PHA (Gluconolactone): effective % & pH PHA
⚡ Quick answer: PHA (Gluconolactone): effective concentration 4–10% (gluconolactone/lactobionic), optimal pH 3.0–4.5, evidence Moderate. PHA percentages run higher than AHA/BHA because the molecule is bigger and milder; a '10% PHA' is gentler than a '10% glycolic,' so don't read the numbers as equivalent.
How much PHA (Gluconolactone) actually works? Here's the dosage, pH and evidence — the formulator-level read behind the % on a Korean label.
| Effective % | 4–10% (gluconolactone/lactobionic) |
|---|---|
| Optimal pH | 3.0–4.5 |
| Evidence | Moderate |
| Onset | 4–8 weeks |
What the % on the label really means
PHA percentages run higher than AHA/BHA because the molecule is bigger and milder; a '10% PHA' is gentler than a '10% glycolic,' so don't read the numbers as equivalent.
⚠️ Ceiling: Larger molecules are gentler, so even higher % stays mild — but irritation can still creep up past ~10%.
PHA (Gluconolactone) guide →How PHA (Gluconolactone) 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.