Gluconolactone (PHA)
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) — the gentlest class of chemical exfoliants. Gluconolactone has a very large molecular size, so it works extremely slowly on the skin surface without penetrating deeply. This makes it ideal for extremely sensitive skin, rosacea-prone skin, and those who cannot tolerate AHAs or BHAs. It also acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin as it gently exfoliates.
Concentration & Usage
Concentrations: 4-15%. Can often be used daily even by sensitive skin types. Apply morning or night. No sun sensitivity increase (unlike AHAs). pH range: 3.5-4.5.
Application
Topical (serum, toner, cream). Gentle enough for daily use on most skin types.
Shop Gluconolactone (PHA)
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Mechanism of Action
Gluconolactone hydrolyzes desmosomal proteins and glycosaminoglycan bonds between corneocytes in stratum corneum, promoting desquamation. Large molecular size (178 Da vs glycolic acid 76 Da) means slow, even penetration through lipid bilayer — no irritation-causing 'hot spots' of concentrated acid. Gentle, sustained exfoliation. Six hydroxyl groups per molecule make it a potent humectant, forming hydrogen bonds with water and drawing moisture into stratum corneum. Chelates iron and copper ions, reducing metal-catalyzed free radical formation. Has antioxidant properties. Unlike AHAs, does not increase UV sensitivity. Lactone ring hydrolyzes to gluconic acid at skin pH. Ideal for sensitive skin, rosacea, those intolerant of glycolic or salicylic acid.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient. Available OTC worldwide. Considered the gentlest chemical exfoliant category.
Risks & Safety
Common
Essentially none — one of the most tolerated exfoliants. Slight stickiness.
Serious
None.
Rare
Mild irritation in extremely reactive skin.
Compare Gluconolactone (PHA) With
Research Papers
4Published: February 5, 2004
AI Summary
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages skin through a variety of mechanisms, including the generation of free radicals. Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that is capable of chelating metals and may also function by scavenging free radicals, thereby protecting skin from some of the damaging effe
Published: February 8, 2004
AI Summary
PHAs plus retinyl acetate (pro-vitamin A) in a cream base exhibited significant antiaging skin benefits such as skin smoothing and plumping. PHAs plus hydroquinone showed excellent improvement in antiaging and skin lightening parameters.
Published: February 8, 2004
AI Summary
Although there is significant evidence that PHAs provide antiaging effects to skin, a direct comparison between alpha-hydroxyacids (AHAs) and PHAs for these effects has not been conducted. Stinging and burning were significantly worse for subjects in the AHA treatment group at both week 6 and 12, and degree of sensitivity was rated worse for the...
Published: February 9, 2010
AI Summary
Applications of the PHA reduced the pH at all levels of SC of hairless mouse, with further selective acidification of SC membrane domains, as shown by fluorescence lifetime imaging. Hyperacidification improved permeability barrier homeostasis, attributable to increased activities of two key membrane-localized, ceramide-generating hydrolytic enzy...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gluconolactone (PHA) used for?
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) — the gentlest class of chemical exfoliants. Gluconolactone has a very large molecular size, so it works extremely slowly on the skin surface without penetrating deeply. This makes it ideal for extremely sensitive skin, rosacea-prone skin, and those who cannot tolerate AHAs or BHAs. It also acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin as it gently exfoliates.
What are the side effects of Gluconolactone (PHA)?
Common: Essentially none — one of the most tolerated exfoliants. Slight stickiness. Serious: None. Rare: Mild irritation in extremely reactive skin.
How is Gluconolactone (PHA) administered?
Gluconolactone (PHA) is administered via topical (serum, toner, cream). gentle enough for daily use on most skin types..
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