Are you a fan of chemical exfoliants, but your skin isn’t? If you have sensitive skin, you might find that certain products with AHAs or BHAs can aggravate your skin further, but don’t let that stop you from incorporating chemical exfoliants into your routine.

Thanks to PHAs or poly hydroxy acids, your sensitive skin, including rosacea or eczema, can reap all the benefits of a chemical exfoliant sans irritation.

What does PHA do?

Similar to AHAs, PHAs help get rid of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin, and improve its texture and overall tone. PHAs are also humectants, which means they attract moisture to your skin so you won’t have to worry about PHA products drying your skin out.

How often to incorporate PHA into your routine

Even though PHA products are gentle and non-irritating, you should always start slow when incorporating them into your routine. Start by incorporating PHA products every other day or at least three times a week. Once your skin is used to the ingredient, feel free to use it every day. 

Which PHA products should I try?

PHA is used in many different skin care products from toners and serums to masks and creams. Here are some PHA products worth trying that work perfectly for sensitive skin:

SOME BY MI – AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Starter Limited Set

If you’re new to PHAs and want to try a bit of everything, then SOME BY MI’s AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Starter Limited Set is perfect for you. This set includes the Miracle Cleansing Bar, Miracle Toner,Miracle Serum and Miracle Cream for you to incorporate into your routine. Although all products feature a blend of AHA, BHA and PHA, the formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin. If you have extra sensitive skin then it helps to do a patch test first.

NEOGEN – Dermalogy Green Tea Moist PHA Gauze Peeling

Peeling pads make exfoliating a lot easier. Each of NEOGEN’s 3-layered pad helps slough away dead skin cells while soothing irritated skin. These peeling pads are also formulated with aquaxyl and biomimetic fluid tears that lock in moisture and make your skin look brighter and feel smoother. 

KLAVUU – Green Pearlsation PHA Calming Toner

If you’re looking for a toner that’s mild enough to use every day, KLAVUU’s Green Pearlsation PHA Calming Toner is a great option. This toner instantly soothes while buffing away your dead skin cells, thanks to its tea tree and centella asiatica extracts. You can also pair it with the brand’s Green Pearlsation PHA Calming Serum for maximum results.  

TOUN 28 – Solution

TOUN 28 offers a Solution (T3 PHA) that will solve all your skin texture woes. Formulated with PHA and banana flower vinegar, and packed with vitamins, this concentrated serum improves your skin texture when used consistently. It’s also an ideal serum for those with visible sun damage as this helps rejuvenate your skin and provide extra nourishment for your skin.

A’PIEU – Naked Peeling Gel (PHA)

If peeling gels are your go-to then you’ll love this Naked Peeling Gel (PHA) from Korean beauty brand A’PIEU. You will not be disappointed, as it promises to give you softer and calmer skin. Your skin will also be left brighter and hydrated, making it perfect for those with dry and sensitive skin.

Don’t forget your SPF!

Lastly, never forget to apply sunscreen in the morning when using any type of chemical exfoliant, even if it’s a mild one like PHA. Your skin can become more sensitive to the sun when using acids, so if you’re not protecting your skin, you’re opening it up to damage and hyperpigmentation. Check out this blog post for our sunscreen recommendations.