Glycolic Acid (AHA)

Refresh dull, tired skin with Paula’s Choice Malaysia’s range of AHA skincare products, expertly formulated to exfoliate gently and reveal a brighter, smoother complexion.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are a group of natural, water-soluble acids—including glycolic acid and lactic acid—widely used in skincare for their exfoliating benefits. Found in skincare products like facial cleansers, toners, exfoliators, serums, face moisturisers, and creams, AHA skincare products work to remove dead skin cells, revealing a brighter, smoother, and more radiant complexion with continued use.

Benefits of Integrating AHA Glycolic Acid into Skincare Routine

Regular use of glycolic acid skincare can visibly improve your skin’s clarity, texture, and tone. Here are some of the key benefits:

Exfoliate Skin Surface

AHAs gently dissolve the outermost layer of dead skin, especially rough or flaky patches, helping your skin shed naturally. This prevents buildup and clogged pores, creating a clearer surface.

Improve Skin Brightness & Radiance

By removing dull, dead skin, AHA products allow fresh skin to reflect light more effectively—making your complexion appear noticeably more luminous and vibrant.

Smoother & Softer Skin Texture

Consistent exfoliation with AHA exfoliators helps refine uneven skin texture. Skin feels significantly smoother and softer to the touch.

Reduce Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Over time, AHAs—especially glycolic acid—can stimulate collagen production. This helps improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and superficial wrinkles.

Fades Hyperpigmentation

AHAs encourage faster skin turnover, helping fade sunspots, acne scars, melasma, and other dark spots. This results in a more even and uniform skin tone.

Enhanced Hydration (Especially Lactic Acid)

Lactic acid, a type of AHA, also acts as a natural humectant. It draws moisture into the skin and, when combined with exfoliation, allows hydrating ingredients to absorb more effectively—leaving skin plump and supple.

Improve Absorption of Other Skincare Products

By removing the layer of dead skin cells, glycolic acid toners and exfoliants help your serums, creams, and treatments penetrate more deeply and work more effectively.

If you have a medical skin condition—such as eczema, severe irritation, or folliculitis—please consult a dermatologist before introducing glycolic acid skincare into your routine.

Variety of AHA Skincare Products

From gentle daily exfoliants to intensive peels, AHA skincare products come in a range of strengths and formats to suit every skin type and concern.

8% AHA Gel Exfoliant

The 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant is a cult-favourite leave-on formula suitable for most skin types. With 8% glycolic acid, it works to smooth rough patches, brighten dull skin, improve texture, and reduce fine lines—without the need to rinse off. A reliable go-to for effective yet gentle daily exfoliation.

CLINICAL 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel

The 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel is our most intensive at-home peel. This rinse-off treatment combines 25% AHAs with 2% salicylic acid to deliver visible skin renewal. Use once or twice a week to target deep wrinkles, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, and signs of sun damage.

RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% AHA

Formulated with a lotion texture, the Daily Smoothing Treatment 5% AHA delivers light exfoliation alongside hydration and anti-aging benefits. Containing 5% glycolic acid, it's ideal for normal to dry skin types looking to incorporate a milder glycolic acid product into their routine. 

6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

Perfect for sensitive, acne-prone, or rosacea-prone skin, the 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant offers gentle exfoliation with minimal irritation. Mandelic acid penetrates slowly to refine texture, while lactic acid hydrates and supports the skin’s natural moisture barrier—making it suitable for beginners or easily reactive skin.

How to Choose the Right AHA Skin Products

When incorporating AHA skincare products into your routine, it’s important to choose one that suits your skin type, sensitivity level, and specific concerns. Here's a guide to help you navigate your options:

Understand the Types of AHA 

Glycolic Acid

With the smallest molecular size, glycolic acid penetrates quickly and deeply—making it ideal for normal, oily, resilient, or mature skin. It offers powerful exfoliation, stimulates collagen, brightens skin tone, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid has a slightly larger molecular structure, making it gentler and more hydrating than glycolic acid. It helps to brighten dull skin, smooth rough texture, and support the skin’s natural moisturising factor. Ideal for normal, dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin, and great for beginners.

Mandelic Acid

With the largest molecule, mandelic acid is the most gentle. It offers mild exfoliation and antibacterial benefits—suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or rosacea-prone skin. It's also preferred by those with darker skin tones as it poses less risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Other AHAs

Acids like tartaric, malic, and citric acid are often used in blends to enhance exfoliation and provide antioxidant support.

Consider Skin Type & Sensitivity

• Sensitive Skin / Beginners: Start with low concentrations of lactic or mandelic acid.
• Normal / Oily / Resilient Skin: Glycolic acid works well for deeper exfoliation.
• Dry / Dehydrated Skin: Lactic acid provides exfoliation plus hydration.
• Acne-Prone Skin: Mandelic acid (for its antibacterial and PIH-safe properties), or glycolic acid.
• Aging / Sun-Damaged Skin: Glycolic acid helps improve firmness and reduce visible signs of aging.

Identify Skin Concerns

• Fine Lines & Wrinkles: Glycolic acid for its collagen-stimulating effects.
• Dullness / Brightening: All AHAs improve radiance (choose based on skin sensitivity)
• Hyperpigmentation / PIH: All AHAs help fade dark spots; mandelic acid is gentler on darker skin tones.
• Rough Texture / Flakiness: All AHAs help to smooth and refine.
• Acne & Post-Acne Marks: Mandelic acid is ideal for breakout-prone skin.

Concentration Level & Product Type

• Low (2–5%): Gentle enough for daily use
• Medium (5–10%): Balanced exfoliation, typically in leave-on gels or serums
• High (15%+): Best for experienced users; usually found in wash-off peels or intensive treatments.

Always wear sunscreen when using glycolic acid skincare, as AHAs increase skin’s sensitivity to sun. Introduce new products slowly and monitor your skin’s response.

For skin concerns like eczema, folliculitis, or persistent irritation, please consult a dermatologist in Malaysia before starting AHA products.