Let's talk about the “scary” terms used in the skincare world and debunk some myths along the way. 

We don’t blame you for hearing words like “exfoliating acid, ascorbic acid, retinoids, hyaluronic acid” and feeling a little intimidated. This is mainly due to their reputation of being misunderstood and less about them potentially damaging your skin. 

An acid is defined as: 

“a molecule or other species which can donate a proton or accept an electron pair in reactions” and “in chemistry something that has a pH less than 7”. 

Here we have curated a list of common acids used in skincare and their origin: 

Hyaluronic Acid: 

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally within our own bodies. Despite its name, hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to retain moisture: it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. It a natural humectant and plant derived.  

Glycolic Acid: 

Glycolic acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and is a powder made of colourless and odourless crystals. It is derived from the sugarcane plant and is known for its effective penetration into the skin. Glycolic acid can address a tide of skin issues from acne to pigmentation and aging. 

Lactic Acid: 

Lactic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and is naturally found in milk, though the lactic acid. Lactic acid is used to exfoliate the skin, lighten dark spots, and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Salicylic Acid: 

Salicylic Acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) and is a gentle acid derived from the bark of the willow tree. Salicylic Acid has become a popular treatment for acne and is used in chemical peels to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and sun damage. 

Ascorbic Acid: 

Ascorbic Acis is the technical name for pure vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid. It is the most researched form of Vitamin C in skincare and has the proven ability to visible reduce the appearance and signs of aging, including discolorations, wrinkles, and loss of firmness due to sun damage.