AHA, BHA, PHA, LHA – Say Hello to the Exfoliation Dream Team
Hey Kainees! When it comes to glowing skin, exfoliation is key—but not all exfoliants are created equal. That’s where the 4HA superstars step in: AHA, BHA, PHA, and LHA. Together, they form a gentle yet powerful team that smooths, brightens, and clears the skin without irritation. Whether you're a skincare newbie or an ingredient junkie, it's time to meet these glow-getters.
What They Are, What They Do, and Why Your Skin Will Thank You
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid): The Smooth Operator
What it does: AHAs are water-soluble acids that exfoliate the skin’s surface by breaking down dead skin cells.
Best for: Dry, dull, or uneven skin tone. AHAs are your go-to for smoothing texture, fading dark spots, and revealing brighter skin.
Common types: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid
Pro tip: Since AHAs make your skin more sensitive to the sun, always pair with SPF!
BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid): The Pore Purifier
What it does: BHAs are oil-soluble, meaning they dive deep into pores to clear out gunk, excess sebum, and dead skin cells.
Best for: Oily, acne-prone, or congested skin. If you struggle with blackheads or breakouts, BHA is your best friend.
Common type: Salicylic acid
Pro tip: BHA is less irritating than AHA for sensitive or acne-prone skin. It’s great for calming inflammation, too!
PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid): The Gentle Giant
What it does: PHAs offer exfoliation similar to AHAs—but with a twist. Thanks to their larger molecular size, they work slower and more gently on the skin's surface.
Best for: Sensitive, dry, or easily irritated skin. PHAs are super hydrating and even antioxidant-rich.
Pro tip: New to exfoliants? Start with PHA for a non-irritating intro to chemical exfoliation.
LHA (Lipo Hydroxy Acid): The Skin-Soothing Sleuth
What it does: LHA is a derivative of BHA with a gentler, more targeted action. It exfoliates just the top layers of skin, regulates sebum, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Best for: Sensitive, acne-prone, or aging skin. LHA helps refine pores, clear up breakouts, and support cell turnover—all while being ultra-gentle.
Pro tip: LHA is often used in dermatologist-recommended formulas for its effectiveness with less risk of irritation.
How to Incorporate Them Into Routine?
While each acid shines on its own, they’re even better together. That’s why you’ll often find multi-acid formulas that combine these gentle exfoliants in perfect harmony, as seen in KAINE’s Rosemary Relief Body Mist and Rosemary Low pH Cleansing Bar. With the optimal blend of 4 exfoliants delivering gentle resurfacing, hydration, and pore-clearing, KAINE makes it easy to glow smart! Remember: great skin isn’t magic—it’s chemistry.