6 Best PHA Products to Smooth and Brighten Sensitive Skin

FAQ

Is PHA good for sensitive skin?

PHA is widely considered to be one of the best exfoliating acids for sensitive skin. “They have a larger molecular size than AHAs like glycolic acid, so they penetrate more slowly and are less prone to causing stinging, redness, and irritation, while helping to smooth texture and brighten skin,” says Dr. Turegano. Another benefit: “PHA has moisturizing properties, so it attracts moisture to the skin while exfoliating,” she says. This means you get the smoothing and whitening benefits of a chemical peel, without the tightness or peeling sensation that can come with strong acids. If your skin is dry, reactive, or prone to irritation, PHA is a great place to start. “However, if you experience any irritation from PHA, it is your body telling you it is time to bring the frequency back up,” Dr. Vieira adds.

Can I use PHA every day?

For many people, yes. “PHA is gentle enough to be used daily,” says Dr. Turegano. But how often you need to use them “depends on your skin type, the strength of the formula, and what other active ingredients are already in your routine,” she says. If you’re new to acid exfoliation or have sensitive skin, she recommends gradually acclimating to PHA products by “using them a few times a week and gradually increasing to daily use as your skin tolerates them.” As with any exfoliant, watch for signs of overdoing it, such as persistent redness, dryness, or stinging, and reduce the amount if necessary.

Does PHA work well with other active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C?

“In general, PHAs pair very well with other skin care ingredients such as retinoids and vitamin C,” says Dr. Turegano. These are gentler than harsh exfoliating acids and are less likely to worsen inflammation. That said, if you have sensitive skin or are using multiple active ingredients layered, Dr. Turegano recommends “introducing new products gradually and paying close attention to how your skin reacts before increasing frequency.”

meet an expert

• Mamina TureganoMD, board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist based in New Orleans.
• Carlos Vieiraboard-certified dermatologist at Philadelphia-based The Dermatology Specialists

How to test and review products

when allure Once we test a product, our editors look at it from all angles to ensure we can best serve you. We check ingredients, scrutinize brand claims and, when appropriate, research peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing every product included in each review, we rely on experts in fields such as dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine to help vet ingredients and formulations.

For our list of the best PHA products, we considered each product’s performance across five key categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product experience. All products are judged to be outstanding in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, in addition to special consideration from our makeup artists. For more information about our reporting and testing process, please visit our complete review process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

Beautiful items are purchased individually. You might be looking for a face cream to combat stubborn dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine. You may simply be looking around for the latest products to hit the hair market. No matter what you are looking for or your personal needs and concerns, allure We want you to love whatever we recommend in our stories. To achieve that goal, we believe it is essential to have a diverse team of writers and editors, as well as a wide range of external testers and industry experts that we engage on a regular basis.

After all, can you? Really Can you say that a skin care product is “best” for people over 50 if the testers only asked for opinions from people who haven’t yet reached 30? Can you honestly say that a high-end diffuser that has never been tested on curls is worth your hard-earned money? We are proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin colors, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds. That means you can get a fair review of every beauty product in your beauty closet.