Alpha Hydroxy Acids (better known as AHAs) are vital for promoting deeper exfoliation than a standard scrub. This process in turn smoothes fine lines and surface wrinkles, improves skin texture and tone, lifts pigmentation and fades scarring, unblocks and cleanses pores, and improves skin condition in general. AHAs are water soluble, meaning they can’t penetrate through the skin’s natural oils. This is the main reason why they’re mostly used for their exfoliating properties on the skin's surface (as opposed to BHAs which are oil soluble and penetrate deeper into the pores, really helping to clean out and dissolve excess sebum build-up).
The most common AHA is glycolic acid which is derived from sugar cane. The other two common AHAs are lactic acid and citric acid. Glycolic Acid is the most active and beneficial while lactic acid is less irritating and can be used in slightly higher concentrations. Also lactic is more moisturizing than glycolic since it is a humectant (which means it attracts hydration to the skin). Citric acid is derived from citrus fruits, hence the name. It’s an antioxidant-rich acid that is good for preventing premature aging and also suitable for acne-prone or sun-damaged skin because it lightens brown spots and brightens overall complexion. Citric acid may sound like it could be harsh, however these acids are overall mild and less acidic than the other AHAs.
Our Exfoliant 07 contains a progressive citric acid known as Lime Pearl AHA (also known as caviar lime extract). The fruit's acidic conditions strongly activate channels in the skin allowing calcium ions to flow into the cells. The resulting calcium ion overload leads to a disruption in the skin's PH level. This imbalance then causes the "glue" that binds dead skin to the complexion to loosen and break down which promotes a deeper exfoliation. Coupled with our tiny sand like texture [for sloughing off that dead skin] and shea butter [for softening and conditioning] it is the perfect all-in-one exfoliant!