Lipohydroxy acid (LHA)

Lipohydroxy acid is a synthetic derivative of salicylic acid (2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid) characterized by a higher molecular weight and a fatty acid side chain, making it more lipophilic and resulting in slower, more superficial skin penetration compared to salicylic acid. Developed originally by L'Oréal researchers in the 1980s, LHA is used in topical skin-care products for its exfoliating, comedolytic, anti-inflammatory, and skin-renewing effects. Unlike traditional hydroxy acids, it exfoliates by breaking corneocyte desmosomes cell-by-cell, allowing for a gentle and physiologically mimetic desquamation process. LHA is considered especially suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin, as it provides effective skin renewal and unclogging of pores with less risk of irritation than traditional beta-hydroxy acids.

Other names

C8-LHA2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid

Breaks down intercellular desmosomes between corneocytes, facilitating "cell-by-cell" exfoliation; Comedolytic activity: helps exfoliate sebaceous follicles, preventing acne; Mild anti-inflammatory and antibacterial mechanisms