Acids Unlocked - AHAs, BHAs, PHAs

The skincare alphabet you actually need to know — decoded by Experts.

It’s one of the most enduring skincare myths out there: “Acids are way too harsh for your skin.” The very word acid conjures images of redness, peeling, tightness, and that dreaded over-exfoliated look. No wonder people are cautious.

But here’s the real story: not all acids are created equal. In fact, when chosen wisely and used correctly, acids are some of the most transformative (and supportive) ingredients in modern skin science. They smooth, brighten, clarify, and hydrate — often in one multitasking step.

Meet the Acids: AHAs, BHAs, PHAs. Three exfoliant families, each with their own personality — and each a powerful ally in your skin’s renewal journey.

Like all good myths, there’s some truth in the origin. In the early days of at-home peels, products were strong but not always balanced. Users layered acids with little education, overused them, and sometimes ended up with raw, stripped skin.

Add to that the clinical-sounding names — glycolic, salicylic, lactobionic — and acids were filed away in the “too-scary” category for everyday skincare.

But pioneers like Alpha-H, the Australian brand behind the world-famous Liquid Gold, have rewritten the acid playbook. Their science-driven, clinic-respected formulas make exfoliation safe, balanced, and effective for every skin type.

Every acid family has its own personality. Let’s decode the files:

Aka: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (glycolic, lactic, mandelic)

Strengths: Brightening, resurfacing, fading pigmentation

Personality: Bold, ambitious, high-achieving

Skin Types: Dullness, uneven tone, visible ageing

How it works:
AHAs are water-soluble, meaning they work on the surface of your skin. They dissolve the “glue” holding on to dead skin cells, revealing smoother, more radiant texture and helping lighten pigmentation. They also kickstart collagen renewal over time.

Alpha-H’s Hero File: Alpha-H's Liquid Gold (5% Glycolic Acid) — the award-winning exfoliant that put Alpha-H on the skincare map. One application and you wake up to skin that looks like it’s had an overnight facial.

Top Tip: Today’s AHAs don’t “strip” — they retrain the skin to renew itself efficiently. Transformation without trauma.

Aka: Beta Hydroxy Acid (salicylic acid)

Strengths: Penetrates pores, clears congestion, controls oil

Personality: Focused, no-nonsense, detail-oriented

Skin Types: Acne-prone, oily, congested or blackhead-prone

How it works:
Unlike AHAs, BHAs are oil-soluble. Translation? They reach inside pores, dissolving oil and debris that clog the skin. BHAs calm inflammation, regulate sebum, and are an acne game-changer.

Alpha-H’s Hero File: Alpha-H's 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator is perfect for sensitive or breakout-prone skin. It clears congestion without that over-drying “squeaky clean” feeling.

Top Tip: BHAs don’t just clear oil — they actually calm the skin, reducing ongoing flare-ups.

Aka: Polyhydroxy Acids (gluconolactone, lactobionic acid)

Strengths: Gently resurfaces and hydrates simultaneously

Personality: Gentle, steady, quietly effective

Skin Types: Sensitive, barrier-compromised, or first-time exfoliators

How it works:
Thanks to their large molecular size, PHAs absorb more slowly, delivering a soft, even exfoliation with minimal irritation. They also act as humectants, drawing water into the skin — think resurfacing with an in-built hydration layer.

Alpha-H’s Hero File: PHAs appear in multitasking products like Alpha-H's Midnight Reboot Serum, where they work alongside retinoids for renewal even sensitive skin types can handle.

Top Tip: PHAs prove exfoliation doesn’t have to be aggressive — they’re literally barrier-friendly exfoliants.

Believing acids are simply “harsh” holds people back from achieving their skin goals. Whether it’s dark spots, congestion, or persistent dullness, acids unlock solutions that creams alone often can’t touch.

And for Australian skin specifically (hello UV damage, pigmentation, and humidity-induced congestion), acids are frontline allies. Used wisely, they’re not only safe — they’re essential for long-term skin health and resilience.

The Transformer (AHA – Alpha Hydroxy Acid) → Try Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with 5% Glycolic Acid. The resurfacer that smooths texture, boosts radiance, and evens tone. Perfect if you want that fresh, luminous “reset” feel.

The Pore Whisperer (BHA – Beta Hydroxy Acid) → Consider Alpha-H 2% BHA Exfoliator Instant Action BHA Blemish Treatment with 2% Salicylic Acid.  It goes deep into pores to dissolve congestion, calm redness, and keep blackheads at bay. Best if clarity and control are top of your wish list.

The Gentle Giant (PHA – Polyhydroxy Acid) → Opt for Alpha-H's Midnight Reboot Serum. It delivers gentle renewal while respecting sensitive or barrier-compromised skin. The kindest way to keep cell turnover ticking over.

How to Work With Them:

• Start slow. Two to three nights per week is just right — giving skin time to adjust while keeping results steady.

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• Keep it simple. Don’t stack multiple acids in one routine unless advised by your skin therapist.

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• Balance with care. On non-acid nights, load up on hydration and barrier-loving serums or creams.

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• Shield your glow. Freshly revealed skin is more UV-sensitive — daily broad-spectrum SPF is non-negotiable.

Acids aren’t villains. They’re specialists in your skincare squad — each with unique skills designed to help your skin perform at its best. By decoding your file (AHA, BHA, or PHA), you unlock a personalised pathway to healthy radiance.

With Alpha-H, the Australian pioneers of acid exfoliation, you can trust decades of clinical expertise wrapped into products that deliver results without overwhelm.

So, ditch the fear. Acids are not too harsh — they’re exactly what your skin’s been waiting for.

✨ Not sure which file fits you best? ✨ 

Book your personalised Acid Plan with Skinmart’s expert team today, and we’ll match you with your perfect exfoliant partner from Alpha-H’s clinically proven range.