A survey of consumer cosmetic products and salon preparations for alpha hydroxy acids

The Food and Drug Administration has completed a survey of consumer and salon/professional cosmetic products for glycolic and lactic acids, and product pH, to determine conformity with recommended levels established by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). In twenty-five consumer products, concentrations of glycolic and lactic acid ranged from 1.1% to 8.7%. Two products had pHs lower than the recommended minimum of 3.5. In seventeen salon/professional products, glycolic and lactic acids were found at levels ranging from 0.9% to 28.5%. Two salon products had pHs significantly lower than the 3.0 recommended by the CIR. About half of the products contained either a sunscreen or a recommendation for the use of a sunscreen.