Why Are AHAs So Expensive

September

Christina’s Costly Question…Love the blog! Why are alpha hydroxy products so expensive? I find that the active ingredients are usually grapefruit extracts or other acidic fruits. Why can’t I just rub a grapefruit or lemon on my face and save the $59?

The Right Brain’s Reply:
Rubbing citrus fruits on your face won’t work very well because they don’t necessarily contain the right kinds of Alpha hydroxy acids AND they don’t contain enough of them.

On the other hand, AHA creams are specially formulated with high levels of acids so they are more effective exfolliants. While those products might contain grapefruit extract, it’s likely that their also using other active ingredients as well.

Acid adds cost

So why are AHA products so expensive? In general, AHA creams will be more expensive than regular moisturizers because of the acid content. Salyclic acid (a beta hydroxy acid) can add about 3 cents to the formula cost. High end AHA blends can add up to 10 cents to the formula cost when used at functional levels. So, if a regular moistuirizing lotion costs about 30 cents a pound, adding AHAs could increase the cost of the product by 30%. (Of course, these numbers will vary depending on the manufacturer, but you get the idea.)

But by far, the biggest cost is due to the marketing hype. Expensive cosmetics have a HUGE mark up because you’re paying for the fancy packaging, the brand name and the image. The ingredients are usually a small part of the cost.

Think about it this way, a chemical peel at your dermatologist will cost you hundreds (even thousands) of dollars. Marketers figure this stuff works almost as good as a chemical peel so you should be willing to pay a bit more than the regular skin lotion right? So far, it looks like they are.

3 Responses to “Why Are AHAs So Expensive”

Does Beauty Jargon Baffle You Too | The Beauty Brains Says:

[...] AHAs are functional ingredients and there is science to demonstrate that they help improve your skin. But you don’t have to spend >$100 for a product that works. Try something like…or another store brand and see if it works for you. [...]
Does Beauty Jargon Baffle You Too | 1800blogger Says:

[...] AHAs are functional ingredients and there is science to demonstrate that they help improve your skin. But you don’t have to spend >$100 for a product that works. Try something like this Alpha Hydox AHA Souffle or another store brand and see if it works for you. [...]
Does Beauty Jargon Baffle You Too | Beauty Secrets Blog Says:

[...] AHAs are functional ingredients and there is science to demonstrate that they help improve your skin. But you don’t have to spend >$100 for a product that works. Try something like this Alpha Hydox AHA Souffle or another store brand and see if it works for you. [...]