Are cosmetic products with alpha hydroxy acids safe?
What precautions should I follow when using AHA products?

Are cosmetic products with alpha hydroxy acids safe?

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) come from fruit and milk sugars. They are found in many creams and lotions. Many people buy products with AHAs, because they claim to reduce wrinkles, spots, sun-damaged skin, and other signs of aging. Some studies suggest they may work.

But are these products safe? FDA has received reports of reactions in people using AHA products. Their complaints include:

• severe redness
• swelling (especially in the area of the eyes)
• burning
• blistering
• bleeding
• rash
• itching
• skin discoloration

AHAs may also increase your skin's risk of sunburn.

To find out if a product contains an AHA, look on the list of ingredients. By law, all cosmetics have ingredients on their outer label. AHAs may be called other names, like glycolic acid and lactic acid.

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What precautions should I follow when using AHA products?

If you want to use AHA products, follow these safety tips:

• Always protect your skin before going out during the day. Use a sunscreen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Wear a hat with a brim. Cover up with lightweight, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, and pants.
• Buy products with good label information:
• a list of ingredients to see which AHA or other chemical acids are in the product
• the name and address of the maker
• a statement about the product's AHA and pH levels

The first two have to be on the label. The third is one is by choice. You can call or write the maker to find about a product's AHA and pH levels.

• Buy only products with an AHA level of 10 percent or less and a pH of 3.5 or more.
• Test a small area of skin to see if it is sensitive to any AHA product before using a lot of it.
• Stop using the product right away if you have a reaction, such as stinging, redness, or bleeding.
• Talk with your doctor or dermatologist (a doctor that treats skin problems) if you have a problem. You also can report your reaction to the FDA. Write to: Office of Cosmetics and Colors (HFS-106), 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835. Or you can call them at (202) 401-9725.

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