Exfoliant

Capryloyl Salicylic Acid

LHA (Lipohydroxy Acid) — a patented L'Oréal ester of salicylic acid with a fatty residue. More lipophilic than BHA, it exfoliates surface cells very gently and precisely. The golden mean between delicacy and effectiveness.

LHAL'OréalBHA derivativeexfoliant

⚠ Use with Caution

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

1/5

What is it?

LHA = Lipohydroxy Acid — an ester of salicylic acid, where the hydroxyl group is attached to C8 fatty acid. More lipophilic than pure salicylic acid (BHA) due to the long fatty tail. The mechanism of action differs from BHA: LHA exfoliates strictly the surface stratum corneum without deep penetration into pores. It partially hydrolyzes to salicylic acid on the skin. INCI: Capryloyl Salicylic Acid. Studied in hundreds of publications by L'Oréal and SkinCeuticals. Effective concentration: 0.2–0.5%.

Gentle exfoliants for sensitive skin, anti-aging formulas, products for mature skin. Used in SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub and other premium products.

Key Benefits

✦

The gentlest exfoliation — purely surface, without irritation

Due to the increased lipophilicity, LHA remains in the upper layer of the stratum corneum and exfoliates only the very surface cells. It does not penetrate pores as deeply as BHA, does not disrupt the skin's mantle pH. An ideal choice for sensitive skin or when first introducing acid exfoliants. Much lower risk of irritation than with salicylic or glycolic acid.

◈

Anti-aging — stimulation of cell turnover in mature skin

L'Oréal research: regular use of LHA increases the synthesis of basement membrane components and accelerates keratinization without damaging effects. For mature skin, this means gradual restoration of texture, reduction of dullness, and smoothing of fine wrinkles. A safer option for delicate sensitive mature skin than retinol or AHA.

✧

Seboregulating effect without drying

LHA retains the properties of salicylic acid — keratolytic action in pores and regulation of sebum production — but much gentler. It tightens pores and reduces excess sebum without the typical drying from BHA. Well-suited for combination skin that needs exfoliation without dehydrating the T-zone.

Suitable for

sensitive skinmature skincombination skinskin with large pores

Main Actions

✓ gentle surface exfoliation✓ sebum regulation✓ texture restoration

LHA vs BHA (Salicylic Acid)

BHA (salicylic acid) — penetrates pores, dissolves comedones, more aggressive. LHA — exfoliates only the surface, without deep penetration, gentler. Effective concentration of LHA 0.2–0.5% vs BHA 0.5–2%. LHA is recommended for sensitive and mature skin, BHA — for acne, blockages, and large pores. The combination of both in one formula (SkinCeuticals Blemish+Age) provides comprehensive exfoliation.

CategoryExfoliants

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