoliant
Malic Acid

A larger-molecule alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) often paired with glycolic or lactic acid; exfoliates the surface while being relatively gentle.

exfolianthumectant
ExfoliatesSmooths textureHelps even tone
+ Lactic Acid+ Gluconolactone
× Retinol
Exfoliant
Mandelic Acid

A large-molecule AHA that is gentle and good for sensitive skin.

aha
Gentle exfoliationBrighteningLower irritation risk
Mild sun sensitivity
× Retinol× Retinal
Exfoliant
Pyruvic Acid

An alpha-keto acid naturally occurring in the body's metabolic pathway, used in cosmetics at low concentrations as a keratolytic exfoliant with antimicrobial and sebostatic properties; at professional peel concentrations (35–50%) it has clinical evidence for acne, photoaging, and pigmentation.

exfoliantkeratolyticantimicrobialsebostatic
Alpha-keto acid with keratolytic action that loosens bonds between dead skin cells, improving cell turnoverAntimicrobial and sebostatic properties useful for acne-prone and oily skinStimulates new collagen and elastin synthesis, supporting anti-aging and firmness
Strong acid (pKa ~2.39); at high concentrations (>40%) can cause intense burning, erythema, desquamation, and crustingConcentrations used in professional peels are much higher than leave-on cosmetics — leave-on formulas typically use low percentages with buffering
Exfoliant
Salicylic Acid

An oil-soluble BHA that exfoliates inside the pore.

bha
Unclogs poresReduces blackheadsAnti-inflammatory
Can be dryingSun sensitivity
× Retinol× Retinal
Exfoliant
Tartaric Acid

A naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) found in grapes and wine, used in cosmetics for its mild exfoliating, pH-buffering, and antioxidant properties; gentler than glycolic acid due to its larger molecular size and slower skin penetration.

exfoliantpH adjusterchelating agentantioxidant
AHA exfoliant derived primarily from grapes and wine; loosens dead skin cells to improve texture and toneLarger molecular size than glycolic or malic acid results in slower, more superficial penetration — gentler exfoliation profileContributes to pH stabilization in formulations, enhancing the effectiveness of other AHAs
At high concentrations may cause irritation, stinging, or adverse reactions like other AHAsIncreases photosensitivity; daily SPF use recommended when using exfoliant-containing products