Please read Exfoliation – AHA and BHA for information on why you need exfoliation, what are AHA and BHA, how to use AHA and BHA, side effects of AHA and BHA, and what to do if you cannot tolerate AHA. You can also find the effective pH range at different AHA concentrations in Most Effective AHA Concentrations and pH.
Alpha Hydrox has several affordable and good AHA exfoliation products.
- Alpha Hydrox AHA Enhanced Lotion contains 10% glycolic acid with pH 4. Fragrance free. For normal to dry skin.
- Alpha Hydrox Oil-Free Formula contains 10% glycolic adic with pH 4. It also contains green tea extract, sea kelp extract and vitamin B5. Fragrance free and oil free. For any skin type.
DDF Glycolic 10% Exfoliating Moisturizer contains 10% glycolic acid with pH 3.6. Fragrance free. For normal to dry skin.
DHC Renewing AHA Cream contains 10% lactic acid with pH 3.8. It also contains olive oil. Fragrance free. For normal to dry skin.
OBAGI NU-DERM Exfoderm Forte, AM is a simple AHA exfoliation product containing 6% glycolic acid and 4% lactic acid with pH about 3.2 – 3.5. Fragrance free. For normal to dry skin not prone to blemishes.
Philosophy the Afterglow Oil-Free Smoothing Gel has a very simple formula with pH 3.5. The percentage of lactic acid is unknown but I still recommend it because lactic acid is right after water on the ingredient list. Fragrance free. For all skin types.
[…] For this product to function, you need to use a low pH exfoliation gel, such as AHA, under it. A AHA or salicylic acid gel is better than the cream form because it will not dilute the concentration of […]