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
Leave a comment (all fields required)