Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Unveil smoother skin

Alpha Hydroxy Acid

AHAs work both as both gentle, chemical exfoliants and moisturizers. Studies show that AHAs decrease skin roughness, pigmentation and increase the collagen and elastin in the skin. AHAs have also been shown to be effective against acne.

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Showing 12 products
ESK Smooth Serum exfoliating serum bottle for smoother, brighter-looking skin with glycolic acid, lactic acid and gluconolactone for gentle overnight skin resurfacing.

Smooth Serum

$103
$51.50
Hydroxy Cleanser

Hydroxy Cleanser

$52
$26
Ultimate A+

Ultimate A+

$125
$62.50
Ultimate A

Ultimate A

$115
$57.50
Acne-prone/Oily kit Save 10% with Kits

Acne-prone/Oily kit

$399 $450
$199 $225
Super Sensitive Anti-Aging Kit Save 10% with Kits

Super Sensitive Anti-Aging Kit

$399 $448
$199 $224
Normal Skin Anti-Aging Kit Save 10% with Kits

Normal Skin Anti-Aging Kit

$412 $458
$206 $229
Pigmentation Kit Save 10% with Kits

Pigmentation Kit

$510 $573
$254 $287
Anti-Aging Sensitive Skincare Kit Save 10% with Kits

Anti-Aging Sensitive Skincare Kit

$412 $458
$206 $229
Menopause / Perimenopause Kit Save 10% with Kits

Menopause / Perimenopause Kit

$649 $721
$396 $440.50
$546 $607
$294 $326.50
$505 $561
$252 $280.50
Dry Skin Anti-Aging Kit Save 10% with Kits

Dry Skin Anti-Aging Kit

$505 $561
$252 $280.50
Mature Lighten & Tighten Kit Save 10% with Kits

Mature Lighten & Tighten Kit

$601 $668
$343 $382

Customer reviews

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Alex H

Dry Skin Anti-Aging Kit*, Calming Cleanse, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A, Acne-prone/Oily kit

"Prior to using ESK my skin was horrible, I tried lots of different skin care products, medication, saw a skin care specialist and nothing worked. It was my mum that actually found ESK and got me using the products and within a week my skin had already cleared up. I absolutely love how they feel and how reliable this brand is. I use my products every day morning and night and don't know what I would do without them!"

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Alida H

Hydroxy Cleanser, C Forte, Enlighten Gold, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Hydraboost HA Serum, Ultimate A Gold

"So i’ve been using ESK for about 6 weeks now and i’m super happy with the results. Photo (no filter on either) on the left is before incase it’s not obvious. I have the pigmentation kit and it has made my skin feel amazing. I think there’s a difference in appearance as well. I love the ritual of putting on the different steps morning and night and I will continue using the kit now as it’s part of my daily ritual."

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Andrea K

Mature Skin Anti-Aging Kit*, Dry Skin Anti-Aging Kit*, Hydroxy Cleanser, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A

"I have been using ESK skincare products for about 8 months now and I’m absolutely loving the results. I’m in my 50’s and was concerned with ageing and dryness. I find the ESK products have really improved my dry skin and overall skin texture. I also find the pump application great and one pump gives you the right amount so you’re not wasting any product. I was initially drawn to ESK because it is Australian made, evidence based and cruelty free but have continued with it because I’m loving the results and find it’s great value for money. All in all I’m very happy with the products and couldn’t recommend them more highly."

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Anna D

Mature Lighten & Tighten Kit*, Mature Skin Anti-Aging Kit*, Calming Cleanse, Enlighten, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A

"Here are my before and after photos taken 5 weeks apart. I am really enjoying my ESK skincare. My biggest concern was my uneven skin tone due to sun damage. I think after using these products for such a short time the difference is remarkable. My skin feels hydrated and plump and the tone is much more even. I highly recommend these products as they are very easy to use with the am and pm marked on the bottles. They really do work."

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Antoinette G

Mature Lighten & Tighten Kit*, Mature Skin Anti-Aging Kit*, Calming Cleanse, Enlighten, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A

"Can you turn back the years? Perhaps not but it appears that you can minimise the damage that many of them caused. I have the Mature Pigmented Kit and I love it. These two photos were taken at the same time in the morning bot with no products on and a month apart. I think that my skin looks brighter, smoother, healthier and thankfully younger."

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Belinda C

Mature Skin Anti-Aging Kit*, Normal Skin Anti-Aging Kit*, Hydroxy Cleanser, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A

"After using ESK skincare for the past 2 months or so I have noticed a huge difference in the clarity of my skin. It FEELS so clean and fresh, and the size of my pores has diminished. I LOVE how these products feel, and how easily they go onto the skin. It’s such a simple process, clearly numbered, making it quick and easy to use. The customer service is outstanding, not to mention super- fast delivery. I will not be changing skin products any time soon! "

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Carrie B

Mature Skin Anti-Aging Kit*, Normal Skin Anti-Aging Kit*, Calming Cleanse, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A

"I am extremely happy with ESK and have used it before. I do love the travel kit which I took to Europe when I last went a few years ago and loved the convenience of smaller containers. I do love your product and feel it has improved the texture of my skin and I feel the vitamin A and C helps to improve my complexion."

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Cathy S

Calming Cleanse, Enlighten, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A, Mature Lighten & Tighten Kit*, Mature Skin Anti-Aging Kit*

"I was very sceptical about this skin care range can it do what it claims to, it most certainly can I have noticed a big change to my skin it is alot clearer feel of redness and my pigmentation has improved ALOT! So if in doubt try it you will be very happy with the results and so little is needed so will last a long time alot more than other products on the market😊😊 plus not much makeup will be needed to cover skin as it glows"

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Charlotte C

Hydroxy Cleanser, C Serum Lite, Enlighten, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A, Pigmentation Kit*, Acne-prone/Oily kit

"Skin is definitely smoother after 30 days of use. I personally love the enlighten cream, it's so light on my skin. Thanks team for the amazing products! "

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Christine H

Mature Skin Anti-Aging Kit*, Dry Skin Anti-Aging Kit*, Calming Cleanse, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A, B Quenched

"WOW!!.... I thought my skin was in pretty good condition before I started using E.S.K and I wasn't sure if I was going to see any significant improvement. Well was I wrong!! After just 1 month of using E.S.K, my skin looks brighter, lighter and feels so much smoother. These products feel beautiful on your skin and with an easy to follow guide on how to use them, your skincare routine has become that much simpler. Delivery is quick and the follow-up customer service is excellent."

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Codie L

Calming Cleanse, B Calm, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A+, Hydroxy Overnight Mask, Acne-prone/Oily kit

"I will never use another product. I am so grateful for confidence ESK has given me. I never wear make up anymore. My morning and night face wash routine is quick and easy. My skin feels amazing. The team at ESK have been unbelievably helpful and generous in helping me find the products right for my skin. They took the time to explain my skin type and why I need certain products to nourish it. I recommend ESK to everyone."

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Elissa M

Mature Lighten & Tighten Kit*, Mature Skin Anti-Aging Kit*, Calming Cleanse, Enlighten, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A

"I have been using the range for around 5 weeks now and I really love the products. I have the range for Mature pigmented skin and the difference the products have made is noticeable for me. I had quite a lot of redness and lots of pigmentation. I always felt embarrassed not wearing a full coverage foundation. I also had skin that felt and looked tired with some dry patches. I noticed a difference in how my skin felt in the first week. By week 2 I was starting to see a softening of the pigmentation. 5 weeks in and I can really see the improvement. Simple regime, great products, practical packaging and excellent service."

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Emerson G

Hydroxy Cleanser, B Calm, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A+, Acne-prone/Oily kit

"I’ve never been so excited to share my results & most importantly my love for ESK Skincare.. I’ve been using their products for about 1 year now and I’ve never been so happy with the state of my skin. After suffering from Acne for 5+ years, I was recommended ESK from a family friend, since then I’ve never looked back.. Within 3 weeks of using the products I noticed a huge difference in the texture & size of my Acne. I love that ESK is evidence based skincare, uses scientifically tested products and really cares about their customers. After spending years and years trying skincare products, I’m so glad I found ESK.. never looking back!"

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Emily J

Hydroxy Cleanser, B Calm, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Peptide Primer, Pregnant Daily Kit, Acne-prone/Oily kit

"Acne, rosacea, uneven texture and tone, hormonal breakouts resulting in a lack of confidence. I have taken a before photo with make up on (to cover up my skin issues) and an after photo with no make up on. I can not thank ESK enough for helping me feel comfortable in my own skin again and feel confident without wearing make up! It has made my morning and evening routine quicker and easier, it has strengthened my skin in a short time and most importantly, it has made me feel good about myself!"

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Emma N

Pigmentation Kit*, Calming Cleanse, C Forte, Enlighten, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A

"I can’t believe how much my pigmentation has settled down after 1 month. Also breakouts have disappeared. I’m so impressed. The products are divine! Thank you!!"

How do Alpha Hydroxy Acids work?

Alpha hydroxy Acids (AHAs) AKA fruit acids are naturally occurring organic acids that are used to improve wrinkles, skin elasticity, skin tone and hydration. They work by exfoliation of superficial skin cells by breaking apart the bonds that hold these cells together. This results in the sloughing off of dull and rough skin promoting the renewal of new skin cells. The result? Softer, smoother skin and less wrinkles. AHAs also work effectively against pigmentation by helping flush the pigment from the skin. Glycolic acid and Lactic acid also suppress pigment synthesis by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme, tyrosinase which is critical for making melanin. Glycolic and Lactic Acid are the two AHAs with the best evidence. Other more gentle AHAs like Malic, Tartaric and Citric acid are often included in skincare products but have much weaker supporting evidence. 

Our Alpha Hydroxy Acid skincare allows you to get your AHAs in two evidence- based ways; Our ESK Hydroxy Cleanser has 2% Glycolic acid, 1% lactic acid and Our Smooth Serum contains 3% Glycolic Acid, 1% Lactic Acid and1% Gluconolactone. Both are in many of our skin kits. Not sure how to incorporate AHAs into your skincare regime? Head to our online skin quiz. ESK has free shipping to USA and Australia as well as a money back guarantee.


What is alpha hydroxy acid used for?

Alpha Hydroxy acids are a group of ingredients which exfoliate the skin by breaking the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be removed. They also increase the ability of the skin to retain moisture and can stimulate new skin cell growth. That makes them great for smoothing the skin, reducing pigmentation helping clear acne and at higher concentrations, reduce wrinkles and fine lines. But there is usually a trade off between effectiveness and irritation. In addition higher concentrations also increase sensitivity to UV damage. That means extra precautions from sun exposure are needed if using AHAs at a concentration above 3%.

Which alpha hydroxy acid is best?

The evidence for Glycolic acid is best, but it also has the most potential to irritate. Lactic acid also has good evidence and is less irritating than Glycolic acid. Other AHA’s like Malic, Tartaric and Citric acid have much less evidence. Effectiveness of AHAs increase as concentration increases, but so too does the likelihood of irritation. At concentrations above about 5%, home use products need to use an alkali to decrease acidity. These alkalis decrease the effectiveness of AHAs and are potentially irritating to the skin. And at concentrations above about 2-3% AHA’s change from being UV protective to increasing the skin’s sensitivity to UV exposure. There have not been many head to head trials of AHA’s especially those used for home use (Generally 10% concentration or less). So there really isn’t much consensus around which form or concentration is best. But putting all of the known information together it seems that a combination of Glycolic and Lactic acid with a total concentration below 5% is best if you want to use AHAs at home.