Alpha hydroxy acids are derived from different types of sugar. Many skin care products, such as skin rejuvenation and acne treatment products, contain these ingredients for the purpose of exfoliation. Some alpha hydroxy acids are added to foods for a tart flavor or as a preservative. These acids include glycolic, lactic, sorbic, citric, maltic and tartaric acid.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a common item in skin care products. It occurs as a trace component in a limited number of foods, according to DuPont. These foods include sugarcane, sugar beets and grapes.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid occurs due to natural fermentation in milk products. Yogurt, buttermilk, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese and sour cream contain lactic acid, as does sour milk.
Sorbic Acid
Sorbid acid is found in berries of the mountain ash tree. These berries taste bitter and acidic, but can make a good addition when cooked with meat or made into jelly, according to Earl J.S. Rook. They also can be combined with other fruits to make wine.
Citric, Tartaric and Maltic Acid
Fruit is the primary source of citric, tartaric and malic acid. Lemons and limes have the most citric acid, according to University of Wisconsin Hospitals, while it also occurs in oranges, grapefruit, pineapple and tomatoes. Grapes are high in tartaric acid, making wine another source of this substance. Malic acid occurs in apples, apricots, cherries, gooseberries, lemons, pineapples and raspberries, according to NutrientReference.com.
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