PHAs can be both, vegan and non-vegan. Well-known PHAs in skincare are gluconolactone which is derived from plants and is vegan and lactobionic acid, which is milk-derived and not vegan.
PHA is a polyhydroxy acid used as a chemical exfoliant. Surprisingly for chemical peelers, PHAs are suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive ones. But let’s find out more about what else PHAs offer to the skin.
What Are PHAs? What Are PHAs Made Of?
PHA is a polyhydroxy acid. It is a type of acid mostly known as a chemical exfoliant or peeler. PHAs are a new generation of hydroxy acids that are larger in size than other chemical peelers such as the AHAs or BHAs.
In skincare, PHA is not a single active ingredient. PHAs are more of a group of active ingredients. The best-known PHAs in skin care are gluconolactone, lactobionic acid, and galactose.
Different PHAs have different origins. Therefore, PHAs might be vegan but might also be derived from animal-based ingredients.
- Gluconolactone – Derived from corn or sugar beet
- Lactobionic acid – Made from lactose, a derivative of milk
Why Are PHAs Used In Skincare?
PHAs are used in skincare because they stimulate cell renewal. They have pimple-healing and hyperpigmentation-treating effects. PHAs are clarifying, moisturizing, as well as anti-aging.
PHA fulfills the classic task of an exfoliant. It gently peels the skin and removes dead skin cells. This makes the complexion appear smoother, clearer, and nourished. And thanks to the anti-inflammatory cleansing, it also gets rid of blemishes.
As PHA contributes to cell renewal, it also has an anti-aging effect. The chemical peel stimulates the skin’s cell regeneration and over time, the complexion improves. In addition, wrinkles smooth out and the protective barrier gains more resistance.
In addition to aging signs, PHA reduces pigment spots as well as acne scars. As an antioxidant, PHA can also absorb some UV rays like sunscreens, making the skin less sensitive to sunlight.
As PHA’s molecules are larger than AHA’s or BHA’s, it penetrates the skin slower. PHAs are more gentle on the skin and cause less irritation. Therefore, PHA treatments are suitable for all skin types.
The chemical exfoliant is even recommended for sensitive and dry skin or even for rosacea. PHAs can also be used around sensitive areas, such as the eyes. The peeler rarely causes burning, tingling, or redness.
FAQ About PHAs
PHA is a polyhydroxy acid. It is a type of acid mostly known as a chemical exfoliant or peeler. PHAs are a new generation of hydroxy acids that are larger in size than other chemical peelers.
Different PHAs have different origins. Therefore, PHAs might be vegan but might also be derived from animal-based ingredients. As PHAs are relatively new to the skin care world, there are only two PHAs that stand out the most. These are gluconolactone and lactobionic acid. The former is vegan, the latter is not.
Summary
Chemically and functionally, PHAs are very similar to AHAs. But they differ primarily in molecular size. Due to the larger molecules, PHAs penetrate the skin much more slowly. Therefore, PHA exfoliants are gentler and suitable for all skin types.
PHAs combine all the advantages of chemical peelers without the possibility of redness, irritation, and itching.
However, some of PHAs might not be vegan. As PHAs are relatively new to the skin care world, there are only two PHAs that stand out the most. These are gluconolactone and lactobionic acid. The former is vegan, the latter is not.
Therefore, search for PHA products only from 100% vegan skincare brands.
See also: Best Vegan Exfoliators, Vegan Skincare Products
