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What is the difference between Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, and Lactic Acid? |
 Glycolic Acid, an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) is perhaps the best-known of a group of chemicals called fruit acids. It is derived from sugar cane, so it can be considered a natural product. Citric acid, from oranges and other citrus fruits, and Lactic Acid, from milk, also fall under the same classification as Alpha Hydroxy Acid.
Glycolic Acid works as an exfoliating agent because of its high acidity but easy solubility. When placed on the skin as part of an exfoliating cream or gel, Glycolic Acid goes under the damaged upper layers of skin and destroys the 'glue' which holds dead skin to the surface.
Glycolic Acid has a sloughing effect (removal of dead cells) on the skin. By accelerating the normal rate of sloughing it helps the regeneration of your skin by growing new cells faster. Jack Black’s Line Smoother Face Moisturizer contains 8% glycolic acid.
Salicylic Acid is the only Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA).
The main difference between Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acid is their lipid (oil) solubility. Alpha Hydroxy Acids are water soluble only, while Beta Hydroxy Acid is lipid (oil) soluble.
This means that Beta Hydroxy Acid is able to penetrate into the pore which contains sebum and exfoliate the dead skin cells that are built up inside the pore. Because of this difference in properties, Beta Hydroxy Acid works very well on oily skin with acne, blackheads and whiteheads.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids work well on thickened, sun-damaged skin where breakouts are not the main problem. In theory it penetrates the skin faster. For acne, Salicylic Acid (BHA) is with no doubt the best choice.
Salicylic Acid is also effective in treating ingrown hairs. Jack Black’s Clear Complexion Razor Bump & Acne Treatment contains 2% salicylic acid and lactic acid, to treat ingrown hairs, and acne blemishes.
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