24 Acid Products That Will Make Your Skin Instagram Ready
So you’ve figured out what those scientific-sounding ingredients are in your favorite products and discovered the best skin and hair oils for your next DIY project. But what do you know about acids?
After the infamous peel scene from Sex and the City, many are afraid to dabble in the world of acids, but trust us — incorporating them into your regimen can yield incredible results. While some acids (particularly alpha hydroxy) are known for their resurfacing properties, others have a wide range of benefits, like reversing hyperpigmentation, controlling acne, and shrinking pores. (And don’t worry: if you can buy these products at your favorite department store, they’re supergentle.)
Now that you’re ready to take on the world of acids, let’s get started! We’ve got you and your complexion completely covered. In addition to decoding 24 of the hottest acids to get you clear, bright, youthful skin, we’ve suggested a few products to try. Read on and prepare for a totally transformed routine.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is a powerful antioxidant that fades hyperpigmentation and redness from acne, as well as reduces breakouts. It naturally occurs in grains like wheat, barley, and rye.
Our pick: Rodial Daily Azelaic Acid Serum ($98)
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid has strong anti-inflammatory effects and inhibits signs of aging, including skin wrinkling.
Our pick: Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer ($69)
Citric Acid
Found in (you guessed it!) citrus fruits, this ingredient promotes exfoliation for resurfaced, more youthful skin.
Our pick: Natura Bissé C+C Vitamin Complex ($190)
Ellagic Acid
Ellagic acid is a natural part of raspberries and pomegranates. It’s a powerhouse of antioxidants that reduces signs of sun damage and prevents brown spots from forming.
Our pick: Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 ($47)
Ferulic Acid
This plant-derived antioxidant keeps skin healthy by protecting it from the sun and its harmful effects.
Our pick: SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic ($162)
Gallic Acid
Derived from oak bark and tea leaves, gallic acid is a tannin, a class of ingredients with astringent properties. It leaves skin looking tighter, firmer, and poreless.
Our pick: Phace Bioactive Illuminating Serum ($92)
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
This ingredient is often part of Botox-alternative products, because GABA’s role in the body is to decrease muscle function (and Botox works by relaxing muscles, thus smoothing the wrinkle). There is no concrete evidence that GABA works this way in skin care, but when combined with antioxidants, it can have a firming effect.
Our pick: Dr. Brandt Crease Release ($78)
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane. This ingredient is one of the best-known (and safest) alpha hydroxy acids, a group of ingredients that powerfully exfoliate skin.
Our pick: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum ($90)
Glycyrrhetic Acid
Crazy word, right? This acid is an extract from licorice, a plant that brightens dull skin and hyperpigmentation.
Our pick: Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream ($14)
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is the main ingredient in most wrinkle fillers because it plumps the look of skin. It has similar (albeit not as powerful!) effects in topical products, in addition to boosting hydration.
Our pick: Mizon Original Skin Energy Hyaluronic Acid 100 ($42)
Kojic Acid
It’s a byproduct of the fermentation process that creates sake, your favorite beverage at your sushi hotspot. Kojic acid has strong skin-lightening properties, making it an excellent ingredient choice for someone who suffers from melasma.
Our pick: Tatcha Deep Brightening Serum ($185)
Lactic Acid
Another AHA, lactic acid comes from milk (makes sense, right?) and exfoliates dead cells away from healthy skin.
Our pick: Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment ($105)
Lactobionic Acid
Lactobionic acid falls under the category of polyhydroxy acids, which work similarly to AHAs. This ingredient has a bigger molecule structure, however, which means it penetrates the skin less. Because less of the acid is being absorbed, it is gentle on sensitive skin.
Our pick: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Medi-Spa Peel ($110)
Lauric Acid
This fatty acid is naturally found in coconut oil and is known for its antibacterial properties. It is especially effective against acne.
Our pick: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Cream ($23)
Linoleic Acid
This is another fatty acid (you can find it in sunflower oil!) and is also known as vitamin F. Linoleic acid improves your skin’s ability to retain moisture.
Our pick: GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment ($69)
Malic Acid
Malic acid is another AHA that leaves skin resurfaced and youthful. It’s extracted from apples!
Our pick: Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich Intensive Antiaging Cellular Creme ($85)
Mandelic Acid
This is another AHA to try for younger, glowing skin. Mandelic acid is sourced from almonds.
Our pick: Vivant Skincare 15 Percent Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Serum ($64)
Nicotinic Acid
Also known as niacinamide, nicotinic acid brightens skin tone, fades discoloration, and improves elasticity — it’s a total triple threat.
Our pick: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer ($24)
Oleanolic Acid
You can find oleanolic acid in olive leaves, and it has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging properties (whew!). This skin-firming superingredient also fights off blemishes and soothes a red complexion.
Our pick: DermaDoctor Calm Cool and Corrected ($85)
Phytic Acid
This plant-based antioxidant defends skin against sun damage while brightening hyperpigmentation. Its powers are even more beneficial when combined in a formula with glycolic acid.
Our pick: Serious Skincare Glycolic Gommage Extreme Renewal ($39)
Retinoic Acid
Retinoic acid differs from over-the-counter retinol treatments — it is much more powerful. This prescription-strength acid is also known as tretinoin and is used to control severe acne and slow signs of acne.
Our pick: Retin-A. Visit your dermatologist to see if this product is right for you.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Unlike AHAs, which work at the surface level of the skin, BHAs can cut through sebum and oil, exfoliating inside the pores to prevent breakouts. This ingredient in particular is actually a derivative of aspirin, which is why your DIY mask is so effective.
Our pick: Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Overnight Repair Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Pads ($42)
Tartaric Acid
Tartaric acid is yet another AHA. Found in grapes, this ingredient exfoliates the skin’s surface, stimulating collagen production for a firmer complexion.
Our pick: REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask ($55)
Tranexamic Acid
This ingredient helps skin recover from damage, so it’s commonly found in whitening and brightening treatments. It’s particularly gentle, making it a good ingredient choice for those with sensitive skin who also suffer from hyperpigmentation, melasma, or sun damage.
Our pick: Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Cream ($60)
