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Ingredient

AHA

A complete guide to AHA for DIY skincare

 ↩️ Back to All Ingredients
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What Is It?

A concentrated blend of naturally derived alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) from blueberry, sugarcane, citrus fruits, and sugar maple.

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Key Benefits

Gently exfoliates dead skin cells, brightens dull skin, and smooths uneven texture.

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Texture & Skin Feel

Water-light liquid with a mildly acidic feel; designed to be used diluted in DIY recipes.

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DIY Uses

Ideal for exfoliating toners, brightening serums, smoothing gels, and other gentle resurfacing DIY blends when properly diluted.
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Warning

  • AHA can increase your sensitivity to the sun
  • Use sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure
  • Prefer evening use
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How to Use It Well

  • Always dilute: Use in finished DIY blends at 1–4% (start at 1% if you’re new).
  • Go slow: Begin 1–2× per week, then increase only if your skin feels comfortable.
  • Avoid sensitive areas: Keep away from eyes and don’t use on irritated or broken skin.

DIY Recipes Using This Ingredient

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Gentle Glow AHA Gel

Skin Type: Balanced · Oily
Recipe Type: Treatment

A lightweight evening gel treatment with a gentle level of fruit-derived AHA to help skin feel smoother, fresher, and more refined over time.

Learn more

In Depth: AHA

🍊 What Is AHA?

AHA blend is a liquid mixture of naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acids sourced from fruits such as blueberries, sugarcane, oranges, lemons, and sugar maple.

These acids - including lactic, glycolic, citric, malic, and tartaric acids - work together to help shed dull, surface-level skin cells.

Because the blend is standardized, it offers consistent exfoliating performance and is easy to incorporate safely into DIY skincare when properly diluted.
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Safety Information

  • For external use only
  • Concentrated active - must be diluted before skin use
  • Recommended use level: 1-4% in finished recipes
  • Avoid contact with eyes and the eye area
  • Do not use on broken, irritated, or compromised skin
  • Patch test before first use
  • AHAs may increase sun sensitivity - wear sunscreen
  • Keep out of reach of children
  • Do not ingest
Our Premium Ingredient:
Whisper of Botanicals - Exfoliating AHA - 10 mL (0.34 fl oz)
Whisper of Botanicals - Exfoliating AHA - 10 mL (0.34 fl oz)
Whisper of Botanicals - Exfoliating AHA - 10 mL (0.34 fl oz)

Exfoliating AHA

$14.95
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Vegan
  • Palm Free

Smooth, brighten, renew - gently

AHAs can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Use SPF daily and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Prefer evening use.

Our Exfoliating AHA is a concentrated liquid active designed for DIY skincare.

It combines a standardized mix of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) - including lactic, glycolic, citric, tartaric, and malic acids - alongside fruit-derived extracts (blueberry, sugarcane, orange, lemon, and sugar maple) for a refreshed, more radiant-looking complexion.

When properly diluted, AHAs help exfoliate dull surface skin, smooth the look of texture, and support a brighter, more even-looking finish.

This ingredient is beginner-friendly when used correctly and diluted in a finished recipe.

In stock

Size: 10 mL (0.34 fl oz)

AHA-V1-10ML

  • Orders over $79 ship free
  • Shipped from Vancouver, BC

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A Gentle Note on DIY Skincare

The information and recipes provided on this page are intended for educational and informational purposes only. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition.

DIY skincare formulations should always be used with care. Individual skin responses may vary, and it is recommended to patch-test new formulations before applying them to the face.

Whisper of Botanicals is not responsible for the preparation, use, or outcomes of DIY formulations created by users.
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DIY Clean Skincare · Made Simple

Whisper of Botanicals is a Canadian destination for DIY skincare ingredients, tools, and thoughtful education.

We help you understand what goes on your skin and create skincare with confidence, clarity, and care.

Inspired by calm rituals, botanical simplicity, and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Carefully curated in Vancouver, British Columbia.
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With Respect to the Land

We are based in Vancouver, on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).

We acknowledge their enduring relationship with these lands, waters, and ecosystems. As a brand inspired by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, we are committed to learning and operating with respect.

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