On the distinction between glycolic acid and fruit acid (AHA) or salicylic acid (BHA)
The key to skin care is to distinguish the ingredients. Glycolic acid is gradually famous in the skin care industry, but it needs to be analyzed in detail whether it is fruit acid (AHA) or salicylic acid (BHA).

Fruit acid, a collective term for a family of organic acids, is mostly derived from natural fruits or milk. Its molecular structure contains carboxyl groups and can participate in a variety of skin physiological processes. Glycolic acid, a member of the fruit acid family, has a chemical formula of\ (C_2H_4O_3\), has active carboxyl groups, and can play a unique role in the stratum corneum of the skin. Due to the small size of the molecule, it can easily penetrate the stratum corneum gap, promote the metabolism of keratinocytes, and make the old waste keratin on the surface of the skin fall off, rejuvenate the new skin, and make the skin delicate and smooth. This is a typical characteristic of fruit acids, and glycolic acid is no exception.

In contrast, salicylic acid (BHA), chemically called o-hydroxybenzoic acid. Its structure contains phenolic hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, which are very different from glycolic acid. Salicylic acid has strong lipophilicity, which can penetrate deep into the pores, dissolve oil, and clean up the sebum that clogs the pores. It is especially good at dealing with oily skin problems such as acne and acne. Although glycolic acid is effective in improving the texture of the skin, its hydrophilicity is relatively strong, and it is not as good as salicylic acid

In summary, glycolic acid belongs to the list of fruit acids (AHA). With its unique chemical structure and mechanism of action, it shows the unique effect of fruit acids in the field of skin care, providing an effective choice for those who pursue skin rejuvenation. Identifying the categories of glycolic acid can help to accurately select skin care products and achieve the purpose of ideal skin care.