What Are AHAs in Skincare? Benefits, Uses & Best Toner for Sensitive Skin

What Are AHAs and Why Are They a Skincare Essential?

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) have transformed the way we exfoliate. Unlike physical scrubs, AHAs are liquid exfoliants that work by gently dissolving the bonds holding dead skin cells to the skin’s surface. This reveals smoother, fresher, and more radiant skin underneath, without the need for grains or manual friction.

Our Exfoliating Tonic with AHA and PHA is designed to gently resurface skin using natural fruit-derived acids, making it ideal for even sensitive complexions, helping to make your skin glow.

 

What Is ACB Fruit Mix?

A key ingredient in our exfoliating tonic is ACB Fruit Mix, a blend of botanical extracts from five plant species:

• Bilberry – source of lactic acid
• Sugar Cane – source of glycolic acid
• Orange & Lemon – sources of citric acid
• Sugar Maple – source of malic and tartaric acid

These natural sources deliver five gentle AHAs to help improve your skin’s texture, tone and overall glow.

What Are AHAs Used for in Skincare?

AHAs are loved for their multi-functional skincare benefits, including:

• Boosting cellular turnover
• Enhancing skin brightness and glow
• Improving hydration by stimulating hyaluronic acid production
• Minimising the appearance of pores
• Smoothing fine lines and texture
• Fading blemishes, dark spots, and visible redness

By removing the build-up of dead skin cells, AHAs also allow other skincare products like serums and moisturisers to absorb more effectively into the skin.

Why Choose Lucy Bee’s AHA & PHA Exfoliating Tonic?

Our Lucy Bee Exfoliating Tonic with AHA and PHA is formulated with a gentle blend of acids, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or those new to chemical exfoliants.

Key Ingredients

• Lactic Acid – a natural humectant that deeply hydrates while exfoliating
• Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) – exfoliates at the surface level to refine skin texture
• Aloe Vera – calms, cools, and hydrates; perfect for reducing inflammation
• Hyaluronic Acid – helps retain moisture, giving the skin a plump and supple feel

Lactic acid, in particular, is known to be one of the most well-tolerated AHAs, offering both exfoliating and moisturising benefits without irritation.

 

What Are PHAs and How Do They Support Your Skin?

PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids) are a next-generation acid that complements AHAs. They have a larger molecular structure, meaning they penetrate more slowly into the skin, making them extremely gentle and ideal for:

• Sensitive skin types
• Dry or dehydrated skin
• Skin prone to redness or reactivity

They exfoliate and brighten the skin, while also increasing cell turnover for a healthier-looking complexion.

How to Use AHAs Safely in Your Routine

If you're new to chemical exfoliants, we recommend:

• Doing a patch test first
• Starting 2–3 times a week, then gradually increasing frequency
• Always using broad-spectrum SPF daily, even in winter

AHAs bring newer, more delicate skin to the surface, which is more vulnerable to UV damage. Regular SPF use is essential to protect your skin and maintain results.

Read more about the importance of SPF here.

 

Benefits of Lucy Bee’s Exfoliating Tonic at a Glance

• Gentle chemical exfoliation
• Smoother and more even skin texture
• Increased cellular renewal
• Minimised appearance of pores
• Reduced oiliness and blemishes
• A revitalised, radiant glow
• Calms and hydrates with aloe vera and hyaluronic acid

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best AHA for sensitive skin?

Lactic acid is widely considered the gentlest AHA, making it ideal for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

 

Can I use AHA every day?

Start with 2–3 times per week and build up to daily use as tolerated. Overuse can lead to irritation, so monitor how your skin responds.

 

Will AHA make my skin peel or tingle?

You may feel mild tingling at first, which is normal. However, there should be no stinging or burning. Always follow with moisturiser and SPF.

 

Loved REN’s Glow Tonic? Here's a Natural Alternative

If you’ve previously used REN’s Ready Steady Glow Tonic and are now searching for a similar product, Lucy Bee’s Organic Exfoliating Tonic with AHA & PHA is a gentle, natural option worth trying.

Formulated with fruit-derived AHAs like lactic acid and glycolic acid, it offers similar benefits, brighter, smoother, and more even skin, but with added ingredients to support sensitive skin, including:

• Aloe vera to calm and soothe
• Hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture
• Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) for gentle exfoliation

If you’re transitioning your skincare routine or looking to maintain results from your previous AHA toner, Lucy Bee provides an effective and skin-kind alternative, suitable for daily use and all skin types.

 

Is Lucy Bee’s Exfoliating Tonic similar to REN’s Glow Tonic?

Yes, both products are formulated with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) such as lactic acid, which help to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Like REN’s Glow Tonic, Lucy Bee’s formula is designed to promote a smoother, more radiant complexion but with the added benefit of PHAs, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid to support sensitive skin and hydration.

 

Can I switch from REN’s Glow Tonic to Lucy Bee’s AHA Toner?

Absolutely. If you’ve used REN’s Glow Tonic in the past, Lucy Bee’s gentle, fruit-acid based formula makes an ideal alternative. It offers similar exfoliating benefits, with a focus on natural ingredients and skin-soothing properties, perfect for maintaining a healthy glow without irritation.

 

Radiant, Glowing Skin Pending

Whether you're targeting dullness, texture, or early signs of ageing, AHAs are a skincare powerhouse that deliver visible results. With the Lucy Bee Exfoliating Tonic, you’re choosing a formula rich in natural fruit acids, hydrating ingredients, and soothing botanicals, perfect for anyone seeking a radiant, healthy glow with minimal irritation.

Shop now to experience smoother, brighter skin with our organic exfoliating tonic.

 

About Lucy Bee

Lucy Bee is a lifestyle brand selling food, skincare and soap products all completely free from palm oil and with minimal use of plastic. Lucy Bee is concerned with Fair Trade, organic, ethical and sustainable living, recycling and empowering people to make informed choices and select quality, natural products for their food and their skin.

Any information provided by us is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. We always recommend referring your health queries to a qualified medical practitioner.