In The Spotlight: Acids

In the Spotlight: Acids

   Some may find the word ‘acid’ a little intimidating, but not all acids are scary. Yes, some acids should be used cautiously, but many are gentle, hydrating, and even used to repair the skin. You will find many different types of acids in skincare products, and understanding where they come from and how or if they are beneficial to your skin is great information to know. 
Here we will break down which acids are most beneficial for you depending on your skin concerns as well as learn where these acids come from and what they do. All the acids below are found in Mikel Kristi products.

Lactic Acid:

An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates the skin, improves skin texture and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also has hydrating properties and can improve skin firmness.

Derived from:
Fermented dairy products (yogurt) as well as fruits and vegetables

Skin Concern:
Aging Skin, Dark Spots, Redness, Blemish Prone, Dry, Sensitive, Pores

Formulated In:
Refreshing Botanical Wash + Bio Peptide Swipes 10%

Malic Acid:

An AHA that exfoliates the skin, promotes cell turnover, and helps to improve skin texture. It also has antioxidant properties and can help to reduce the signs of aging.

Found in:
Fruits (apples & grapes)

Skin Concern:
Aging Skin, Dark Spots, Redness, Blemish Prone, Sensitive, Dry, Pores

Formulated In:
Refreshing Botanical Wash, Restore Body Cream Exfoliant, + Restore Exfoliating Body Lotion

Tartaric Acid:

An AHA that exfoliates the skin, improves skin texture and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also has antioxidant properties and can help to brighten the complexion.

Found in:
Grapes

Skin Concern:
Aging Skin, Dark Spots, Redness, Blemish Prone, Dry, Pores, Sensitive (in low concentrations)

Formulated In:
Refreshing Botanical Wash, Restore Body Cream Exfoliant, + Restore Exfoliating Body Lotion

Thioctic Acid/ Alpha Lipoic Acid:

Contains antioxidant properties and can help reduce inflammation and improve skin texture.

Found in:
Vegetables such as spinach and broccoli

Skin Concern:
Aging Skin, Dark Spots, Redness, Blemish Prone, Sensitive, Dry, Pores

Formulated In:
EltaMD SPF 41

Glycolic Acid:

An AHA that exfoliates the skin, improves skin texture, brightens the complexion, and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help to stimulate collagen production.

Derived from:
Sugar Cane

Skin Concern:
Aging Skin, Dark Spots, Blemish Prone, Dry, Pores, Sensitive (in low concentrations)

Formulated In:
Rejuvenating Swipes, Restore Body Cream Exfoliant, Restore Exfoliating Body Lotion

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid:

A stable derivative of vitamin C that has antioxidant properties and can help to brighten the complexion, even out skin tone, and stimulate collagen production.

Derivative of:
Vitamin C

Skin Concern:
Aging Skin, Dark Spots, Redness, Blemish Prone, Sensitive, Dry, Pores

Formulated In:
Vital C Repair Serum + C Radiance Moisturizer

Phytic Acid:

An AHA that exfoliates the skin, improves skin texture and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also has antioxidant properties and can help to brighten the complexion.

Found in: 
Grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes

Skin Concern:
Aging Skin, Dark Spots, Redness, Blemish Prone, Sensitive, Dry, Pores

Formulated In:
Bio Peptide Swipes 10% + Vital A Boosting Cream

Citric Acid:

Acts as an exfoliant to even skin tone and brighten the skin. Its antioxidant properties can also stimulate collagen production. Also used as a natural preservative.

Found in: 
Citrus fruits (lemons & oranges)

Skin Concern:
Aging Skin, Dark Spots, Redness, Blemish Prone, Dry, Pores, Sensitive (in low concentrations)

Formulated In:
Most of our products

Glycyrrhetinic Acid:

Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it useful for soothing irritated skin and reducing redness.

Derived from: 
Licorice Root

Skin Concern:
Redness, Sensitive

Formulated In:
Vital C Repair Serum

Oleanolic Acid:

Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it helps to support overall skin health.

Derived from:
Olives & Other Fruits

Skin Concern:
Redness

Formulated In:
Vital A Boosting Cream

Levulinic Acid: 

Has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for treating acne and other skin conditions. It also has exfoliating properties and can help to improve skin texture.

Derived from: 
Sugar Cane

Skin Concern:
Blemish Prone

Formulated In:
Refreshing Swipes

Glucuronic Acid:

Known for its hydrating properties, glucuronic acid helps to maintain the skin's moisture barrier to soften, smooth, and plump

Derived from: 
Sugar

Skin Concern:
Aging, Sensitive, Dry

Formulated In:
Refreshing Swipes

Palmitic Acid:

A fatty acid that helps to replenish the skin's lipid barrier, keeping it soft, smooth, and hydrated.

Found In:
Palm Oil

Skin Concern:
Sensitive, Dry

Formulated In:
Vital C Repair Serum

Stearic Acid:

A fatty acid that helps to replenish the skin's lipid barrier, keeping it soft, smooth, and hydrated.

Found in: 
Cocoa beans and some vegetables

Skin Concern: 
Sensitive

Formulated In:
Revital Eyes, Bio Sculpt Firming Cream, Restore Body Cream Exfoliant, Vital A Boosting Cream

Linoleic Acid:

An essential fatty acid that helps to replenish the skin's lipid barrier

Found in:
Vegetable oils such as sunflower oil

Skin Concern:
Sensitive

Formulated In:
EltaMD SPF 41

Ursolic Acid:

Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for protecting the skin from environmental damage and soothing irritated skin.

Found in:
Apple Peels

Skin Concern:
Sensitive

Formulated In:
Vital A Boosting Cream

Hyaluronic Acid:

Known for its exceptional moisture-retaining ability, it helps to plump and hydrate the skin.

Sourced from: 
Fermented Bacteria (in vegan form)

Skin Concern:
Sensitive, Dry

Formulated In:
Bio Peptide Hydrating Lotion, Revital Eye, + Bio Peptide Recovery Serum

Natural Acids Used As Preservatives
that help to prevent microbial growth in skincare products.

Caprylhydroxamic Acid:

Derived from:
Coconut Oil

Sorbic Acid:

Found in:
Fruits such as raspberries & blueberries

P-Anisic Acid:

Derived from:
Anise

Acids in skincare don’t have to be intimidating—when used correctly, they can transform your skin by targeting concerns like aging, dark spots, dryness, and blemishes. Whether you're looking for gentle hydration or powerful exfoliation, there's an acid that can work for you.
If you’re new to acids, start slow, patch test, and listen to your skin. And as always, don’t forget sunscreen—many acids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun!
Have questions or want personalized recommendations? Drop a comment below or reach out—we’re here to help you and your skin in any way that we can!

Here's to facing every day with confidence (and knowledge)!

Xo, Christy Hall - PAC, MPAS