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A weightless liquid exfoliant that resurfaces texture & tone, gently.
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Visibly reduces fine lines
Reverses a compromised skin barrier
Renews skin below the surface for healthier cell turnover
6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant is a complex of gentle alpha hydroxy acids that resurface & shed built-up layers of dead skin. This unique formula visibly rejuvenates the skin’s ability to renew and disrupts discolouration without causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on deeper skin tones. This exfoliant has an optimal pH range of 3.0-4.0.
had smoother, softer, brighter skin.* *Based on self-assessment from an independent clinical trial with 30 subjects after 3 weeks.
Because skincare works best when it suits your skin type.
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and wait 15-30 minutes. Select what you see and how you feel.
Mandelic Acid
An alpha hydroxy acid whose larger molecular size and slower rate of penetration make it the gentlest AHA.
Lactic Acid
This alpha hydroxy acid can be naturally derived from milk or lab-made, and helps the skin shed dead cells on the surface so you’ll see fewer wrinkles and discolouration.
Yarrow Extract
This ingredient has calming and antioxidant properties that rejuvenate the skin’s surface.
Ingredients: Aqua (Solvent), 2,3-Butanediol (Skin conditioning agent), Mandelic Acid (Alpha Hydroxy acid), Lactic Acid (Alpha Hydroxy acid), Sodium Hydroxide (Solvent), Myrica Cerifera (Bayberry) Fruit Extract (Skin conditioning agent), Akebia Quinata Stem Extract (Skin conditioning agent), Prunus Lannesiana Flower Extract (Skin conditioning agent), Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate (Skin conditioning agent), Saccharomyces Lysate (Skin conditioning agent), Achillea Millefolium Extract (Skin conditioning agent), Saccharide Isomerate (Skin conditioning agent), Arginine (Skin conditioning agent), Hydroxyacetophenone (Antioxidant), Butylene Glycol (Humectant), Sodium Phytate (Chelating agent), Pentylene Glycol (Humectant), Xanthan Gum (Antioxidant), Citric Acid (pH adjuster), Sodium Citrate (Buffering agent), 1,2-Hexanediol (Skin conditioning agent), Caprylyl Glycol (Skin conditioning agent), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative).
How to use an exfoliant
When using an AHA exfoliant for the first time, introduce it into your routine slowly. Start by using your exfoliant once every other day, and then increase usage to once or twice daily based on your skin’s response. Apply once or twice daily after cleansing and toning. Apply a coin-sized amount over the entire face, including the eye area (avoid the lower lash line and eyelids). Do not rinse. For daytime, always follow with a moisturiser containing a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater.
While Paula’s Choice AHA exfoliants each deliver amazing results with their own distinctive qualities, this formula is our first water-light, ultra-gentle AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) liquid that goes beyond surface exfoliation to deliver an array of benefits, including skin renewal and improved skin barrier function. This is due to our unique combination of mandelic and lactic acid plus yarrow extract and a fermented blend of antioxidant plant extracts. This lightweight, leave-on exfoliant provides skin with an advanced combination of ingredients that softens rough skin, brightens a dull complexion and nourishes the skin’s microbiome for healthier, more fortified skin.
With the success of our other exfoliants, we saw an opportunity to expand our AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) collection which to date has relied heavily on the use of glycolic acid. We also wanted to go beyond AHA’s primary benefits of surface exfoliation to offer a product that delivers skin renewal and microbiome benefits. This formula is our first liquid AHA and one of the gentlest exfoliants we offer.
We chose larger-molecule mandelic acid and time-released lactic acid in this formula because of their ability to gently revive the skin’s natural shedding process while also supporting the skin’s barrier and microbiome. Each provides a slow and gentle penetration into the skin while strengthening the skin’s barrier and supporting ceramide production (a key component to strong, healthy skin).
The SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant contains a probiotic-fermented antioxidant blend that helps create healthy postbiotics and nutrients within skin that have an anti-ageing effect including visibly reducing redness, improving uneven tone and fortifying skin.
Not necessarily but adding it to your routine will depend on your primary skincare goals and concerns. If you’re happy with the results you are getting from your current AHA exfoliant, you don’t need to use the SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant; however, if you’re interested in seeing what additional results you might get, give it a try.
Using both the SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant and a Paula’s Choice BHA (beta hydroxy acid) in your routine can target skin concerns like sun damage, deep wrinkles, clogged pores, bumps and dull, flaky skin even faster. Many prefer alternating these exfoliants to address their specific needs, but everyone’s skin is different. For additional information how to use multiple exfoliants in your routine, please contact our customer care team.
No, the SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant contains an array of skin-beneficial ingredients that play nicely with all other products and ingredients. In fact, this product (along with all Paula’s Choice exfoliants) can help improve the absorption of other skincare products by helping to remove the built-up outer layer of dry, dead skin to allow serums, moisturisers and other treatments to penetrate deeper and work more effectively.
This product is ideal for all skin types and skin tones looking to refine their complexion, decrease dullness and increase barrier strength. It’s especially good for those who have struggled with other AHA exfoliants in the past, including those with sensitive skin or those who have felt a stinging sensation when using AHA.
Most will find that they can use this ultra-gentle exfoliant daily – even if new to AHAs. The unique combination of synthetic mandelic acid, time-released lactic acid plus a wealth of skin-friendly fermented and soothing micronutrients makes it a great option for first-time users or those who’ve been sensitive to other AHA products in the past. If you are new to chemical exfoliants and/or have sensitive skin, it’s always best to gradually introduce this type of product into your routine. Start slowly, monitor your skin and adjust accordingly. During the day, always use a moisturiser with a broad-spectrum sun cream rated SPF 30 or greater.
Yes, the SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant is considered our most gentle AHA. It’s formulated with antioxidants and soothing ingredients which is even suitable for those with symptoms of rosacea such as redness, sensitivity and skin that feels dry, tight or uncomfortable. We recommend starting slowly, monitoring your skin and adjusting accordingly. During the day, always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater.
This will depend on customer preference and skincare goals. For those with sensitive skin seeking an exfoliant to help ease redness, soothe sensitivities while also unclogging pores, we recommend the CALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant. For those who need an exfoliant that helps diminish dullness and uneven skin tone while hydrating and fortifying the skin’s barrier, we recommend the SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant. Alternating the two in the same routine is also an option, allowing you to gently get the best of both. We encourage experimentation to see what works for your skin.
The ingredients in the SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. However, if you’re uncertain about using any new skincare product or ingredient, check with your GP and follow their advice.
While Paula's Choice products are fragrance-free, each product may have a unique scent due to its ingredients. The scent of the SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant that some may notice is from the combination of ingredients it contains. This scent dissipates quickly after application. The perception of smell can vary greatly between individuals, so what one person notices, another may not notice at all. Many customers find that they quickly get used to the unique scents of Paula's Choice products and that the benefits outweigh any potential drawbacks.
The bottle for this product is made from 96% recycled plastic (excluding cap and orifice reducer).