Why It Matters
Exfoliating acids are a top-3 skincare category, with buyers sourcing glycolic, lactic, salicylic, mandelic and gluconolactone by name for peels, toners and serums. The category spans glycolic, lactic, salicylic (BHA), mandelic and gentle PHA chemistries.
Solution Approach
Exfoliating acids are a top-3 skincare category, with buyers sourcing glycolic, lactic, salicylic, mandelic and gluconolactone by name for peels, toners and serums. The category spans glycolic, lactic, salicylic (BHA), mandelic and gentle PHA chemistries. RawSource supplies the base chemicals that go into these programs. We can help with product selection, grade matching, and sourcing from multiple origins for supply security.
Typical Treatment Workflow
1
System Assessment
Characterize operating conditions—fluid composition, temperature, pressure, flow rates—and benchmark current treatment performance.
2
Chemistry Selection
Match base chemicals to your operating envelope. Factor in compatibility with existing programs, regulatory constraints, and downstream impacts.
3
Dosage & Delivery
Determine optimal treat rates through jar testing or field trials. Configure packaging (drums, totes, ISO tanks) to match consumption and storage logistics.
4
Monitoring & Adjustment
Track KPIs—coupon rates, residuals, separator performance, water quality. Adjust chemistry and dosage as conditions change.
Recommended Chemistries (5)
Glycolic Acid 70%
CAS 79-14-1
Acids & Salts
AHA exfoliant for resurfacing
3261 · Class Smallest alpha-hydroxy acid; loosens desmosomal bonds between corneocytes so dead surface cells shed, smoothing skin texture
Melting Point: 79.5 °C Boiling Point: 100 °C Density: 1.49 at 25 °C/4 °C
Full Details
Lactic Acid
CAS 50-21-5
Acids & Salts
Conditioning
3265 (LACTIC ACID) · Class AHA that exfoliates the stratum corneum while also acting as a humectant, making it gentler than glycolic at equal strength
Melting Point: 16.8 °C Boiling Point: 122 °C at 1.50E+01 mm Hg Density: 1.2 at 20 °C
Full Details
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
CAS 69-72-7
Lipophilic beta-hydroxy acid that partitions into sebum to exfoliate inside pores; OTC-monograph material, raw-material supply framing only
Full Details
Mandelic Acid (AHA)
CAS 90-64-2
Large-molecule AHA; slower, shallower penetration gives gentler surface exfoliation suited to sensitive formulas
Full Details
Gluconolactone (PHA)
CAS 90-80-2
Polyhydroxy acid that exfoliates with a larger molecule (less sting) while adding humectant and antioxidant character
Full Details