AHA fruit acids

INCI: Pyrus malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Citrus limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium myrtillus Fruit Extract, Saccharum officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Vitis vinifera (Grape) Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol, Aqua, Lactic acid, Citric acid, Glycolic acid, Malic acid, Tartaric acid

AHA fruit acids are a concentrated blend of five plant-based water-glycol extracts: bilberry, sugar cane, sweet orange, lemon, and sugar maple. These extracts contain numerous natural alpha hydroxy acids, and the concentrated blend contains:
- Lactic acid: approx. 30%
- Glycolic acid: approx. 15%
- Citric acid: 2–6%
- Malic acid: up to 1%
- Tartaric acid: up to 1%

AHA (alpha hydroxy) acids are derived primarily from fruit sugars. The main function of lactic and glycolic acid is an exfoliating effect (peeling), with which we achieve a so-called »facelift«. It acts on the skin by restoring radiance, smoothing the skin, eliminating irregularities and pigmentation, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Fruit acids also stimulate cell renewal and increase skin elasticity by stimulating collagen production.

The main benefits of using AHA acids:
- they have a keratolytic (exfoliating) effect on the horny layers of the skin;
- they increase the level of hydration in the skin, as they have moisturising properties;
- they stimulate the biosynthesis of dermal glycosaminoglycans (compounds that form the skin's support tissue);
- they stimulate collagen formation;
- they improve the elasticity of fibres in the dermis,
- they eliminate age spots and blemishes.

We add them to: creams, lotions, serums, anti-ageing products, masks, peels, cleansing gels,…

Solubility: soluble in the water phase, insoluble in the oil phase

Use: 1–15% (typical use up to max 5%, up to 15% for a stronger peeling effect)

Interesting fact: Glycolic acid (on its own) is known as a good keratolytic (exfoliant) and is used for chemical peeling. However, when used alone, it is considerably more aggressive and irritating to the skin than AHA acids, in which it is present only in a smaller proportion.

WARNINGS:
- In products in which AHA acids have been used, UV protection products must also be used simultaneously.
- For optimal effectiveness, we recommend that the pH of the product be between 4–5.5.
- Do not apply products with AHA acids around the eye area.
- Some people may have a hypersensitivity reaction to fruit acids. Therefore, before use (on the face or a larger area), always test the product on the inside of the forearm and wait 48 hours to see whether a reaction has developed.