Frequently Asked Questions
Are PHAs good for sensitive skin?
PHAs are widely considered one of the best exfoliating acids for sensitive skin. “Because they have a larger molecular size than AHAs like glycolic acid, they penetrate more slowly and tend to cause less stinging, redness, and irritation while still helping to smooth texture and brighten the skin,” says Dr. Turegano. Another bonus: “PHAs have humectant properties, so they attract water to the skin while they exfoliate,” she says. That means you get the smoothing and brightening benefits of chemical exfoliation without the tight, stripped feeling that can sometimes accompany stronger acids. If your skin is dry, reactive, or easily irritated, PHAs are an excellent place to start. “If you’re experiencing any irritation with a PHA though, it’s your body’s way of telling you it’s time to dial back frequency,” adds Dr. Vieira.
Can I use PHAs every day?
For many people, yes. “PHAs are gentle enough to be used daily,” says Dr. Turegano. But how often you should reach for them “depends on your skin type, the strength of the formula, and what other active ingredients are already in your routine,” she says. If you’re new to exfoliating acids or have sensitive skin, she recommends easing in by using a PHA product “a few times a week, then gradually increasing to daily use as your skin tolerates it,” she says. As with any exfoliant, pay attention to signs of overdoing it—like persistent redness, dryness, or stinging—and scale back if needed.
Do PHAs play well with other actives like retinol or vitamin C?
“PHAs generally play very well with other skin-care ingredients, including retinoids and vitamin C,” says Dr. Turegano. Because they’re gentler than stronger exfoliating acids, they’re less likely to compound irritation. That said, if you have sensitive skin or are layering multiple actives, Dr. Turegano recommends “introducing new products gradually and paying close attention to how your skin responds before increasing frequency.”
Meet the experts
- Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist based in New Orleans
- Carlos Vieira, a board-certified dermatologist at The Dermatology Specialists based in Philadelphia
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best PHA products, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from makeup artists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Watch how Tate McRae’s 10-minute routine is all about glowing skin and glittery eyes:
