Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)

Ingredient Spotlight · Authorized Clinical Retailer

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) Skincare: Resurface & Brighten

AHAs, glycolic, lactic and the broader alpha hydroxy acid family, dissolve the bonds holding dull, dead skin cells to the surface, revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath. Shop AHA serums, peels, masks and exfoliating creams from AlumierMD, Vivier, afa and Teoxane. SkinCrew is an authorized clinical retailer, every brand sourced direct, fresh, authentic, fast US shipping.

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  • Alumier AHA Renewal Serum Alumier AHA Renewal Serum

    Alumier AHA Renewal Serum

    $88.00
    $88.00
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  • Alumier Enzymatic Peel Alumier Enzymatic Peel

    Alumier Enzymatic Peel

    $95.00
    $95.00
    Earn 5% Cashback
  • Vivier Ultra Purifying Clay Mask Vivier Ultra Purifying Clay Mask

    Vivier Ultra Purifying Clay Mask

    $86.00
    $86.00
    $86.00
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  • SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser (200 ml)

    SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser

    $39.00
    $39.00
  • SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser (240 ml)

    SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser

    $45.00
    $45.00
  • SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser (150 ml)

    SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser

    $42.00
    $42.00
  • SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight (50 ml)

    SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight

    $96.00
    $96.00
  • SkinCeuticals LHA Toner (200 ml) SkinCeuticals LHA Toner

    SkinCeuticals LHA Toner

    $44.00
    $44.00
  • SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense (30 ml) SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense

    SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense

    $115.00
    $115.00
  • SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque (60 ml) SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque

    SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque

    $70.00
    $70.00
  • SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner (200 ml) SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner

    SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner

    $38.00
    $38.00
  • SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst (30 ml) SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst

    SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst

    $120.00
    $120.00
  • skinbetter science Refining Foam Cleanser Refining Foam Cleanser by skinbetter science | SkinCrew, Preferred Authorized skinbetter science US Retailer

    skinbetter science Refining Foam Cleanser

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  • G.M. COLLIN Poly-Acid Peel Serum G.M. COLLIN Poly-Acid Peel Serum

    G.M. COLLIN Poly-Acid Peel Serum

    $90.00
    $90.00
    $90.00
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  • afa® Restorative Gel Plus

    afa® Restorative Gel Plus

    $120.00
    $120.00
    $0.00
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  • afa® Restorative Gel Mild

    afa® Restorative Gel Mild

    $112.50
    $112.50
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  • Vivier AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cream Vivier AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cream

    Vivier AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cream

    $100.00
    $100.00
    $100.00
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  • Vivier Exfoliant Forte Vivier Exfoliant Forte

    Vivier Exfoliant Forte

    $104.00
    $104.00
    $104.00
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  • Teoxane AHA Cleansing Gel Teoxane AHA Cleansing Gel

    Teoxane AHA Cleansing Gel

    $42.00
    $42.00
    $0.00
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  • afa® Restorative Gel Max

    afa® Restorative Gel Max

    $135.00
    $135.00
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What Alpha Hydroxy Acids Do for Skin

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a family of water-soluble acids, including glycolic and lactic acid, that exfoliate the skin's surface by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells. The result is smoother texture, brighter tone and a reduction in the look of fine lines and dullness with consistent use.

Below are our AHA-formulated serums, peels, creams and masks from AlumierMD, Vivier, afa, G.M. COLLIN and Teoxane, ranging from gentle daily formulas to stronger, more advanced resurfacing treatments.

✨

Surface Exfoliation

AHAs work on the skin's surface, loosening the bonds between dead cells for a smoother look.

🌱

Brightens Dull Skin

By speeding cell turnover, AHAs help fade the look of dullness and uneven texture.

💧

Water-Soluble

Unlike oil-soluble BHAs, AHAs work best on dry, non-oily skin surfaces and normal to dry skin types.

🛡️

A Family of Strengths

From gentle lactic acid to stronger glycolic acid, there's an AHA strength for every skin type.

Best-Selling AHA Products

Serums, peels, masks and creams formulated with alpha hydroxy acids. Tap any product to shop.

Alumier
Alumier AHA Renewal Serum
Best for: gentle nightly resurfacing
$88Shop now →
Alumier
Alumier Enzymatic Peel
Best for: at-home AHA peel for tone and texture
$95Shop now →
Vivier
Vivier Exfoliant Forte
Best for: advanced texture and tone refinement
$104Shop now →
afa
afa® Restorative Gel Max
Best for: maximum-strength retexturizing
$135Shop now →
GM Collin
G.M. COLLIN Poly-Acid Peel Serum
Best for: multi-acid retexturizing serum
$86Shop now →
Vivier
Vivier AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cream
Best for: combined AHA/BHA exfoliation
$100Shop now →

What AHAs Do & How They Work

Surface exfoliation that brightens, smooths and refines.

Exfoliate

Loosen Dead Cell Bonds

AHAs dissolve the "glue" between dead skin cells, so they shed more evenly instead of building up.

Brighten

Speed Cell Turnover

Faster surface renewal helps fade dullness, rough texture and the look of uneven tone.

Smooth

Refine Texture

Regular use helps soften the look of fine lines, rough patches and enlarged pores over time.

Choose

Match Strength to Skin

Lactic acid is the gentlest common AHA; glycolic acid is the strongest and most researched.

Shop AHAs by Type & Need

Find the right alpha hydroxy acid and strength for your skin.

How to Add AHAs to Your Routine

Start low and slow, and always follow with SPF the next morning.

1
Cleanse with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup and debris before applying any acid.
2
Apply your AHA serum, peel or cream 2 to 3 nights a week to start, avoiding the eye area.
3
Hydrate with a barrier-supporting moisturizer right after to buffer and lock in results.
4
Protect every morning with broad-spectrum SPF 30+, since AHA-treated skin is more sun-sensitive.

Mild tingling on first use is normal, but persistent stinging or redness means it's time to scale back frequency. Avoid layering AHAs with retinol or other strong acids on the same night, and never combine multiple high-strength acids at once.

AHA VS BHA EXFOLIATION

Both resurface skin, but they work differently and suit different concerns.

AHA VS BHA EXFOLIATION
FeatureAHA (Alpha Hydroxy)BHA (Beta Hydroxy)
SolubilityWater-solubleOil-soluble
Works Best OnSkin surface, dry/normal skinInside pores, oily/acne-prone skin
Best ForDullness, texture, fine linesBlackheads, breakouts, oil
Common ExamplesGlycolic, lactic acidSalicylic acid

Frequently Asked Questions

What does AHA do for skin?

Alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin's surface by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter, more evenly textured skin underneath.

What's the difference between AHA and BHA?

AHAs are water-soluble and work on the skin's surface, best for dullness and texture; BHAs are oil-soluble and penetrate into pores, best for oil and blackheads.

Which AHA is the gentlest?

Lactic acid is generally the gentlest common AHA, thanks to its larger molecule size and natural humectant, moisture-drawing properties.

Which AHA is the strongest?

Glycolic acid has the smallest molecule size of the common AHAs, allowing it to penetrate fastest and deliver the most noticeable resurfacing effect.

How often should I use an AHA product?

Start with 2 to 3 nights a week and adjust based on how your skin responds; some tolerant skin types can build up to nightly use.

Can I use AHA every day?

Some formulations and skin types tolerate daily AHA use, but many people do best starting a few nights a week and increasing gradually, watching for irritation.

Is AHA safe for sensitive skin?

Gentler AHAs like lactic acid at lower percentages can work for sensitive skin, but always patch test first and introduce any acid slowly.

Can I use AHA with retinol?

Not on the same night, generally. Many people alternate AHA and retinol on different nights to avoid over-exfoliating and irritating the skin.

Do I need sunscreen when using AHA products?

Yes, essential. AHA-exfoliated skin is more vulnerable to UV damage, so daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is a non-negotiable part of any AHA routine.

Can AHA help with acne scars and dark spots?

By speeding surface cell turnover, regular AHA use can help fade the look of post-acne marks and uneven pigmentation over time.

What percentage of AHA should I start with?

Beginners generally do well starting around 5 to 10% AHA in a leave-on or rinse-off formula, working up in frequency before increasing strength.

Why buy AHA products from an authorized retailer?

It guarantees fresh, properly stored, authentic acid concentrations, so the formula performs and feels exactly as the brand intended.

Explore Related Concerns & Ingredients

Build a complete, connected routine. These are the concern and ingredient hubs most often paired with AHA at SkinCrew.

IngredientLactic AcidThe gentlest common AHAExplore → IngredientGlycolic AcidThe strongest common AHAExplore → CategoryAHA ExfoliantCurated surface resurfacingExplore → CategoryBHA ExfoliantPore-clearing exfoliationExplore → CategoryExfoliantsThe full exfoliation rangeExplore → ConcernDull SkinRestore radiance & glowExplore →

Read the Guides

Side-by-side comparisons and brand guides from The Skin Edit.

GuideBest Glycolic Acid and AHA ProductsPeels, pads and serumsRead → GuideBest ExfoliantsAHA, BHA, enzyme and padsRead → GuideAlphaRet vs Tretinoin vs RetinolWhich retinoid fits youRead →

Not sure which AHA strength is right for you?

Our clinical skincare specialists can help you find the right acid, strength and frequency for your skin, for free.

Talk to a SkinCrew Specialist
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