Revelika
Exfoliant

Pyruvic Acid

INCI · Pyruvic Acid · also Alpha-keto acid

Revelika safety grade

Overview

An alpha-keto acid that exfoliates the skin surface and, at professional strengths, is used in chemical peels to smooth texture and unclog pores. In cosmetics it appears at lower levels.

Who it's for

Oily and congested skin looking for renewal (lower cosmetic strengths).

Cautions

Can be strongly irritating and is mainly a professional-peel ingredient; sun protection is important.

Suitability
Suits skin type
Dry Oily Combination Sensitive Acne-prone Mature Normal
Concentration
Concentration0 – 10%
Effective from
—
Max safe
—
In the glossary
Frequently asked
What does Pyruvic Acid do in skincare?

An alpha-keto acid that exfoliates the skin surface and, at professional strengths, is used in chemical peels to smooth texture and unclog pores. In cosmetics it appears at lower levels.

Is Pyruvic Acid considered safe for skin?

Can be strongly irritating and is mainly a professional-peel ingredient; sun protection is important.

RRevelika

A science-forward beauty ingredient encyclopedia. Every entry is written from published research and graded conservatively before it publishes.

Editorial standard

Content is educational, not medical advice. When evidence is uncertain we say so — and we default to caution on pregnancy safety.

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© 2026 REVELIKA · Built by ThirteenTabsEvidence-based · written from published research, graded conservatively