Glycolic Acid is a naturally occurring substance made by plants. It is found in citrus fruits, sugarcane, kiwi and even grapes!

However, while glycolic acid is naturally occurring, almost all glycolic acid on the market is synthetically made. That is because it is very expensive and time consuming to extract a pure glycolic acid from a natural source. Instead, most cosmetic brands use a glycolic acid that is made from a synthetic process.

The typical process for producing glycolic acid today uses formaldehyde or monochloroacetic acid from oil (petrochemicals) as the starting material. This process leaves behind potentially harmful and measurable impurities like formaldehyde in the finished product. Because the outcome is a synthetically derived glycolic acid, this is not required to be disclosed on the label!

The skin is the largest organ, and therefore the health of the skin is of paramount importance to overall health. In the United States, 8-9% of the population are allergic to formaldehyde, but more importantly for everyone, it is damaging to the skin’s delicate microbiome.

The difference between a naturally occurring glycolic and a naturally derived glycolic acid depends on both the origin of the source, as well as how the ingredient is made.

Unless a chemical is manufactured, produced, or extracted from a natural source, it is actually considered a synthetic compound according to the USDA. As most if not all glycolic acids on the market are made from formaldehyde or petrochemicals as their starting material, the glycolic acid is considered synthetic.

Look for Third party certifications from USDA or enquire about the source of the Glycolic from the brand owner.

Our Glycolic Acid is created using sugar cane as a starting material, which is then fermented and distilled into a pure form of Glycolic Acid in a small batch process. Once the Glycolic Acid is combined with the other natural ingredients in our LASPA Intensive Anti-Aging Peel formula, the solution is then pH balanced to 3.5 before bottling.

Using a Glycolic Acid peel removes the dead cells at the surface of the skin, leaving newer skin cells more vulnerable to the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. Applying LASPA SPF30 after using LASPA Glycolic Peel products is critical to protect the skin and prevent the development of pigmentation changes and signs of aging. Using a Broad Spectrum Natural Mineral Sunscreen such as LASPA SPF30 ensures that potentially harmful chemicals are not re-applied to the skin.

Although fruit acids are natural, they contain a mixture of organic acids as well as other organic material, which means they are not pure. These acids other acids (fruit, lactic, citric, malic acids) are not as effective as pure glycolic acid as an exfoliant. These other acids have larger molecules and are weaker in strength, which impacts their effectiveness at breaking down the glue that holds dead skin cells together.

Yes, they do! Using a glycolic acid as a regular part of your skin care routine is an important way to look after your skin and address surface level imperfections.

Best for Skin Health: It is the only way to ensure a pure ingredient that does not contain any formaldehyde.

Better Potency: A pure glycolic acid with a high free acid content means optimum potency for the same amount of acid from conventional sources.

Better for the Planet: Glycolic Acid that is made from a natural source reduces our impact on the environment.

A lower pH means that the product is more acidic, which is very important when choosing a glycolic acid. The optimal level is a pH of 3.5. Look for this on the label!

Dermatologists have been reported as saying that people with any skin tone, from pre-teens to older men or women, can use a glycolic acid safely. The regulatory limit for a home use solution is 10% glycolic acid, and 3.5pH, so make sure you stay within these limits and consult your doctor if you have skin conditions such as rosacea or allergies before use.