ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Organic acids cover a wide range of organic compounds having an acidic group such as carboxyl, sulfonyl, or phosphoryl, which include retinoic acid, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, and its peroxide form, benzoyl peroxide. The present discussion will focus on certain organic carboxylic acids and related derivatives with unique cosmetic and dermatological effects on the skin. These acids are α-hydroxyacids (AHAs), β-hydroxyacids (BHAs), polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), aldobionic acids (ABAs), N-acetylamino acids (NAAs), and N-acylpeptides (NAPs).
