AHA, stands for alpha-hydroxy acid. At Eucerin, we use the AHA Glycolic acid, an acid originally derived from sugar cane. This peeling acid has a very small molecular size, makes skin smoother, more even and opens pores, without compromising on barrier structures of the skin. It promotes exfoliation by reducing cell adhesion in the epidermis and increasing cell turnover. Furthermore, it increases the biosynthetic capacity of collagen and builds support structure in the dermal matrix to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

Lactic Acid is a skin’s own substance, being an essential component of the NMF (= natural moisturizing factor) as well as a AHA (=Alpha-hydroxy acid). 

Lactic Acid  acts in the stratum corneum with a two-fold effect: 

• moisturizing: it reduces skin scaling and balances the skin’s pH value to fight dry skin symptoms
• comedolytic: it inhibits the formation of comedones by helping the skin to shed and exfoliate and thus the pores from becoming clogged.

Glycolic Acid is a very common chemical peel used by many dermatologists. It is an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) or sugarcane derivative with an extremely small molecular size. It works by removing dead skin cells to even skin texture. The concentration of Glycolic Acid used in the Skin Refining Serum is a lower concentration than what is used in dermatological treatments for softer effects.