No, glycolic acid is not a PHA.
Understanding AHAs and PHAs
It's important to understand the difference between Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Poly Hydroxy Acids (PHAs) to answer this question.
AHAs
- AHAs are a group of acids commonly used in skincare for their exfoliating properties.
- They are smaller in molecular size, which allows them to penetrate the skin more deeply.
- Common examples include:
- Glycolic acid: Often derived from sugarcane and known for its effectiveness in resurfacing the skin.
- Lactic acid: Found in milk and gentler than glycolic acid.
PHAs
- PHAs are also exfoliating acids that are similar in their function to AHAs.
- According to the provided reference, PHAs are much larger in size than AHAs.
- This larger size means they don't penetrate the skin as deeply as AHAs, making them less irritating.
- Common examples include:
- Lactobionic acid
- Gluconolactone
Key Differences in Table Format
| Feature | AHAs (e.g., Glycolic Acid) | PHAs (e.g., Lactobionic Acid) |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Skin Penetration | Deeper | Less Deep |
| Irritation | Higher | Lower |
| Examples | Glycolic, Lactic | Lactobionic, Gluconolactone |
Why Glycolic Acid is Not a PHA
According to the provided reference, "PHAs (Poly-hydroxy acids) fall under the AHA family. They are much larger in size compared to the more common AHAs like glycolic and lactic acids." This clearly indicates that glycolic acid, a common AHA, is distinct from PHAs due to its smaller molecular structure. The reference further states, "Examples of PHAs are lactobionic acid and gluconolactone." reinforcing that glycolic acid is not categorized as a PHA.
Conclusion
Glycolic acid is a type of AHA, not a PHA. PHAs are distinguished by their larger molecular size and different examples such as lactobionic acid and gluconolactone.
