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Views: 220 Author: tcchems Publish Time: 2025-08-12 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● What Are Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs)?
>> Key Characteristics of PHAs
● Lactobionic Acid: The Spotlight PHA
>> Benefits of Lactobionic Acid
>> How Lactobionic Acid Works Compared to Other PHAs
● Other Common Polyhydroxy Acids
>> Galactose
● Comparing Lactobionic Acid with Gluconolactone and Others
● How PHAs Differ from AHAs and BHAs
● Incorporating Lactobionic Acid and PHAs into Your Skincare Routine
● Summary: Lactobionic Acid vs Other PHAs
Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are an emerging class of skincare acids gaining popularity due to their gentle yet effective exfoliating and moisturizing properties. Among the PHAs, lactobionic acid often stands out, but it is one of several types, each with distinct features and benefits. This article explores the nature of PHAs broadly, with a focus on lactobionic acid and how it compares to other common PHAs like gluconolactone and galactose. We will discuss their chemical properties, skin benefits, tolerability, and how to choose the right PHA for your skincare needs.
Polyhydroxy acids are a subclass of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) but feature multiple hydroxyl groups on their molecular structure. This molecular difference impacts their size and function on the skin. Unlike traditional AHAs such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, PHAs have larger molecules. For example, lactobionic acid is a disaccharide acid derived from lactose (milk sugar) with multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups.[1][3][5]
- Large molecular size: The bigger structure prevents them from penetrating deeply, limiting irritation.
- Humectant properties: Multiple hydroxyl groups make PHAs highly effective at attracting water, increasing skin hydration.
- Gentle exfoliation: They exfoliate dead skin cells on the surface without causing aggressive peeling or burning.
- Antioxidant benefits: Many PHAs, including lactobionic acid, have antioxidant effects that protect skin from oxidative stress and UV damage.
- Suitable for sensitive skin: Their mildness makes PHAs tolerable for dry, sensitive, or rosacea-prone skin types.[3][7][1]
In contrast, the smaller AHAs, while effective exfoliants, can cause more irritation and dryness, especially on sensitive skin.
Lactobionic acid (LBA) is gaining traction for its unique combination of gentle exfoliation and potent antioxidant activity. Derived from milk sugar, lactobionic acid contains six hydroxyl groups, which contribute to its exceptional humectant ability and antioxidant power.[1][3]
- Mild exfoliation: The large molecule size means lactobionic acid works on the skin surface to remove dead cells gently, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation without irritation.
- Hydration: Its ability to attract and bind water plumps the skin and restores moisture balance.
- Antioxidant protection: It scavenges free radicals and protects collagen by inhibiting enzymes that degrade skin proteins, such as metalloproteinases, which increase with UV exposure and age.
- Soothing effects: Suited for dry, sensitive, and rosacea-prone skin, it causes less redness or burning compared to AHAs.
- Daily use: Its mildness allows for consistent daily application without the common side effects of harsher acids.[5][7][3][1]
Like other PHAs, lactobionic acid's large molecular structure delays penetration, resulting in a gradual exfoliation that improves skin texture over time without provoking irritation. It is often differentiated from lactic acid (an AHA also derived from milk) by its gentler impact and additional antioxidant properties.[3][1]
While lactobionic acid is popular, it is important to know its PHA counterparts:
- A sugar acid with moisturizing and exfoliating properties.
- Smaller than lactobionic acid but still larger than AHAs.
- Strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Suitable for sensitive skin with less irritation than AHAs.
- Often found in formulations aimed at brightening and smoothing skin texture.[7][5][1][3]
- Another PHA, naturally occurring sugar.
- Similar humectant and exfoliating capabilities but less commonly used in skincare.
- Gentle on skin with hydrating and soothing benefits.[9][1][3]
| Feature | Lactobionic Acid | Gluconolactone | Other PHAs (e.g., Galactose) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molecular Size | Large (larger than gluconolactone) | Medium (smaller than lactobionic acid) | Medium to large |
| Exfoliation Strength | Gentle | Gentle to moderate | Gentle |
| Hydration | High humectant ability | High humectant ability | High humectant ability |
| Antioxidant Properties | Strong antioxidant and collagen protection | Moderate antioxidant | Moderate antioxidant |
| Skin Sensitivity Suitability | Excellent for sensitive, dry skin | Suitable for sensitive skin | Suitable for sensitive skin |
| Common Skin Benefits | Reduces fine lines, brightens skin, soothes | Brightens, smooths, reduces redness | Hydrates, smooths, brightens |
| Use Frequency | Daily | Daily or regular | Daily or regular |
AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid are smaller molecules that penetrate more deeply to exfoliate the skin's surface and sometimes the upper dermis. This can lead to more immediate exfoliation effects but with a higher risk of irritation, dryness, and sun sensitivity.
BHAs, mainly salicylic acid, are oil-soluble acids that exfoliate inside pores and are excellent for oily or acne-prone skin. They reduce sebum and inflammation but may be too harsh for very sensitive or dry skin.
PHAs combine exfoliation, hydration, and antioxidant properties with low irritation. They act mainly on the skin surface due to their large molecular size, making them an excellent option for those who find AHAs or BHAs too aggressive.[5][7][3]
- For dry or sensitive skin, lactobionic acid is an ideal choice due to its soothing and hydrating effects.
- If you want antioxidant protection alongside exfoliation, lactobionic acid or gluconolactone are great options.
- For those with mild sensitivity or redness, gluconolactone may be suitable.
- For daily gentle exfoliation, PHAs are generally safer and better tolerated than AHAs or BHAs.
- Start with lower concentrations (around 5-10%) to assess skin tolerance.
- Apply after cleansing and before heavier moisturizers or oils.
- Use sunscreen daily since exfoliating acids can increase photosensitivity.
- If using both AHAs/BHAs and PHAs, alternate days or use PHAs for sensitive areas and AHAs/BHAs for others.
- Mild tingling or initial dryness, especially when starting.
- Rarely cause burning or redness unlike stronger AHAs.
- Long-term use improves hydration and skin barrier function.
Lactobionic acid stands out among polyhydroxy acids for its superior hydrating, antioxidant, and collagen-protecting effects, making it highly suitable for sensitive, dry, or aging skin. Other PHAs like gluconolactone offer similar hydration and gentle exfoliation with slightly different antioxidant profiles. Compared to AHAs and BHAs, PHAs provide a gentler exfoliation experience with additional moisturizing and antioxidant benefits, which reduces irritation and enhances skin barrier health.
Q1: What makes lactobionic acid different from lactic acid?
Lactobionic acid is a polyhydroxy acid with multiple hydroxyl groups, making it gentler and more hydrating than lactic acid, which is a traditional AHA with a smaller molecule. Lactobionic acid also offers antioxidant and collagen-protecting benefits that lactic acid lacks.
Q2: Can I use lactobionic acid with AHAs or BHAs?
Yes, but it's best to alternate days or apply on different areas to minimize irritation. Lactobionic acid can soothe and hydrate skin, helping to reduce inflammation caused by stronger acids.
Q3: Are PHAs suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, PHAs, including lactobionic acid and gluconolactone, are generally well tolerated by sensitive skin because of their large molecule size and moisturizing properties.
Q4: How often should I use PHA products?
Most people can use PHAs daily due to their gentle exfoliation and hydrating effects. However, always start slowly and monitor your skin's response.
Q5: Do PHAs provide sun protection?
While PHAs have antioxidant properties that protect skin from some UV-induced damage, they do not replace sunscreen. Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day when using exfoliating acids.
[1] https://www.shanidarden.com/blogs/shanis-skin-care-tips/what-is-pha
[2] https://patents.google.com/patent/CN118028387A/zh
[3] https://naturium.com/blogs/the-lab-journal/polyhydroxy-acid-the-new-generation-of-ahas
[4] https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2024087609A1/zh
[5] https://www.lancome-usa.com/beauty-magazine/skincare/polyhydroxy-acids-gluconolactone-skincare-guide.html
[6] https://patents.google.com/patent/CN106687502A/zh
[7] https://www.dermacaredirect.com/advice/polyhydroxy-acids
[8] https://patents.google.com/patent/CN1158383C/zh
[9] https://trinnylondon.com/us/blog/difference-between-pha-and-aha
[10] https://patents.google.com/patent/CN101133102A/zh
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