What Is Alpha Hydroxy Acid in Antiaging Creams

Many major cosmetic companies have marketed antiaging creams and skin-renewal products containing alpha hydroxy acids as the miracle ingredients. These particular components are easily identified in a list of a lotion s ingredients, provided you know some simple chemistry nomenclature. [Pg.183]

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are water-soluble substances and thereby penetrate the outermost epidermal skin layers J2 In contrast, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are lipid (fat) soluble and are capable of penetrating to the underlying layers of skin (the dermis) located 1-5 mm below the surface of the skinJ2 Most AHAs are derived from plant materials and marine sources. Commonly used AHAs include malic acid (found in apples), ascorbic acid (a common ingredient in numerous fruits), glycolic acid (a constituent of sugar cane), lactic acid (a component of milk), citric acid (naturally abundant in citrus fruits), and tartatic acid (found in red wine). A common BHA is salicylic acid (an ingredient in aspirin). [Pg.183]

KEY TERMS carboxylic acid carboxyl functionality beta hydroxy acid alpha hydroxy acid [Pg.184]

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