Collection: Alpha-H Skincare

Alpha-H skincare with glycolic acid and peptides for visible results

Alpha-H is an Australian skincare brand known for over thirty years for scientifically backed formulas with clinically effective concentrations of acids, vitamins, and peptides. The brand was founded on the Gold Coast by the late Michelle Doherty, who developed the iconic Liquid Gold — the first glycolic acid treatment to bring clinical peel results to the home bathroom.

Today, Alpha-H offers corrective and preventive skincare for those who want visible results without visiting a skin clinic. Whether you are addressing dull skin, fine lines, pigmentation spots, or a weakened skin barrier — the range is built around three clear principles: cleanse, exfoliate, and protect.

Why choose Alpha-H?

Alpha-H stands out through a consistent focus on transparent formulation and clinically effective concentrations of active ingredients. The brand was already used by beauty salons and skin therapists before becoming widely available to consumers, which still supports its cosmeceutical positioning today. Each formula is designed around a specific skin result — not a trend — and tested on real skin issues such as pigmentation, congestion, and skin aging. The combination of Australian plant extracts, AHAs, and modern peptide technology delivers products that feel comfortable immediately and provide visible results over time.

The story behind the brand

Alpha-H was founded over three decades ago by Michelle Doherty, an Australian skin expert who struggled with chronic acne during her teenage and twenties years. From this personal experience, she developed the now iconic Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment — a glycolic acid treatment that was revolutionary at the time because acids were almost exclusively used in clinics.

Michelle was one of the first formulators worldwide to introduce glycolic acid into a home routine, with the vision that skincare needed to step out of its comfort zone to deliver real results. Liquid Gold became a bestseller in more than thirty countries and remains the global reference for chemical exfoliants after more than twenty-five years. Since Michelle's passing, the brand continues her legacy from its headquarters and production facility on the Gold Coast in Queensland, where all products are locally formulated and made.

The formulation philosophy

Behind every Alpha-H formula lie four consistently applied principles. First, there is the scientific foundation: each active ingredient combination is designed around a specific clinical result, not a marketing claim. Additionally, Alpha-H consistently works with clinically effective concentrations — such as 5% glycolic acid in the original Liquid Gold, or 5% niacinamide in the Vitamin B Serum — rather than symbolic dosages.

The third principle is transparency: all ingredient lists are fully public through the brand’s "Transparent Formulas" policy, including explanations of the function and effect of each ingredient. Finally, Alpha-H adheres to a three-step approach throughout the range: cleansing to prepare the skin without drying it out, exfoliating to support cell renewal, and protecting through hydration, barrier strengthening, and SPF.

The brand is completely cruelty-free, female-founded, made in Australia, and actively committed to consciously formulated products without unnecessary additives.

The six Alpha-H product lines

The range is built around six main categories, each with formulas that work on their own but also seamlessly fit into a complete routine.

Alpha-H Cleansers: The cleansing line forms the first step in every Alpha-H routine and is deliberately developed to prepare the skin rather than dry it out. Products like the Balancing Cleanser and the iconic Melting Moment Cleansing Balm remove makeup and impurities without compromising the skin barrier.

Alpha-H Moisturisers: Hydrating creams that support the skin barrier and lock in moisture after the active ingredients have worked. From the light High Tide Water Cream to the richer Essential Hydration Cream — each moisturizer is tailored to a specific skin type and need.

Alpha-H Serums: Concentrated formulas with clinically backed active ingredients, developed to address specific skin concerns. Think of the Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide for pores and sebum regulation, or vitamin C formulas for an even skin tone.

Alpha-H Liquid Gold & Exfoliants: The line that made the brand famous. Here you’ll find the original Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with glycolic acid and all its later extensions, for those who want to stimulate cell renewal and resurface the skin.

Alpha-H Body & Hand: Skincare-level care for the body, with formulas like the Firming Peptide Body Oil and the Retinol Reboot Exfoliating Body Treatment. The same scientific approach as the face products, translated to larger skin surfaces.

Alpha-H Eye & Lip: Targeted care for the thinnest and most delicate skin areas. With peptide-rich eye creams and serums and a nourishing Peptide Lip Perfector that softens fine lines around the mouth area.

Brand bestsellers

These products are consistently recognized as top choices by skin therapists and customers alike, forming the heart of the Alpha-H range.

• Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm 90ml — A balm-to-oil cleanser that even removes waterproof makeup and nourishes the skin with plant oils without affecting the natural moisture balance
• Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment 100ml — The iconic product that put the brand on the global map; a glycolic acid toner that stimulates cell renewal and is proven effective on pigmentation, lines, and dull skin
• Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser 185ml — A gentle daily cleanser that maintains the skin’s pH balance and is suitable for both morning and evening routines
• Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream 50ml — A light gel-cream that immediately delivers moisture and keeps the skin hydrated all day without leaving a greasy layer
• Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide 25ml — A clinically effective dose of niacinamide for those working on visible pores, sebum, and skin tone
• Alpha-H Essential Hydration Cream 50ml — The richer choice for dry and sensitive skin, with a nourishing texture that supports the barrier overnight
• Alpha-H Firming Peptide Body Oil 100ml — A body oil with peptides that supports skin firmness and leaves a refined, smooth texture
• Alpha-H Retinol Reboot Exfoliating Body Treatment 120ml — Skincare-level body care with retinol for those who want to improve the texture and smoothness of skin on arms, legs, and back

Frequently asked questions

Who is Alpha-H Skincare suitable for?

Alpha-H targets anyone who wants visible skin improvement without undergoing clinical treatment. The products are formulated for adult skin from early twenties to well into the sixties, with formulas for each skin type and concern — from oily and blemish-prone skin to dry, sensitive, or mature skin. Liquid Gold itself is for those ready for active exfoliation; for more sensitive skin, the brand offers milder alternatives within the same line.

Is Alpha-H a cosmeceutical brand or clean beauty?

Alpha-H is classified in the skin therapy world as science-backed clinical skincare with a strong cosmeceutical signature. The brand works with clinically effective concentrations of scientifically supported ingredients such as glycolic acid, niacinamide, retinol, and peptides, but combines this with conscious formulation: all products are cruelty-free, many are vegan, and the brand maintains a transparent ingredient policy.

How long does it take to see results from Alpha-H products?

With exfoliants like Liquid Gold, many users see a smoother and more radiant skin surface within one to two weeks. For deeper skin improvement — think pigmentation spots, fine lines, and firmer-looking skin — Alpha-H products work best with consistent use over six to twelve weeks, in line with the natural skin renewal cycle of about twenty-eight days.

Is Alpha-H tested on animals?

No. Alpha-H is completely cruelty-free and does not test products or ingredients on animals. A large part of the range is also vegan, which is clearly indicated on the packaging and product pages. The brand also follows a conscious policy regarding sustainable packaging and formulation.

How long do Alpha-H products last?

Unopened, the products have an average shelf life of thirty months from production. Once opened, the Period After Opening (PAO) indicated on the packaging applies — usually six to twelve months, depending on the product. Store formulas with active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for best performance.

Can I combine multiple Alpha-H lines in one routine?

Yes, and the range is deliberately designed for that. The brand’s three-step philosophy — cleanse, exfoliate, protect — works best when you combine products from different lines. A typical routine might include a cleanser, an exfoliant, a targeted serum, eye care, and a moisturizer. Always introduce new actives gradually, especially when adding different exfoliants or retinol.