Exfoliating Acids — Process Challenge

Chemical Exfoliation (AHA / BHA / PHA Acid Systems)

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.
Updated Jun 2026
Solution Approach

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 Formulation Workflow
1
Concept & Claim Definition
Define the product type, sensory and claim targets, and the regulatory and label framework (INCI, regional cosmetic regulations, certifications).
2
Ingredient Selection
Match emollients, emulsifiers, surfactants, actives, preservatives, or rheology modifiers to the formula, skin-feel, and compatibility window.
3
Bench Formulation
Build and stabilize the emulsion or system at the bench, checking pH, viscosity, preservative efficacy, and aesthetics.
4
Stability & Compliance Validation
Run stability and compatibility testing, confirm preservative efficacy, and finalize the INCI, CoA, and documentation.
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
Quick view
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
Quick view
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
Quick view
Full Details
Mandelic Acid (AHA)
CAS 90-64-2
Large-molecule AHA; slower, shallower penetration gives gentler surface exfoliation suited to sensitive formulas
Quick view
Full Details
Gluconolactone (PHA)
CAS 90-80-2
Polyhydroxy acid that exfoliates with a larger molecule (less sting) while adding humectant and antioxidant character
Quick view
Full Details

Need help selecting the right chemistry?

Our team can help with grade selection, dosage guidance, and multi-origin sourcing.

Request Quote All Personal Care Problems
Request Quote