Fruit acids
Fruit acids, also known as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), are gentle exfoliating ingredients commonly found in UK skincare products. Derived from fruits, they help remove dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin. Popular in cleansers, toners, serums and peels, they are a favourite for achieving a healthy glow.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, fruit acids work by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, allowing them to be shed more easily. This natural exfoliation process helps improve skin texture and promotes a brighter, more even complexion. They are often formulated at low concentrations for daily use in leave-on products or at higher strengths for occasional professional-style peels.
Key benefits
- Gently exfoliates to remove dead skin cells
- Improves skin smoothness and texture
- Helps brighten dull complexion
- Supports more even skin tone
- Enhances absorption of other skincare ingredients
- Can reduce the appearance of fine lines
Best for
dull skin, uneven skin tone, mature skin, combination skin, oily skin
Where it comes from
Fruit acids are naturally sourced from a variety of fruits including grapes, apples, oranges, lemons, sugarcane and blueberries. They are extracted from the pulp, skin or juice of these fruits.
Products with Fruit acids
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Fruit acids than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.