How PHA (Gluconolactone) works PHA
โก Quick answer: How does PHA (Gluconolactone) work? PHAs (e.g. gluconolactone) are larger polyhydroxy acids that exfoliate the surface like AHAs but penetrate more slowly, making them gentler and well-suited to sensitive skin new to acids; their multiple hydroxyl groups also bind water for added hydration and they
PHAs (e.g. gluconolactone) are larger polyhydroxy acids that exfoliate the surface like AHAs but penetrate more slowly, making them gentler and well-suited to sensitive skin new to acids; their multiple hydroxyl groups also bind water for added hydration and they carry mild antioxidant activity.
| Acts on | very gentle exfoliation + hydration |
|---|---|
| Evidence | Moderate |
๐ฌ The honest ceiling: The gentlest exfoliating acid; slower and milder resurfacing than AHA/BHA, suited to reactive skin.
PHA (Gluconolactone) guide โEffective % & pH โ
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Explore the full K-beauty hub โโ๏ธ Written & reviewed by the KoreaPlus Editorial team โ dermatologist-informed, cosmetic-science researched & source-cited. Last reviewed 2026-06-21.
General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording โ not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. ยฉ KoreaPlus.