And while there are popular options like hyaluronic (super hydrating) and salicylic (bye, bye acne), there’s a lesser-known and gentler acid that is game-changer since it sheds dead skin cells without irritation. Enter: gluconolactone. Sure, it’s nearly impossible to pronounce, but this gentle exfoliator is a lot more tolerable than some of its more popular counterparts. Keep reading to learn more. “Because PHA’s have a larger molecular structure than AHAs and BHAs, it is thought that they do not penetrate the skin as much, making them less irritating and more tolerable,” Camp suggests. So, if you’re one who finds traditional exfoliators irritating, you may want to add this hard-to-pronounce ingredient to your skin care regimen.
