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When it comes to exfoliants, you no longer have to choose between brighter skin and a happy skin barrier. The best PHA products deliver both, gently whisking away dead skin cells while helping skin stay comfortable. "PHAs, or polyhydroxy acids, are a type of chemical exfoliant—and what makes them special is that they slough off surface buildup much more gently than other acids," says Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans. The most common PHAs you'll spot on ingredient labels are gluconolactone, lactobionic acid, and galactose.
Like alpha hydroxy acids, PHAs work on the skin's surface to smooth texture and brighten the complexion, but “their larger molecular structures reduce the risk of deep penetration through the epidermis, making them a particularly gentle exfoliating option for dry, sensitive, or easily irritated skin,” says Carlos Vieira, a board-certified dermatologist based in Philadelphia. Better yet, "they also act as humectants, meaning they attract water to the skin," adds Dr. Turegano, so you get brighter and hydrated skin with less irritation. The only catch is that PHAs aren't a replacement for pore-clearing salicylic acid (betahydroxy acids are oil-soluble and dive deeper into pores to dissolve excess oil and congestion, making them a better fit for acne-prone skin).
Our Top PHA Products
- Best Overall: Eadam Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant & Hydrating Essence, $42
- Best for Large Pores: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner, $36
- Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox Serum, $150
- Best for Sensitive Skin: The Inkey List PHA Toner, $15
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Are PHAs good for sensitive skin?
- Can I use PHAs every day?
- Do PHAs play well with other actives like retinol or vitamin C?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Ahead, we've rounded up the Allure-approved PHA serums, toners, pads, and exfoliants that leave skin smoother and brighter without compromising your moisture barrier.
Best Overall: Eadam Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant & Hydrating Essence
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Eadem
Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant & Hydrating Essence
Amazon
Sephora
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Eadam Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant & Hydrating Essence
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: A winner of our 2024 Best of Beauty Award, Eadem’s Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliating & Hydrating Essence stars the brand's proprietary FastFade Complex, which combines gluconolactone, lactic acid, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, and citric acid to “visibly even skin tone by gently sweeping away dull, pigment-packed surface cells to reveal brighter skin underneath,” says Dr. Vieira.
“It's the perfect pick for anyone dealing with stubborn post-breakout marks or melasma but still wanting that smooth, glowy 'fresh skin' without adding five extra steps to their routine,” he says. "What really makes this formula stand out is how soothing it feels.” Panthenol calms inflammation and supports the skin barrier, while rice water, colloidal oatmeal extract, and glycerin add an extra layer of comfort. It simply feels nice too: "The texture is lightweight, milky, and silky on the skin with an elegant finish,” he says.
Han before applying the Eadam Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant & Hydrating Essence
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Eadam Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant & Hydrating Essence
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“Not only do I love the substantial texture of a milky toner, but the Cashmere Peel offers the best of both worlds—hydrating and exfoliating—it really goes above and beyond. It leaves my skin with a visible glow that even my phone camera can pick up, but more importantly, it sloughs away dead skin cells and makes my almightily annoying nose blackheads less noticeable. My skin does feel a bit tacky afterward, but I think it helps my serum, moisturizing sunscreen, and makeup apply all the better and smoother.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- PHA percentage: 9% AHA + PHA blend
- Key ingredients: gluconolactone, lactic, azelaic, tranexamic, citric acids, rice water, colloidal oatmeal extract, glycerin, panthenol
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Large Pores: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
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Glow Recipe
Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Amazon
Sephora
Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino applying the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Elizabeth Gulino
Why it’s worth it: Inspired by the Korean aqua peel facial—a treatment similar to a HydraFacial that deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and floods skin with hydrating serums—Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner delivers a gentler at-home alternative. It won't replicate the dramatic results of an in-office treatment, but it does nudge skin toward that same hydrated, glassy glow with minimal irritation. The formula “combines gentle 3% gluconolactone paired with betaine salicylate (a naturally derived BHA) to clear congested pores,” says Dr. Turegano. (BHA, which you might know as salicylic acid, is oil-soluble, so it can penetrate and clear out clogged pores from within.) A 62% “blend of watermelon extract and cactus water, along with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and polyglutamic acid, keeps skin feeling soothed, hydrated, and balanced,” she adds.
Gulino before applying the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Elizabeth Gulino
Gulino after applying the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Elizabeth Gulino
Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino
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“This exfoliating toner works magic on my pores—I usually apply it with a cotton pad and am left with smooth and hydrated skin. While the scent of watermelon in this product is definitely noticeable, it's a plus if you're into fruity, summery fragrances.” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer
More to know
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- PHA percentage: 3%
- Key ingredients: gluconolactone, betaine salicylate, watermelon extract, cactus water, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox Serum
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SkinCeuticals
P-Tiox Serum
SkinCeuticals
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Why it's worth it: The peptides in this 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner may get lots of love, but they don't deserve all the credit for the formula’s smoothing abilities. The SkinCeuticals P-Tiox Serum also packs 5% gluconolactone, along with 5% niacinamide to even out hyperpigmentation and support the skin barrier and 1% laminaria digitata extract (“derived from sea kelp extract, which delivers antioxidant protection,” Rachel Westbay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure). Together, they target aging skin from multiple angles, improving texture and luminosity while “softening the appearance of expression lines and wrinkles," says Dr. Turegano.
Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox
Jessica Cruel
Cruel after applying the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox
Jessica Cruel
Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel
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“There is a combination of peptides, niacinamide, and PHA in this serum to help target a very specific sign of aging: expression lines. As someone who loves to laugh, I am particularly concerned about my nasolabial folds a.k.a. smile lines. I use this serum so they don't get any worse. I have to say, I find my filler is lasting a lot longer in that area. It is not a complete replacement for aesthetic treatments like filler or neurotoxin, but this serum can complement those in-office treatments as maintenance. I like to switch off between this and my retinol.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
More to know
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- PHA percentage: 5%
- Key ingredients: gluconolactone, 5% niacinamide, 1% laminaria digitata extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Acne: Some by Mi AHA BHA PHDA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad
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Some by Mi
AHA BHA PHDA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Ask an Allure editor where they first fell for PHAs, and don't be surprised if the answer starts with K-beauty, as Korean skincare has long prioritized gentle, barrier-conscious formulas that don't skimp on results. Some By Mi's AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pads are a bit stronger than your average PHA formula, so we'd stick to using them once or twice a week. That’s because lactobionic acid works in tandem with 0.5% betaine salicylate (a gentler BHA derived from beets), citric acid, and 85% willow bark water to smooth rough texture, clear clogged pores, and rein in excess oil. While the PHA provides gentle resurfacing and hydration, tea tree and the brand's soothing Truecica complex, spotlighting Centella asiatica, calm and balance acne-prone and oily skin.
Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann using the Some by Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after using the Some by Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“I treat these toner pads like a first aid kit for my skin. Whenever I'm inconsistent about skin care, the first place the neglect starts to show is around my nose and chin, where I'm prone to clogged pores. Whenever I notice this kind of congestion, a day or two of using these exfoliating pads clears that right up. My skin is pretty sensitive, so I appreciate how these toner pads are perfectly dosed with the right amount of product, so I don't need to stress about over-exfoliating. The first time I used these after a week of not-so-great skin, I woke up the next day and genuinely thought, ‘Well, that made my skin perfect.'" —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
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- PHA percentage: 0.01%
- Key ingredients: lactobionic acid, 85% willow bark extract, tea tree oil, betaine salicylate, Centella asiatica extract, 0.01% citric acid
- Fragrance-free: free of synthetic fragrance, but has peppermint oil
Best for Sensitive Skin: The Inkey List PHA Toner
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The Inkey List
PHA Toner
Amazon
Sephora
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying The Inkey List PHA Toner
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: Known for its less-is-more approach to skin care, The Inkey List has built its reputation on making active ingredients easy to understand—and The Inkey List PHA Toner, aptly named for its hero ingredient, is a prime example. The straightforward formula doesn't try to do too much beyond its core ingredients, which include “a lower concentration of 3% gluconolactone to gently smooth rough skin texture,” says Dr. Vieira. It’s paired with 3% niacinamide to brighten and support the skin barrier, while aloe vera and glycerin replenish moisture so skin never feels stripped. Sensitive skin types will especially appreciate the gentle approach, as will anyone dealing with redness or rosacea, according to Dr. Turegano.
Lee before applying The Inkey List PHA Toner
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying The Inkey List PHA Toner
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“The Inkey List PHA Toner is about as uncomplicated as a toner gets. There's no sting, no irritation, no sticky residue, and no scent, so it gets to work smoothing away rough, built-up skin without making my sensitive skin unhappy. I did notice a tiny bit of pilling before makeup one morning, but I suspect that had more to do with all the dead skin it was lifting (and me not giving it quite enough time to dry) than the formula itself. Its travel-friendly size makes it easy to bring along wherever you go—I'm almost out for toting this around and definitely need to restock." —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- PHA percentage: 3%
- Key ingredients: gluconolactone, 3% niacinamide, aloe vera, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Uneven Texture: Mara Flower Acid Algae Serum
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Mara
Flower Acid Algae Serum
Amazon
Sephora
Bluemercury
Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Mara Flower Acid Algae Serum
Sarah Kinonen
Why it's worth it: If you already have dry skin, the last thing you want is an exfoliant that leaves it feeling even more parched. Mara’s Flower Acid Algae Serum proves that gentle exfoliation and deep hydration can coexist. Alongside gluconolactone and 11% lactic acid to smooth rough texture and lift away dull skin, the formula is packed with moisturizing squalane, hydrating glycerin, and a blend of nourishing botanical oils (including milk thistle seed, black currant, and evening primrose) to replenish lipids as it exfoliates. Marine algae and plankton extracts support the skin barrier and boost hydration, while antioxidant-rich flower extracts, such as daisy and hibiscus, brighten the complexion. Plus, it won a Best of Beauty Award in our clean category, meaning it's formulated without the 14 ingredient classes outlined in our Clean Standard.
Kinonen before applying the Mara Flower Acid Algae Serum
Sarah Kinonen
Kinonen after applying the Mara Flower Acid Algae Serum
Sarah Kinonen
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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“I use this serum every other night in place of my prescription Tretinoin. After cleansing and before moisturizer, I massage a small pump into my skin from my forehead down my neck. As someone who has easily irritated skin, this never causes the usual side effects I experience with potent serums, like inflammation and/or flaking. Instead, it leaves my skin feeling smooth and looking glowy. I'll admit that $74 for an exfoliating serum is a bit pricey, but I promise it's worth the investment! I've recommended it to so many friends and family members, and they've all agreed with how great the results are.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
More to know
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- PHA percentage: not disclosed
- Key ingredients: gluconolactone, 11% lactic acid, squalane, glycerin, milk thistle seed oil, black currant oil, evening primrose oil, marine algae, plankton extracts, daisy, hibiscus
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Are PHAs good for sensitive skin?
PHAs are widely considered one of the best exfoliating acids for sensitive skin. "Because they have a larger molecular size than AHAs like glycolic acid, they penetrate more slowly and tend to cause less stinging, redness, and irritation while still helping to smooth texture and brighten the skin," says Dr. Turegano. Another bonus: "PHAs have humectant properties, so they attract water to the skin while they exfoliate," she says. That means you get the smoothing and brightening benefits of chemical exfoliation without the tight, stripped feeling that can sometimes accompany stronger acids. If your skin is dry, reactive, or easily irritated, PHAs are an excellent place to start. “If you’re experiencing any irritation with a PHA though, it’s your body’s way of telling you it’s time to dial back frequency,” adds Dr. Vieira.
Can I use PHAs every day?
For many people, yes. "PHAs are gentle enough to be used daily," says Dr. Turegano. But how often you should reach for them “depends on your skin type, the strength of the formula, and what other active ingredients are already in your routine,” she says. If you're new to exfoliating acids or have sensitive skin, she recommends easing in by using a PHA product “a few times a week, then gradually increasing to daily use as your skin tolerates it,” she says. As with any exfoliant, pay attention to signs of overdoing it—like persistent redness, dryness, or stinging—and scale back if needed.
Do PHAs play well with other actives like retinol or vitamin C?
"PHAs generally play very well with other skin-care ingredients, including retinoids and vitamin C," says Dr. Turegano. Because they're gentler than stronger exfoliating acids, they're less likely to compound irritation. That said, if you have sensitive skin or are layering multiple actives, Dr. Turegano recommends “introducing new products gradually and paying close attention to how your skin responds before increasing frequency.”
Meet the experts
- Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist based in New Orleans
- Carlos Vieira, a board-certified dermatologist at The Dermatology Specialists based in Philadelphia
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best PHA products, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from makeup artists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.