Alpha hydroxy acids (ahas)
Scientific names: Hydroxysuccinic acid, Monohydroxysuccinic acid (Malic acid), 2-hydroxypropionic acid (Lactic acid), Hydroxyacetic acid (Glycolic acid), Dihydroxysuccinic acid (Tartaric acid), Gluconolactone
Alternate names: Acides Alpha-Hydroxylés, Acidos Alfa-Hydroxi, AHA, Alfahidroxiácidos, Alpha Hydroxy Acides
Actions: Analgesic, Dermatological
Background
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a group of natural acids found in foods, including citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid.
Alpha hydroxy acids seem to work by removing the top layers of dead skin cells. They can also increase the thickness of deeper layers of skin, promoting firmness.
People commonly use alpha hydroxy acids in cosmetic products for skin conditions, including dry skin and aging skin. The scientific evidence varies depending on the specific alpha hydroxy acid used.
This is a general review of alpha hydroxy acids as a group. See information on specific alpha hydroxy acids, such as citric acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid, to learn more.
Alpha hydroxy acids seem to work by removing the top layers of dead skin cells. They can also increase the thickness of deeper layers of skin, promoting firmness.
People commonly use alpha hydroxy acids in cosmetic products for skin conditions, including dry skin and aging skin. The scientific evidence varies depending on the specific alpha hydroxy acid used.
This is a general review of alpha hydroxy acids as a group. See information on specific alpha hydroxy acids, such as citric acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid, to learn more.
Safety Safety definitions
Alpha hydroxy acids represent a group of natural products. Some are taken by mouth, some are applied to the skin, some are applied in the vagina, and some are inhaled. Safety varies. See specific alpha hydroxy acids for more information.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: See specific alpha hydroxy acids for safety information.Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
Alpha hydroxy acids represent a group of natural products that are used alone or in combination. See specific alpha hydroxy acids for effectiveness information.
Dosing & administration
Alpha hydroxy acids represent a group of natural products. Some are taken by mouth, some are applied to the skin, some are applied in the vagina, and some are inhaled. People commonly use alpha hydroxy acids in cosmetic products. See specific alpha hydroxy acids for more details.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
See specific alpha hydroxy acids for interactions with medicines.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
See specific alpha hydroxy acids for interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 12/04/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 04/11/2020 02:35:12. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
