A composition comprising an amphoteric or pseudo-amphoteric agent and a polyhydroxy alpha hydroxyacid existing as a free acid, lactone, or salt, and isomeric or non-isomeric forms thereof is provided. The amphoteric or pseudo-amphoteric agent can be selected from amino acids, dipeptides, aminoaldonic acid, aminouronic acid, lauryl aminoproplyglycine, aminoaldaric acid, neuraminic acid desulfated heparin, deacetylated hyaluronic acid, hyalobiuronic acid, chondrosine, deacetylated chondroitin, creatine, creatinine, hydroxyproline, homocysteine, homocystine, homoserine, ornithine, citrulline, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin. The composition may contain other additives, including cosmetic or pharmaceutical agents for topical treatment of dermatological disorders.