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Exfoliantaka gluconolactone · gentle acid toner

PHAs (polyhydroxy acids)

Caution: Gentle, and still unnecessaryevidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 2004

Polyhydroxy acids (you'll see 'gluconolactone' on the label) are marketed as the gentle cousin of glycolic acid, and to be fair, one study found they exfoliate about as well with less stinging. The catch: that research was about smoothing adult skin in the anti-aging sense, in small studies, not anything teen skin needs. Gentler than a harsh acid, sure. Still solving a problem you don't have yet.

what the evidence says

A 12-week study found a gluconolactone (PHA) regimen comparable to an AHA regimen with less irritation; the evidence base is small and framed around adult cosmetic anti-aging.

last reviewed 2026-07-03

sources

  1. 1.Cutis · A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimen (2004)

note:Skinformed is general education, not medical advice. It doesn't know your skin, can't diagnose anything, and is no substitute for a clinician. If something on your skin hurts, spreads, or worries you, that's a doctor visit, not a product search.

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