---
title: FDA — Alpha Hydroxy Acids
entity_type: Source
canonical_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/fda-alpha-hydroxy-acids
date_modified: 2026-05-10
date_reviewed: 2026-05-10
mcp_eligible: true
source_type: other
original_source_url: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/alpha-hydroxy-acids
evidence_sources: []
product_fact_sources: []
---

# FDA — Alpha Hydroxy Acids

## Quick Summary

Regulatory reference used to distinguish water-soluble AHA exfoliation from the BHA focus of this page.

## What Studied

This Source page records the evidence item used by the blackheads-on-nose page. It is used for definition, consumer-care guidance, ingredient mechanism context, tolerability framing, or evidence support for salicylic acid and adapalene in comedone-prone routines.

## Main Findings

For this page, the source supports conservative appearance-level guidance: blackheads are open comedones rather than dirt; gentle routines are preferable to scrubbing and squeezing; salicylic acid and adapalene are relevant topical actives; and irritation can happen when active routines are introduced too aggressively.

## Why It Matters

This source helps keep the page grounded in verifiable dermatology, regulatory, public-health, or peer-reviewed material rather than marketing claims. It also supports the page's distinction between visible blackhead care and medical acne decision-making.

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