Exfoliant ingredient
Pyruvic Acid
An alpha-keto acid naturally occurring in the body's metabolic pathway, used in cosmetics at low concentrations as a keratolytic exfoliant with antimicrobial and sebostatic properties; at professional peel concentrations (35–50%) it has clinical evidence for acne, photoaging, and pigmentation.
Also known as: alpha-keto acid, 2-oxopropanoic acid, pyruvate
exfoliantkeratolyticantimicrobialsebostatic
Benefits
- ✓Alpha-keto acid with keratolytic action that loosens bonds between dead skin cells, improving cell turnover
- ✓Antimicrobial and sebostatic properties useful for acne-prone and oily skin
- ✓Stimulates new collagen and elastin synthesis, supporting anti-aging and firmness
- ✓Converts partially to lactic acid on skin, providing a gentler exfoliation profile than AHAs alone
- ✓Clinically studied for photoaging, superficial scarring, acne, and pigmentary disorders
Watch for
- ⚠Strong acid (pKa ~2.39); at high concentrations (>40%) can cause intense burning, erythema, desquamation, and crusting
- ⚠Concentrations used in professional peels are much higher than leave-on cosmetics — leave-on formulas typically use low percentages with buffering
- ⚠Sun sensitivity may increase after exfoliant use; SPF recommended
- ⚠Avoid on broken, sensitized, or compromised skin barriers
