The Fruit Acids - AHA Active Ingredient by Aroma-Zone

INCI Name: Aqua & Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract & Saccharum officinarum extract & Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract & Citrus limon fruit extract & Acer saccharum extract

VEGAN

BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Aroma-Zone’s AHA - Fruit Acids active ingredient contains 45 to 55% fruit acids, including lactic, glycolic, and tartaric acids. Glycolic acid is the smallest of the AHAs, so it is best absorbed by the skin and the most active.

TRACEABILITY & SUSTAINABILITY: naturally derived active ingredient. The AHAs used by Aroma-Zone are derived from fruits and plants: blueberry, sugarcane, orange, lemon, and maple.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), or fruit acids, are organic acids naturally found in many fruits. They act as exfoliants: they remove dead skin cells from the surface of the epidermis—the corneocytes—by breaking down the bonds that hold them together. Skin texture is refined, the complexion becomes even and radiant, and imperfections are reduced. 

AHAs also stimulate cell turnover. They trigger an increase in the synthesis of collagen, which is responsible for skin firmness, and of glycosaminoglycans (such as hyaluronic acid), which are responsible for skin hydration. The skin is plumped up and wrinkles are smoothed out.

Using AHA and BHA in synergy maximizes the benefits of these highly complementary acids. Combining fruit acids and salicylic acid in a cosmetic formula provides the skin with a comprehensive exfoliating, smoothing, brightening, and anti-blemish action.

Salicylic acid effectively complements the exfoliating action of fruit acids by providing a soothing effect, ideal for improving the tolerance of sensitive skin to enzymatic exfoliation.

With its powerful antimicrobial and purifying action, salicylic acid can also be used as a natural preservative or preservation booster in your skincare products that combine AHA and BHA.

This AHA and BHA duo will be particularly appreciated by those with dull, mature, or tired skin, concerned with both signs of aging and imperfections. These two acids are found in the formula of our 10% Glycolic Acid and AHA Concentrated Face Serum.

What are the differences between AHA and BHA?

AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids), such as glycolic acid or lactic acid, act primarily on the skin’s surface to exfoliate and smooth the skin texture, while BHA (beta-hydroxy acids), such as salicylic acid, have a particular affinity for sebum-rich areas, making them better suited for pores and blemishes.

Both provide powerful keratolytic and exfoliating action, but each offers more or less targeted benefits depending on your specific concerns.

• For pimples, blackheads, ingrown hairs, enlarged pores, excess sebum, or dry or oily dandruff: turn to salicylic acid. It is one of the essential natural active ingredients for caring for oily and/or acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid also has a soothing effect, which is not the case with fruit acids

• For skin spots, sun-damaged skin, skin affected by smoking or pollution, dull complexion, wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, or rough skin: opt instead for AHA fruit acids. These active ingredients help renew your skin in the blink of an eye, while addressing the signs of aging.

Would you like to incorporate AHAs and BHAs into your routine but don’t know where to start?

The easiest way might be to start with a ready-to-use product formulated with salicylic acid or AHA fruit acids. The 10% Glycolic Acid & AHA Concentrated Face Serum combines fruit acids, salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid in its formula.

Concentrated Face Serum with 10% Glycolic Acid and AHA

Anti-wrinkle, anti-dark spot, and anti-blemish, this “skin-renewing” serum addresses multiple skin concerns while hydrating the skin.

This exfoliating serum is for evening use only. Use daily sunscreen and avoid sun exposure for up to one week after the last

Discover the 10% Glycolic Acid and AHA Concentrated Face Serum

Application

You can also create your own personalized skincare, body care, or hair care products using our active ingredients Plant-based salicylic acid and AHA - fruit acids.

Cosmetic Active Ingredient: Plant-Based Salicylic Acid

Purifying, smoothing, and regenerating, this is the fresh-start active ingredient for oily and acne-prone skin, helping to clear blackheads and blemishes.

Discover the Botanical Salicylic Acid Cosmetic Active Ingredient

Cosmetic Active Ingredient: AHA Fruit Acids

The active ingredient for a radiant, healthy glow, easy to use and mix in the palm of your hand with our neutral creams or Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

Discover the AHA-Fruit Acid Cosmetic Active Ingredient

Our best homemade recipes with AHAs - fruit acids

To incorporate AHAs into your skincare routine, you can use fruit acids in the form of an exfoliating lotion, serum, or in a day or night face cream. AHAs also add shine to hair and can be added to your homemade hair care recipes.

The active ingredient AHA-fruit acids is eligible for our Mix-Apply beauty routine. You can add 1 drop of this active ingredient to 3 pumps of Neutral Youth Cream, Neutral Hydrating Cream, or Hyaluronic Acid Concentrated Serum. Mix in the palm of your hand, then apply to your entire face and neck!

Cherry Radiance Renewal Mask

Thanks to the exfoliating effect of fruit acids, this mask helps refine skin texture, removes dead skin cells, and brightens the complexion.

Grapefruit Exfoliating and Deep-Cleansing Face Cream

Very gentle, this exfoliating cream with olive kernel powder removes dead skin cells and impurities

Youthful Fruit Acid Peel

This lotion with a gentle "peeling" effect is ideal for renewing the skin, reducing dark spots, and gently smoothing the skin.

These are powerful active ingredients; always follow the recommended dosages. On sensitive skin, start with a fairly low dosage. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin or salicylic compounds. Test your preparations on the inside of your elbow for at least 48 hours to ensure no adverse reactions occur.

Our best homemade cosmetic recipes with BHAs featuring the active ingredient plant-based salicylic acid

To incorporate BHA into your skincare routine, choose the active ingredient Plant-based salicylic acid, in your recipes for purifying lotions, anti-blemish serums, facial cleansing foams… In cases of scalp irritation, salicylic acid will be a great addition to your anti-dandruff and purifying shampoo recipes.

Purifying Face Cream for Acne-Prone Skin

A simple formula that combines zinc, tea tree, and salicylic acid in a neutral, hydrating cream base.

Purifying Face Gel for Problem Skin

This cleanser helps clarify the complexion thanks to essential oils of lemon, tea tree, and salicylic acid.

Radiance-Boosting Toner for Dull Skin

An anti-blemish lotion that tightens enlarged pores and brightens the skin. Ideal for use morning and night before your skincare routine.

Precautions regarding salicylic acid

This is a powerful active ingredient; always follow the recommended dosages. For sensitive skin, start with a fairly low dosage. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin or salicylic compounds. Test your preparations on the inside of your elbow for at least 24 hours to ensure no adverse reactions occur.

A study* has demonstrated the effectiveness of applying a lotion containing AHAs in reducing signs of photoaging in the epidermis and dermis. Collagen density increases, elastin fibers improve in quality, and glycosaminoglycan levels rise.

*See the bibliography at the end of this article.

It depends on the dosage.

To summarize briefly, the active ingredient AHA (fruit acids) is not photosensitizing. Due to their exfoliating effect, AHAs can very slightly thin the stratum corneum (the thickness of the epidermis) and thus reduce the skin’s ability to protect itself from the sun. This is why you may sometimes read that fruit acids and sun exposure don’t mix well.

However, this depends on the type of product used, the frequency of use, and the concentration of fruit acids. Applying a fruit acid mask every two weeks will not have the same effects as daily use of a highly concentrated AHA serum.

Always apply sunscreen with a high SPF when exposed to the sun (regardless of the type of skincare product you use!).

If you use our 10% Glycolic Acid & AHA Concentrated Face Serum, apply it only in the evening, use daily sunscreen, and avoid sun exposure for up to one week after the last application.