Exfoliants that dissolve the bonds and intercellular cement between cells are _____.

• A. Alpha hydroxy acids
• B. Beta hydroxy acids
• C. Enzymes
• D. Polyhydroxy acids

Answer: (A)

Exfoliation at the surface happens when the agent loosens the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. Alpha hydroxy acids do this by weakening the desmosomes and dissolving the intercellular cement between corneocytes in the stratum corneum, which promotes shedding of the outer skin layer. This surface-focused action is what sets them apart from beta hydroxy acids, which are oil-soluble and work inside pores; enzymes, which digest proteins to help remove cells; and polyhydroxy acids, which provide milder exfoliation. So, the exfoliant that dissolves the bonds and intercellular cement between cells is alpha hydroxy acids.