Gluconolactone and PHAs
We look for this
Gluconolactone · Polyhydroxy Acid · PHA · Lactobionic Acid
Polyhydroxy acids, the gentlest exfoliating acids available, with molecules too large to reach the nerve endings that make AHAs sting.
- What it does
- Actives & treatment
- Our take
- Where we'd start anyone who wants exfoliation but has sensitive, reactive or barrier-damaged skin. They also hold water, so they hydrate while they exfoliate, and unlike AHAs they don't meaningfully increase sun sensitivity.
- What we look for
- 4-10%
- Suitable from
- Teen, 13+ · Young adult, 20+ · Middle aged, 40+
- Best for
- Dark marks & dullness · Dryness & hydration · Barrier repair · Aging & firmness
- Skin types
- Sensitive · Dry · Combination · Blemish-prone
find it in
What we read
- Published PHA tolerability studies · reviewed Sep 2026
Every other ingredient, with the same treatment.
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