Comparison of AHA and 4MSK: Exfoliation vs. Whitening
Asked by: creamdskin
On: July 26, 2017
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Question
What are the differences in function between AHA and 4MSK (Potassium Methoxysalicylate)? Specifically, which one is better for whitening, which one exfoliates more, and is 4MSK considered acidic with exfoliating properties?
Answer
Hello,
AHA and 4MSK (Potassium Methoxysalicylate) have completely different functions.
- AHA is primarily an exfoliant. It helps remove old skin cells, which can indirectly lead to a brighter complexion, but this whitening effect is not long-term.
- 4MSK is a direct whitening agent. It works to reduce melanin production.
Regarding your questions:
- Are their functions similar? No, they are completely different. AHA exfoliates, while 4MSK is a whitening agent.
- Which helps more with whitening? 4MSK is a direct whitening agent. While AHA can help improve skin tone by removing dull surface cells, 4MSK specifically targets the whitening process. Using AHA in a whitening formula can help speed up the results of whitening agents like 4MSK by improving penetration and removing old, pigmented cells.
- Which exfoliates more? AHA is the exfoliant. 4MSK does not exfoliate.
- Is 4MSK acidic and helps with exfoliation? 4MSK is not primarily an exfoliant and does not function in the same way as acidic exfoliants like AHA to remove dead skin cells.
In summary, AHA is for exfoliation, and 4MSK is for whitening. They work differently and can complement each other in a formulation.
Related Products Mentioned
4MSK (Potassium Methoxysalicylate)
Cosmetics