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FDA's Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) in Cosmetics
2025-05-23
Why are some cosmeticsneedUsing AHAs?
a Hydroxy acids are commonly used as ingredients in cosmetics and medicines applied to the skin.AHA products have a variety of uses, such as smoothing fine lines and surface wrinkles, improving skin texture and tone, unclogging and cleansing pores, and improving general skin condition.Also plays a roleadjustskinpHvalueThe role ofThe most common cosmetics AHAs are glycolic acid and lactic acid,These include citric acid, hydroxycaprylic acid, and hydroxydecanoic acid.
How do AHAs work?
Contains AHA products can cause the surface layer of skin to peel off,The degree of exfoliation depends on The type and concentration of AHA, its pH and other ingredients in the product.ofcontain AHA products,mainUsed to treat acne, remove scars, and lighten discoloration.Products marketed as "peelers" may contain relatively high concentrations of AHAs or other acids designed to remove the outer layer of the skin.
according toFederal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Section 201(g)Regulation,Products used to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent disease, or that affect the structure or any function of the body are considered drugs under the law.categoryFor example, products used to treat acne or whiten skin.
Has the FDA conducted studies on the safety of AHAs?
Yes.
FDA launchedResearchCovering the following aspects:
(1) Compared with topical creams Effects of AHA on human skin sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) radiation compared to the same cream without AHA;
(2) Measured the deactivation of How quickly does skin return to normal after using AHA cream?;
(3) We investigated whether AHAs enhance UV-induced DNA damage in the skin.
These studies confirm previous industry research showing that AHAs can increase UV sensitivity when applied to the skin.FourWeeks later, volunteers' sensitivity to UV-induced skin redness increased Similarly, the volunteers' susceptibility to UV-induced cellular damage doubled on average, with considerable variability between individuals.
However, studies have also shown that this increased sensitivity is reversible and resolves after discontinuation of use. The effects of the AHA cream didn't last long afterward. One week after treatment stopped, the researchers found no significant differences in UV sensitivity between different skin sites.
These studies did not definitively determine How AHAs lead to increased UV sensitivity, although their effects do not appear to involve a dramatic increase in UV-induced DNA damage in the skin.
Beforeof FDA research indicates that cosmetic cream bases result in deeper penetration of AHAs into the skin compared to cosmetic solutions that typically do not contain AHAs. However, further research is needed to understand the impact of these cosmetic ingredients on AHA-related UV sensitivity.force。
FDA also works withNational Toxicology Program (The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NTP) is collaborating to assess the safety of long-term AHA use.and continueReview of relevant The AHA has available data to address the potential for increased skin sensitivity to sunlight.
How to use safely WHAT?
When using any cosmetic product, always follow the instructions carefully and pay attention to any warning statements on the label. AHA, sunscreen is recommended.
As early asIn 2005, the FDA issued《Industry Guide: Contains Cosmetic Labeling for Alpha Hydroxy Acid Ingredients》The purpose of this guide is to inform consumers about topical AHA-containing cosmetics may increase skin sensitivity to the sun, and educating manufacturers helps ensure that the labeling of these products is not false or misleading.
The FDA recommends that cosmetic products containing AHAs and applied topically to the skin or mucous membranes (such as the lips) include a statement on their labels that communicates the following information:
Sunburn Warning: This product contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, especially the possibility of sunburn. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, andcontrolSunlight exposure.
Cosmetic ingredient review (A CIR expert panel concluded, based on industry-sponsored research, that consumers can safely use products containing the AHAs glycolic and lactic acid if the following conditions are met:
1.AHA concentrations are 10% or less.
2.The final product pH 3.5 or higher.
3.The final product is formulated to protect the skin from increased sun sensitivity, or its packaging instructions tell consumers to use daily sun protection.
How to know if cosmetics contain WHAT?
Authorized under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act External Link Disclaimer (Under the FPLA, the FDA requires that cosmetics sold to consumers at the retail level must carry ingredient declarations.
However, due to FPLA does not apply to goods that are used for personal use only.,Therefore the ingredient declaration requirement does not apply to these products.
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