AHA, or Alpha Hydroxy Acid, is a group of carboxylic acids featuring a hydroxy group (-OH) located one carbon atom away from the acid group.

• It is water soluble and has surface level penetration, which means that they exfoliate the uppermost layers of the skin.

• AHA targets dullness and signs of aging. It has a fast reaction which means that it works quickly but that directly correlates with irritation.

• They are found throughout nature in ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and malic acid.

Specific AHA ingredients:

Citric Acid: comes from citrius fruits (as you can probably tell).

Citric acid with regular use (3 months, 20% concentration) may help sun damaged skin, skin thickness, and provide glycosaminoglycans (polysaccharide made of uronic sugar and amino sugar) that help bind water and give skin a jello like texture.

Sodium Citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid and is used as a buffering and emulsifying agent.