AHA & PHA Exfoliating Tonic FAQ

What are PHAs? 
Polyhydroxy acids, aka PHAs, are chemical exfoliants, similar to AHAs (they're considered their next generation cousins). They work by exfoliating dead skin cells on the surface, evening skin tone and texture, while providing moisture to the skin.   
Due to most of our customer base predominantly having sensitive skin we wanted to create a tonic which includes this special acid which is known for being gentler on the skin.  

What are AHAs? 
Alpha-hydroxy acids, aka AHAs are chemical exfoliants. Their main job is to dissolve the bonds binding dead skin cells to the skin’s surface to reveal new, radiant skin, to give a smoother, brighter complexion alongside a reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. AHAs improve moisturisation and increase the production of collagen which helps with skin elasticity.  

What are the key ingredients in this product?

• AHAs increase cell renewal and exfoliate away dead skin cells, leaving the skin looking and feeling smoother and improves the complexion. 
• PHAs are a gentle exfoliant that help to enhance cell renewal and exfoliate away dead skin whilst also providing moisture to the skin. 
• Lactic Acid helps to increase cell turnover and reveal smooth, bright skin. 
• Hyaluronic Acid helps to keep the skin hydrated by supporting epidermal skin hydration. 
• Aloe Vera is an emollient which is skin soothing and conditioning. 
• Sodium lactate attracts and binds to water and helps to provide hydration to the skin, reducing water loss from the skin. 

Is it suitable for sensitive skin? 
Yes, we’ve had this product tested by an independent testing house and they have confirmed that it is suitable for sensitive skin.  
Everyone’s skin is different however, so we recommend doing a small patch test before using this to check that it suits your skin. 

Is this suitable for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding? 
Yes, this product has been independently tested by a cosmetic safety assessor and approved safe to use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Is this suitable for teens? 
For teens with problematic skin, you can use this product on the area of concern - dampen the cotton pad with water, apply the tonic, then use on the area once a day in the evening. When using any new product, we recommend doing a patch test first. See here for how to patch test.  Please note that we do not recommend our Exfoliating Tonic with AHA & PHA for children. 

When should I do a patch test?  
When using any new product we recommend doing a patch test first. See here for how to patch test. 

Is this suitable if I have rosacea? 
Exfoliating Tonic with AHA & PHA has been dermatologically approved for sensitive skin. 
Lucy suffers from mild rosacea on her cheeks and one of the other team members suffers more seriously with it and they have found that this tonic has really suited their skin and helped to calm and soothe it. It has also helped to keep the skin hydrated and it doesn’t trigger them to flare up or cause any irritation. 
The range will help with hydration but of course everyone’s skin is different and if you have any concerns, we recommend doing a patch test first.  

Who can use PHAs? 
They generally work for all skin types, especially those with more sensitive skin. 

What’s the packaging? 
Exfoliating Tonic with AHA & PHA is recyclable packaging: 
Frosted glass bottle 
Aluminium screw top lid with EPE liner (remove this to recycle the lid) 
FSC cardboard outer carton 
FSC cardboard inner liner 

What is it formulated without? 
Free from: palm oil and its derivatives, parabens, petroleum, silicones, alcohol, formaldehyde, PEGs, sulphates, artificial dyes, gluten and soy. 

Does this product contain nuts? 
Our Exfoliating Tonic with AHA & PHA does not contain nuts, however the raw materials and final products may be produced in factories that handle tree nuts and peanuts.