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
Smooth Serum

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

Acne-prone/Oily kit

$399 $450
$199 $225
Pigmentation Kit

Pigmentation Kit

$495.90 $551
$247.95 $275.50
$684.90 $790
Mature Lighten & Tighten Kit

Mature Lighten & Tighten Kit

$581.40 $646
$333.45 $370.50
Mature Skin Anti-Aging Kit

Mature Skin Anti-Aging Kit

$399 $448
$199 $224
Normal Skin Anti-Aging Kit

Normal Skin Anti-Aging Kit

$399 $448
$199 $224
Dry Skin Anti-Aging Kit

Dry Skin Anti-Aging Kit

$495.90 $551
$247.95 $275.50
Anti-Aging Sensitive Skincare Kit

Anti-Aging Sensitive Skincare Kit

$399 $448
$199 $224
Menopause Kit

Menopause Kit

$536.40 $596
$288.45 $320

Customer reviews

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Victoria

Pigmentation Kit

"...What an improvement!! Thank you I am so pleased!"

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Kelly K

Hydroxy Cleanser, Reverse C Serum, Enlighten, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A, Pigmentation Kit, Normal Skin Anti-Aging Kit, Mature Lighten & Tighten Kit

"Hi, my name is Kelly and I have suffered with problematic skin for most of my life. I had terrible acne and chicken pocks as a child that resulted in scarring. Then along came the fine lines and wrinkles. In just under two weeks, I have seen a massive change! The regime is incredibly easy to follow, you don’t need much of it and it is an Australian product! I am finally proud of my skin and cannot wait to see what my face looks like in a month! I am so grateful! Thank you Esk!"

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Karin

Smooth Serum

“I had the worst breakout at 40 and needed to change the products I had been using. I came across ESK and after doing some research felt this would be the best treatment for me to try. After 5 days of using the acne package my skin had changed for the better. A month along and my skin has improved so much. Hardly any breakouts and my skin is glowing with pigmentation lightening. Cannot recommend ESK enough”

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Vicky

Pigmentation Kit

"I've been using ESK for one month to help with pigmentation and wow!

I feel like I have a brand new face. My skin is smoother and softer, dark spots have faded. It's taken years off in a really short time.

Everyone needs to know about ESK!"

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Kim C

Hydroxy Cleanser, C Serum Lite, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A, Pigmentation Kit, Mature Skin Anti-Aging Kit, Mature Lighten & Tighten Kit

"I've been using the pigmentation products for a month now, I'm very happy with the results, my brown spots have certainly faded, my overall skin is looking much better, and I'm looking forward to even greater results as I continue on using this fabulous skin care regime. I love the way my skin feels after each use and my makeup glides on to give a nice dewy effect which I haven't been able to achieve for some time. I'm feeling more confident in being able to reduce my makeup usage overall."

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Kate D

Hydroxy Cleanser, Hydroxy Overnight Mask, Smooth Serum, Repair +, Ultimate A+

ESK has been the one and only thing that has helped my skin - and quickly! I have suffered from hormonal acne for years, it was red, and sore, and I would barely leave the house without make up on, I was so embarrassed. Within a few weeks, all of the redness was gone, half of my acne settled down and it has just kept on getting better and better. Not only did these products get my acne under control, but the texture of my skin became smooth, my pores shrunk in size and the fine lines I had started to get around my eyes have even smoothed out! What! Even my scars are disappearing, and I have been previously told the only way I would be able to get rid of them would be laser procedures...I tell everyone I can about ESK, as it's been some of the best products I have used in my life!

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Jacqui V

Calming Cleanser, Reverse C Serum, Enlighten, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A, Pigmentation Kit, Mature Skin Anti-Aging Kit, Mature Lighten & Tighten Kit

"I would just like to say how impressed I am with ESK skin care.

I turn the big 60 this year and have be looking for a skin care for mature skin. I was watching Sunrise and Ginni came on talking about ESK. So I thought I would give it ago and I loved the fact that it was made in Australia. I love the way the cleanser made my skin feel so clean and light and the way the products sunk straight into my skin. Which I have been looking for forever. Most products just sit on top of my skin which is frustrating and can be very expensive.

My skin looks smoother and plumper. Finally something that works 😊 Thanks ESK"

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Charmaine F

Hydroxy Cleanser, Reverse C Serum, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A, Normal Skin Anti-Aging Kit

"E.S.K is a fabulous product. I thought I would struggle to incorporate a skincare routine in my life but after using E.S.K for a month, I realised how easy and rewarding it is to take better care of my skin. I love that all the bottles are labelled using numbers so even on a busy morning, I can certainly take care of my skin without worry."

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Gillian O

Calming Cleanser, Reverse C Serum, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A, Mature Lighten & Tighten Kit

"I have noticed an overall difference in the feel of my skin, it feels more plump and the colour has evened out. Wrinkles appear to have less depth. I have just started to use eye serum which I am excited about.

Extremely impressed with results so far, only regret is I wish I had started using it sooner."

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Emma N

Hydroxy Cleanser, C Serum Lite, Enlighten, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A, Pigmentation Kit

"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!!"

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Jacob C

Hydroxy Cleanser, B Calm, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A+, Hydroxy Overnight Mask, Acne-prone/Oily kit, Men's Anti-Aging Skin Care Kit

"Just wanted to share the results of my 16yr old son using ESK. It took a bit longer and some tweaking but we got there and the results are great!!"

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Kassandra H

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

"To tell you how HAPPY I am with my ESK results....as mentioned I just needed a little longer than the 3 weeks to clear up a bit more but each day I could see my face getting better & better so I knew it was still doing it's thing! I have found my forever skin care I am so happy I found you guys!
This product is amazing & I am happy to show the world that it works! I know how frustrating & disheartening it is spending so much money on skincare & not getting results. If showing people my results helps anyone who is so down about their skin get such fantastic results while also getting this product the recognition it deserves I am happy to help x"

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Nicolle G

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

"I have used a lot of different skincare products over the years, including professional clinical products and without a doubt, I have found ESK skincare to be the best. Their evidence based products feel lovely on my skin and my expression/age lines have softened and are less noticeable. I am lucky to be blessed with good skin, especially for my age, but ESK products are definitely making a positive difference and my skin looks and feels healthy. I am a repeat customer and will happily remain a loyal one."

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Susan B

Calming Cleanser, Reverse C Serum, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A, Normal Skin Anti-Aging Kit, Mature Skin Anti-Aging Kit

"I actually do think ESK products have improved my skin, maybe got rid of a few fine lines but my skin just looks and feels healthier almost glowing, I’m also really impressed with the after sales service...Such a personal touch that is rare these days."

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Alex H

Calming Cleanser, Reverse C Serum, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A, Acne-prone/Oily kit, Dry Skin Anti-Aging 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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Andrea K

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

"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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Marcia P

Calming Cleanser, Reverse C Serum, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A, Pigmentation Kit, Dry Skin Anti-Aging Kit, Mature Lighten & Tighten Kit

"My name is Marcia and at age 51 my skin is definitely on the mature side as well as being dry. I was hoping to get results to reduce pigmentation and fine lines as well as to increase the general hydration of my skin. Ive been using ESK for 1 month. My favorite product is the Reverse "C" Serum. I just love how my skin feels after it absorbs into it. I am absolutely thrilled with the way my skin is feeling so hydrated and I can really see a difference with the pigmentation. Even the skin on my neck feels soft all day long and I'm feeling confident that with continued use my results will continue to improve. Yes I would recommend E.S.K and infact, after years of breakouts and acne with no real improvement from many products, my daughter is going to try the Acne Kit range. I can't wait to see the results for her."

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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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Renee M

Hydroxy Cleanser, C Serum Lite, Enlighten, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A, Pigmentation Kit, Normal Skin Anti-Aging Kit

"I have been using E.S.K now for 4 months and the difference I have seen and felt is beyond amazing. Being from the health care industry myself I know the importance of evidence based and scientifically tested products. I have searched for years to find a skin care range that is both gentle and safe but also effective, my skin has never been clearer. My pigmentation and skin tone are now even and I feel like I have a healthy glow. I am now happy to go without makeup and I can’t recommend E.S.K products more highly. Thank you."

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Helen F

Hydroxy Cleanser, C Serum Lite, Enlighten, Zinc Shade, Smooth Serum, Ultimate A, Pigmentation Kit, Normal Skin Anti-Aging Kit

"I had blotchy skin tone and at aged 50 wrinkles appearing. I have been using ESK for a year now and it is a top quality facial skincare product. My skin tone is much more even and the redness is gone. Both photos are taken without any makeup. I use the Pigmented/Age Spot Kit on my skin. Thank you Esk for developing this skincare range."

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.

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