Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA), a subcategory of the more well-known alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These types of acids are known for their ability to deeply exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells to reveal the fresh baby skin underneath. This exfoliation does more than just reveal the fresh skin underneath though—it also speeds up cellular renewal, a process that naturally slows as we age.

Unlike AHAs, which can irritate sensitive skin, gluconolactone has a large molecular weight. Basically what this means is that the acid does not penetrate as deeply into the skin, where there is a greater chance for skin irritation to occur. Instead, it works on the top layers of the skin to gently exfoliate, refine pores, reduce rough patches, and encourage a more radiant, refined appearance—without the peeling or flaking that stronger acids can cause.

Alongside its exfoliating properties, gluconolactone can help with inflamed acne by soothing it. In fact, a study found that gluconolactone was on par with benzoyl peroxide—a very popular acne drug—for reducing the number of inflammatory lesions (aka acne) on the skin.