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Exfoliant

Gluconolactone

Often labeled as: PHA

The massive, hydrating acid molecule.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ
Overall Safety Safe
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Pregnancy Safety Safe
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Comedogenic (0-5) 0 / 5
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Irritancy (0-5) 0 / 5

๐Ÿ”ฌ How It Actually Works

A Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) that functions similarly to AHAs but with a much larger molecular size. It exfoliates exclusively on the surface while acting as a profound humectant and antioxidant.

๐Ÿ’– Why your skin loves it

Sweeps away surface flakes, binds massive hydration, and protects against free radicals.

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip

The gold-standard daily exfoliant for Rosacea and severe eczema.

โš–๏ธ Myth vs. Fact

The Myth

It makes the skin sun-sensitive.

The Science

Unlike AHAs, PHAs do not increase your skin's sensitivity to UV rays.

๐Ÿงด Formulations featuring Gluconolactone

โ˜… 8.9
BHA PHA Bright Pore Refining Exfoliating Gel
Aiken
BHA PHA Bright Pore Refining Exfoliating Gel
Exfoliant

A highly effective, purely synthetic peeling gel. It operates by utilizing Cellulose polymers that instantly clump together when rubbed on the skin, physically grabbing dead keratin flakes without severe micro-tearing. It is buffered with chemical exfoliants like Salicylic Acid and Gluconolactone.

โ˜… 9.2
BHA PHA Bright Pore Refining 10% AHA BHA PHA Triple Serum
Aiken
BHA PHA Bright Pore Refining 10% AHA BHA PHA Triple Serum
Serum

A heavy-duty, high-performance acid serum. Combining a powerful 10 percent blend of AHA (Glycolic and Lactic Acid), BHA (Salicylic Acid), and PHA (Gluconolactone), it operates as a chemical peeling powerhouse. It rapidly digests the intracellular glue binding dead skin flakes while diving deep into the pore to dissolve oxidized sebum plugs. Buffered with Vitamin C to tackle post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation safely.

โ˜… 9.4
BHA PHA Brightening & Pore Refining Concentrated Exfoliating Water
Aiken
BHA PHA Brightening & Pore Refining Concentrated Exfoliating Water
Toner

A highly potent, multi-tiered chemical exfoliant. It merges the deep resurfacing power of an AHA (Glycolic Acid) with a gentle PHA (Gluconolactone) and a pore-clearing BHA (Salicylic Acid). By buffering this intense acid matrix with Glycerin and Betaine, it successfully digests dead keratin layers and liquefies oxidized blackheads rapidly. This is a genuinely strong treatment fluid disguised as an affordable drugstore toner.

โ˜… 8.6
BHA PHA Pore Refining Cleanser
Aiken
BHA PHA Pore Refining Cleanser
Cleanser

A traditional, heavy-duty saponified foaming cleanser designed to tackle stubborn congestion. It relies on a matrix of Myristic, Stearic, and Lauric acids neutralized by Potassium Hydroxide to create a massive, dense lather. The addition of Gluconolactone (PHA) and Salicylic Acid (BHA) provides mild chemical exfoliation during the wash phase, successfully dissolving oxidized sebum plugs for combination to oily skin phenotypes.

โ˜… 8.8
BHA PHA Brightening & Pore Refining Clay Mask
Aiken
BHA PHA Brightening & Pore Refining Clay Mask
Treatment

A deeply purifying kaolin clay mask designed for severe congestion. It operates by utilizing physical clay absorption to draw out excess sebum while delivering BHA and PHA directly into the pore structure. This dual-action approach dissolves hardened blackheads completely. Because it contains Kaolin, it will dry down and tighten on the face, requiring a thorough wash after 10 minutes.