Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant (2 size)

Key Ingredients: 

• 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.

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.

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.

How is the SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant different from other Paula’s Choice AHA exfoliants?

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.

Why did Paula’s Choice develop the SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant?

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.

How does the SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant support a healthy skin microbiome and skin barrier?

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.

If I’m already using a Paula’s Choice AHA exfoliant, do I need to use the SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant?

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.

Can I layer the SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant with Paula’s Choice BHA exfoliants?

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.

Are there ingredients or products I should avoid using with SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant?

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.

Who should use the SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant?

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.

Is the SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant good for first-time AHA users?

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.

Is SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant suitable for those with rosacea-prone and/or sensitive skin?

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.

Which is better for sensitive skin exfoliant starters? The SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant or the CALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant?

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.

Is the SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant safe to use during pregnancy?

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.

Does the SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant have a noticeable scent?

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.