Let's talk about acid. No, not the kind that makes you trip — we're talking about the ones that take your skin to a higher, brighter level: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). This group of exfoliating acids is most commonly known for being part of the not-so-secret sauce found in chemical peels. But as their popularity grew, these intensive ingredients have found their way into our favorite topicals and at-home treatments. Before we dive into the best alpha hydroxy acid products, we tapped a few board-certified dermatologists to break down how these powerful actives boost our skin's appearance.