AHA (Glycolic/Lactic): effective % & pH AHA
⚡ Quick answer: AHA (Glycolic/Lactic): effective concentration 5–10% (glycolic OTC); lactic up to ~10%, optimal pH 3.0–4.0, evidence Strong. A 5–10% glycolic/lactic at pH 3–4 is the effective OTC zone; a high % at very low pH is a professional-style peel, not daily care.
How much AHA (Glycolic/Lactic) actually works? Here's the dosage, pH and evidence — the formulator-level read behind the % on a Korean label.
| Effective % | 5–10% (glycolic OTC); lactic up to ~10% |
|---|---|
| Optimal pH | 3.0–4.0 |
| Evidence | Strong |
| Onset | 2–6 weeks |
What the % on the label really means
A 5–10% glycolic/lactic at pH 3–4 is the effective OTC zone; a high % at very low pH is a professional-style peel, not daily care.
⚠️ Ceiling: Above ~10% (or pH below ~3) sharply increases stinging and barrier stress for home use.
AHA (Glycolic/Lactic) guide →How AHA (Glycolic/Lactic) works →
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Explore the full K-beauty hub →✍️ Written & reviewed by the KoreaPlus Editorial team — dermatologist-informed, cosmetic-science researched & source-cited. Last reviewed 2026-06-21.
General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording — not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. © KoreaPlus.