Lactobionic acid is a non-irritating poly hydroxy acid (PHA) derived from natural sugars. PHAs provide a gentle exfoliation of the skin, encouraging dead cells to be shed from the surface, and new cells to be produced in the basal layer of the epidermis. This process leads to smoother, less congested & more radiant skin, whilst reducing discolouration & fine lines to provide visible anti-ageing results.

Lactobionic acid is also an antioxidant, protecting skin from harmful effects of free radicals within the body, as well as inhibiting specific enzymes which lead to degradation of our skin proteins, so this mechanism keeps skin more youthful. Lactobionic acid also has humectant qualities, meaning it is able to draw water molecules to it, plumping & hydrating the area which it is applied. It was patented in 2000 by Neostrata, as one of their ‘Bionic acids’.

Lactobionic acid is in a class of polyhydroxy acid ingredients also known by gluconolactone and maltobionic acid.

Renude

dryness

I have chosen this lightweight body lotion for you to help relieve dry skin. The formula contains 15% Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), which help to intensely hydrate the skin, while gently exfoliating.

Arginine is an amino acid which occurs naturally within the human body. It is a popular ingredient in skincare for a number of reasons; it offers antioxidant protection, it hydrates the skin by stimulating the body's own production of humectants like urea and it can also repair visible skin damage.

arginine

Gluconolactone is a poly hydroxy acid (PHA). PHAs work by gently dissolving the keratin that binds our outermost layer of skin cells, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin, leading to smoother, clearer skin. This process also encourages new skin cell generation in the basal layer of the epidermis, a process which naturally slows with age, so with repeated use this can have an overall anti-ageing effect on the skin. Gluconolactone has also been shown to inhibit the enzyme elastase, which breaks down elastin in the skin (an essential protein produced by the fibroblasts), leading to sagging of the skin.

PHAs are much larger in molecular weight vs AHAs so they cannot penetrate the skin as fast or as far, which therefore makes more gentle & suitable for more sensitive skin types, including those with rosacea-prone skin. Gluconolactone is also especially good for drier skin types as it also has natural humectant qualities, meaning it draws water towards it, hydrating the skin from within. 

gluconolactone

Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) work by gently dissolving the keratin that binds our outermost layer of skin cells, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin, leading to smoother, clearer skin. This process also encourages new skin cell generation in the basal layer of the epidermis, a process which naturally slows with age, so with repeated use this can have an overall anti-ageing effect on the skin. Gluconolactone has also been shown to inhibit the enzyme elastase, which breaks down elastin in the skin (an essential protein produced by the fibroblasts), leading to sagging of the skin.

PHAs are much larger in molecular weight vs AHAs so they cannot penetrate the skin as fast or as far, which therefore makes more gentle & suitable for more sensitive skin types, including those with rosacea-prone skin. Gluconolactone is also especially good for drier skin types as it also has natural humectant qualities, meaning it draws water towards it, hydrating the skin from within. 

Glycerin is a humectant present in all natural lipids. It works to attract water molecules towards it, plumping & hydrating the applied area, resulting in smooth, soft, hydrated skin. It is one of the most widely used humectants in skincare, due to it’s high performance and broad availability (making it very cost-effective). Recent research has shown that it’s ability to penetrate the layers of the skin is superior to that of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, making it a brilliant choice for overall skin hydration, and suitable for all skin types.

glycerin

Lactobionic acid is a non-irritating poly hydroxy acid (PHA) derived from natural sugars. PHAs provide a gentle exfoliation of the skin, encouraging dead cells to be shed from the surface, and new cells to be produced in the basal layer of the epidermis. This process leads to smoother, less congested & more radiant skin, whilst reducing discolouration & fine lines to provide visible anti-ageing results.

Lactobionic acid is also an antioxidant, protecting skin from harmful effects of free radicals within the body, as well as inhibiting specific enzymes which lead to degradation of our skin proteins, so this mechanism keeps skin more youthful. Lactobionic acid also has humectant qualities, meaning it is able to draw water molecules to it, plumping & hydrating the area which it is applied. It was patented in 2000 by Neostrata, as one of their ‘Bionic acids’.

lactobionic acid

Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) work by gently dissolving the keratin that binds our outermost layer of skin cells, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin, leading to smoother, clearer skin. This process also encourages new skin cell generation in the basal layer of the epidermis, a process which naturally slows with age, so with repeated use this can have an overall anti-ageing effect on the skin. Gluconolactone has also been shown to inhibit the enzyme elastase, which breaks down elastin in the skin (an essential protein produced by the fibroblasts), leading to sagging of the skin.

PHAs are much larger in molecular weight vs AHAs so they cannot penetrate the skin as fast or as far, which therefore makes more gentle & suitable for more sensitive skin types, including those with rosacea-prone skin. Gluconolactone is also especially good for drier skin types as it also has natural humectant qualities, meaning it draws water towards it, hydrating the skin from within.

This is a lightweight plant oil which acts as an emollient in skincare. This means is supports the natural lipid-barrier, to help keep water from being lost through the skin. This make is an effective moisturising ingredient.

limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil

Tocopheryl acetate is a specific form of the fat-soluble Vitamin E, with improved stability vs. Tocopherol. Vitamin E is found naturally in our own skin, and it’s main benefit is to offer powerful antioxidant protection against pollution and free radical damage. It also helps to support our skin’s natural lipid barrier, which in turn improves the hydration levels within the epidermis, as water loss through the skin is minimised.

tocopheryl acetate

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble Vitamin contained in many plant oils, or can also be produced synthetically. Vitamin E is found naturally in our own skin, and it’s main benefit is to offer powerful antioxidant protection against pollution and free radical damage. It also helps to support our skin’s natural lipid barrier, which in turn improves the hydration levels within the epidermis, as water loss through the skin is minimised.

A lightweight lotion containing a high-strength 15% Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) blend which acts as a humectant, attracting and binding moisture to the skin. Formulated to gently exfoliate, smoothing rough, dry skin while providing restorative antioxidants to help protect against environmental factors.

dark_circles

eye_wrinkles

I have chosen this all-rounder eye cream for your routine to target dark circles and fine lines around the eye area

camellia oleifera (green tea) leaf extract

Green Tea is a natural plant extract, rich in polyphenols, also known as catechins. Green Tea is particularly high in the catechin Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it can neutralise free radicals to prevent them causing damage within the skin. It is one of the most well researched natural plant extracts used in skincare, with studies also showing it to have an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effect.

palmitoyl tripeptide

Many peptides function as anti-ageing ingredients in skincare, due to their ability to fit specific receptors in the body to trigger anti-ageing responses. This includes mechanisms like collagen production, cell regeneration or even blocking muscle contractions to smooth expression lines. Peptides are made up of amino acids, and are unique in shape, with a huge variety available to target specific responses in the body.

palmotoyl tetrapeptide

Panthenol is a form of Vitamin B5, which is converted into Pantothenic acid within the epidermis when applied topically. Its main benefit in cosmetics is as a humectant, meaning it can draw water molecules to it, hydrating and plumping the area it has been applied to.

Panthenol also supports the natural lipid barrier of the skin, by encouraging the production of a precursor to fatty acids & sphingolipids, both of which are essential parts of the skin barrier. This mechanism helps to moisturise the skin by reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), therefore retaining more moisture within the skin. This also helps to reduce inflammation in dry or broken skin, as an intact skin barrier will prevent potential irritants from getting into the epidermis.

panthenol

Vitamin B5 is as a humectant, meaning it can draw water molecules to it, hydrating and plumping the area it has been applied to. It also supports the natural lipid barrier of the skin, by encouraging the production of a precursor to fatty acids & sphingolipids, both of which are essential parts of the skin barrier. This mechanism helps to moisturise the skin by reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), therefore retaining more moisture within the skin. This also helps to reduce inflammation in dry or broken skin, as an intact skin barrier will prevent potential irritants from getting into the epidermis.

Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid (a polysaccharide which occurs naturally in the body), created to improve the ingredient stability. It works as an extremely powerful humectant, able to attract 1000x its own weight in water, to immediately plump and hydrate the area it is applied to. The body’s own production of hyaluronic acid slows with age, so supplementing this ingredient in topical formulations helps to support the skin’s natural moisture-binding, anti-ageing mechanisms.

sodium hyaluronate

Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide which occurs naturally in the body. Hyaluronic acid works as an extremely powerful humectant, able to attract 1000x its own weight in water, to immediately plump and hydrate the area it is applied to. The body’s own production of hyaluronic acid slows with age, so supplementing this ingredient in topical formulations helps to support the skin’s natural moisture-binding, anti-ageing mechanisms.

tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate

Vitamin C has many skin benefits, including its action as an antioxidant, to neutralise free radicals (reactive molecules with an unpaired electron), preventing them from causing damage to cells within the body. Vitamin C is also involved in the collagen-production process, so provides anti-wrinkle activity through this mechanism. Lastly, Vitamin C inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin-synthesis, and can therefore visibly reduce areas of hyperpigmentation in the skin.

This powerhouse formula combines a host of different active ingredients to target the delicate under eye area to reduce dark circles and provide youth-boosting benefits. 

A blend of peptides and amino acids work to promote collagen production around the eye to soften fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides work by fitting their unique shape into receptors in the body to stimulate natural processes, such as collagen and elastin production in the fibroblasts. This in turn gives the skin more bounce and structure, which provides a visible anti-ageing effect. 

Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) gluconolactone and lactobionic acid hydrate the skin whilst very gently exfoliating to brighten and rejuvenate. Neostrata are pioneers in the research behind PHAs, which have a larger molecular size compared with AHAs and BHAs, and are therefore much more gentle for the skin. PHAs have additional benefits including hydrating the skin, and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, so are a real multi-tasking hero. 

Vitamins B5, C and E are also included in the formula for their brightening, skin softening, hydrating and antioxidant properties. Hyaluronic acid adds further hydration and green tea extract bolsters the antioxidant protection of the formula. 

Including such a powerful combination of active ingredients means this eye cream can really deliver on results.

Unfragranced

ageing_pores

congested_pores

dehydration

dullness

fine_lines

photoageing

roughness

sebaceous_filaments

uneven_tone

wrinkles

I have chosen this really gentle lightly exfoliating serum to address the uneven, dull skin you mention as a concern. This uses really gentle acids which are also hydrating in nature, to achieve the benefits of a resurfacing formula without any of the associated irritation.

Phytic acid is technically an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), although it’s exfoliating effects are very mild compared to other acids in the AHA family. It does work to remove dead skin cell build up from the pores, and in turn reducing occurrences of breakouts, but this is not it’s main skin benefit. It is predominantly used for its high antioxidant potential, meaning it can neutralise damaging free radicals before they can cause any damage to the skin.

phytic acid

Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), which is found naturally in the body, and in the skin’s natural moisturising factor (NMF). PCA acts as a humectant, meaning it draws water to it, plumping and hydrating the area. The skin’s NMF ensures adequate hydration of the stratum corneum, which also works to support the overall barrier function of the skin, regulating trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Including Sodium PCA in skincare supports this natural mechanism of the skin.

sodium pca

Natural moisturising factor (NMF) is a substance produced by the body, made up of minerals, lactate, urea, amino acids & humectants, which coats the surface skin cells to keep them moisturised. NMF increases the skin’s ability to retain moisture, which results in more hydrated, plump, smoother skin.

This gentle serum contains 5% gluconolactone and 2% lactobionic acid, both of which are polyhydroxy acids (PHAs). PHAs are large exfoliating acids which work by dissolving the keratin that binds our outer skin cells. Their large size makes them very gentle, so they are suitable for most skin types, including mildly sensitive. 

Regular use of PHAs can improve the skin texture, making it smoother and more radiant. The exfoliating activity of these ingredients encourages growth of new skin cells in the base layer of the epidermis (the living layer of our skin). This cell renewal process naturally slows with age, so ingredients that can stimulate the speed at which this happens help to encourage youthful-looking skin. 

Also included in the product is 2% phytic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). This ingredient has been shown to help brighten overall skin tone, as well as decongest the skin, minimising breakouts and blackheads. It is a large sized AHA, which means it is more gentle on the skin so is a good option for more sensitive skin types than other smaller AHAs (such as glycolic and lactic acids). 
The formula also contains a blend of natural humectants - sodium pca, panthenol and hyaluronic acid. Humectants work by drawing water molecules towards them to hydrate and plump the area which they are applied to. This makes this serum a fantastic option for those with drier skin.

Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are very gentle, due to their large molecular size, so are a great option for exfoliating more sensitive skin types.

Gentle PHA exfoliator picks

This daily toner contains a gentle 5.5% concentration of gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid which works to exfoliate the outer layer of skin. The formula also includes aloe vera to soothe, acai extract to provide antioxidant protection and prickly pear extract which helps to boost cell renewal and provide an overall brightening effect.

This gentle water-based serum contain a 10% blend of PHAs (8% gluconolactone and 2% maltobionic acid). These are multi-tasking ingredients which work to gently resurface and brighten the skin, as well as hydrate, even out skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Cruelty free

UK made

Doctor founder

Female founder

Natrisimo

This exfoliator enhances skin smoothness and radiance by utilising apple, lemon, and grape enzymes to gently exfoliate and promote cell renewal. The inclusion of tartaric acid aids in refining skin texture, while neroli oil offers antibacterial benefits.

aloe vera

Aloe vera has been used for millennia as a natural medicine across many regions of the world, with references as early as Cleopatra using it as part of her beauty routine. It contains around 75 active constituents, including Vitamins A,C & E to provide antioxidant protection, 8 enzymes to inhibit inflammatory processes in the body and 9 different minerals to support the body’s natural functioning. It also includes sugars to provide hydrating humectant properties, fatty acids to provide anti-inflammatory & antiseptic properties, and hormones to promote wound healing.

Apple extract is used in cosmetics for its antioxidant abilities, as it is very high in polyphenols. This means it is able to help protect the skin from free radical damage, one of the largest external factors which contributes to ageing of the skin (after UV light).

apple extract

Citric acid (in dilution) is often used in tiny quantities to adjust the pH of a formula to be more acidic. In higher doses, it acts as an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), encouraging the skin’s natural exfoliation process to brighten, smooth and refine overall skin texture.

citric acid

A skin-conditioning agent which is also thought to help firm the skin and stimulate collagen synthesis.

Copper PCA

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which occurs naturally in willow bark. Salicylic acid works as an exfoliating acid to dissolve the keratin that binds the outermost layers of the skin, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin.

Due to its oil-soluble form, salicylic acid can penetrate inside the pore, to clear out dead skin cell build up and prevent comedones (blocked pores) from occurring, or acne-causing bacteria to overpopulate within the pore. This P.Acnes bacteria is anaerobic so needs an oxygen-free environment to thrive, and thus require a pore to be blocked.

salicylic acid

Tartaric acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which works to exfoliate the top layer of the skin. This helps to remove dead skin cells which might be blocking the pores, which in turn reduces the instances of blemishes and breakouts.

tartaric acid

What it is  
Bamford Refining Exfoliator boosts collagen and promotes perfectly smooth, even and radiant skin using a potent blend of apple, lemon and grape enzymes.  

Key Ingredients  
- Apple contains tartaric acid that accelerates natural cell renewal and gently exfoliates without damaging delicate skin.  
- Lemon uplifts the mind, minimises anxiety and encourages the elimination of toxins.  
- Neroli oils have powerful antibacterial properties.  

Skin Types  
Suitable for all skin types.  

How to Use  
Apply a small amount of Bamford Refining Exfoliator onto fingertips. Gently massage onto face, neck and décolleté, taking care to avoid the delicate eye area. Add a small amount of warm water, massaging in a circular motion before removing fully with warm water.

impaired_barrier

redness

I have chosen this gently exfoliating, ultra-nourishing moistuiser for you to support your skin's natural barrier, reducing redness and dryness in the skin. This uses gentle Polyhydroxy acids to encourage the skins natural exfoliation process, as well as hydrate the skin, leading to smoother, brighter, plumper skin.

Algae is an incredibly interesting natural ingredient source. It is essentially an underwater plant, designed to get its food from sunlight, much like any other plants, although from much more challenging conditions. There are many types of algae (kelp, laminaria, microalgae), but in general in all its forms it acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting from free radical damage, as well as being able to hydrate the skin and deliver naturally-occurring vitamins into the skin.

algae extract

Provides intense hydration and helps soothe and revitalize the look of stressed skin. Gentle formula provides intense hydration. Ideal for sensitive and reactive skin types. Non-comedogenic. Fragrance-free.

These nourishing formulas are great for dry skin, and are packed with barrier-supporting ingredients to help the skin retain more moisture naturally.

Nourishing moisturiser picks

A cult classic, this face cream uses Neostrata's signature resurfacing technology to hydrate, whilst gently exfoliating dead cells to minimise fine lines and reveal glowing, plump skin. It uses a blend of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), which gently dissolve the bonds between the very outermost layer of skin (which is what causes roughness and flaking in dry skin). Hyaluronic acid and glycerin work as hydrators, whilst meadowfoam seed oil, rich in Vitamin E, nourishes the skin and provides natural antioxidant protection.

This rich formula contains a host of nourishing and soothing ingredients and has won multiple awards. It does contain essential oils so best for dry skin, which is not super sensitive.

A top-rated minimalist, nourishing moisturiser formulated with just 7 ingredients, and proven to be suitable for even hypersensitive skin types.

This super rich 5% urea night cream is fantastic for moisturising dry skin. Urea is a naturally occurring humectant in the skin, which pulls water towards it to hydrate and plump the skin.

A great daily basic, this rich cream includes ceramides (natural skin lipids) to support the natural barrier, alongside hyaluronic acid to attract water and add hydration into the skin. Fragrance free and hypoallergenic.

I have chosen this ultra-soothing serum to target redness and sensitivity in the skin. Clinically proven to hydrate the skin and reduce redness and blotches within just 2 weeks, this is a great option to soothe your reactive skin.

Horse Chestnut has powerful antioxidant properties, is able to soothe irritated skin, and has also been shown in some studies to have benefits in strengthening the blood vessels to reduce visible redness.

aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) seed extract

ammonium glycyrrhizate

Liquorice is a legume which grows in the Mediterranean, the Middle East & Russia. It contains the active constituent glabridin, which has been shown to prevent and reverse UV-induced skin damage, to provide visible skin-lightening properties to the skin.

Its second active component, Glycyrrhetinic acid is used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory benefits. It works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory substances, such as cortisone, within the body, with some research showing results to be comparable to prescription hydrocortisone cream.

ascophyllum nodosum extract

asparagopsis armata extract

Bisabolol is a naturally-occurring active found in the chamomile plant, although this can also be created synthetically. It’s key properties are as an anti-inflammatory and soothing agent, with some studies also showing it to have a brightening effect on the skin. Bisabolol is also a rich source of Panthenol (Vitamin B5), which acts as a humectant, meaning it draws water molecules towards it to plump and hydrate the area. Studies have also shown that bisabolol can enhance the penetration of other actives into the skin, so is great when used in combination with other actives designed to work at the basal layer of the epidermis, or in fact the dermis.

bisabolol

Caffeine, derived from the coffee plant, is used in skincare as an antioxidant and a vasoconstricting agent. Its antioxidant properties help to protect against free radicals, neutralising them before they can cause damage to the skin cells. Its vasoconstricting abilities make it good for draining water retention from around the eye area, to reduce puff, and for reducing skin redness by constricting the capillaries whose dilation visually increases skin redness by passing blood closer to the skin’s surface.

caffeine

camellia sinensis leaf extract

White tea is a potent antioxidant, so is able to help protect against free radical damage. It is also thought to have anti-ageing properties by inhibiting the action of collagen and elastin-degrading enzymes in the skin.

epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract

A botanical extract used for its antioxidant and skin-soothing abilities.

tocopheryl (vitamin e) acetate

Soothing serum improves skin resiliency and helps neutralize the appearance of facial blotchiness. Formulated with BioCalm Complex to enhance the skin’s resistance to drying environmental stressors. Ideal for reactive, sensitive skin. Oil-free, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.

inflammatory_acne

I have chosen this resurfacing toner for your routine to exfoliate the skin. It includes poly hydroxy acids (PHAs) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA), to offer the gentlest type of exfoliation, which still reducing congestion in the skin.

**Phase in slowly. Start with 1x per week, building up usage (if tolerated) to every night over several weeks. Avoid the corners of the mouth, the eye area and the neck.

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3 and Nicotinamide, has many skincare benefits. Firstly, it regulates sebum production in the skin, which in turn reduces blemishes and visible pore size. It also reduces facial redness by improving microcirculation, which means moving the blood inside the capillaries away from the face to reduce visible redness. It also has the ability to strengthen the natural lipid barrier of the skin by encouraging ceramide production (the building blocks which seal our skin cells together), which in turn increases the hydration within the epidermis. Lastly, niacinamide works to help reduce hyperpigmentation by blocking melanin from being deposited on the skin cells.

niacinamide

Zinc gluconate is a mild acid produced from zinc and the sugar glucose. It is known to have antibacterial effects, and is used in skincare as a preservative to protect the user from harmful bacteria exposure, as well as potential imparting some anti-blemish effects via its antibacterial activity.

zinc gluconate

Zinc is known to regulate sebum production, as well as inhibit the growth of the P.Acnes bacteria to improve acne symptoms.

SEBIACLEAR Micro-Peel is the first concentrated dermatological water that unclogs pores and smooths skin, offering a new form of effective, feel-good skincare. It is as liquid as water and delivers a potent combination of actives. This fast-absorbing essence quickly infuses skin for an instant clean finish. Its powerful effects stem from the choice of ingredients – a pair of complementary keratolytic acids for rapid, lasting action on pores, spots and blackheads, without compromising on tolerance. The delicately scented, non-greasy, non-sticky watery texture guarantees a refreshing sensation. It leaves skin cleansed and purified without drying it out, with tightened pores and a smoother texture.

These high strength salicylic acid treatments work to decongest pores, reducing breakouts and blackheads, as well as refining overall skin texture.

Salicylic acid exfoliators for acne-prone skin

This exfoliating toner contains 2% salicylic acid to decongest pores, while tranexamic acid works to fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Alongside this, aloe vera soothes and sake extract hydrates and supports the natural skin barrier.

A great option if you are experiencing redness alongside congestion. The formula contains 2% salicylic acid to clear out pores, alongside panthenol to soothe, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, minimising any dryness typically associated with the use of BHAs (salicylic acid).

This toner contains a blend of gluconolactone and salicylic acid. This combination has been proven to decongest the pores to reduce breakouts and blackheads, without disrupting the skin's natural barrier.

Clinically proven

Non-comedogenic

Dermatologically tested

Sensitive

I have chosen this exfoliating and hydrating toner as part of your evening routine, to resurface the skin, improving texture and tone, as well as addressing the skin congestion issues you mention (blemishes and blackheads).

**Phase in slowly. Start with 1x per week, building up usage (if tolerated) to every night over several weeks. Avoid the corners of the mouth, the eye area and the neck.

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), derived from sugar cane. AHAs work by dissolving the keratin binding the outermost layer of skin cells, speeding up the skin’s natural exfoliation process. This leads to smoother, brighter, clearer skin, whilst reducing skin discolouration & fine lines/wrinkles with continued use.

Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular weight of all the AHAs, meaning it can penetrate the skin quickest, producing the fastest results, but also most likely to cause skin sensitivity, so it is best for those with fairly tolerant skin types.

glycolic acid

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which occurs naturally in the body, as well as being found in dairy products, but is typically derived synthetically for cosmetics today.

AHAs work by dissolving the keratin binding the outermost layer of skin cells, speeding up the skin’s natural exfoliation process. This leads to smoother, brighter, clearer skin, whilst reducing skin discolouration & fine lines/wrinkles with continued use.  

lactic acid

This is a fantastic multi-acid toner which combines AHA (alpha hydroxy acids), BHA (beta hydroxy acid) and PHA (poly hydroxy acids), along with niacinamide. This blend allows the product to function in a variety of ways to provide multiple benefits to the skin simultaneously.

The formula includes 4% lactic acid and 2% glycolic acid, both of which are AHAs. AHAs are small water soluble exfoliating acids which are great for exfoliating the top layer of skin to improve texture and radiance. Due to their small size, they can work very quickly so results are almost immediate. Regular use encourages the production of new skin cells at the base of the epidermis (the living layer of the skin), accelerating the natural skin renewal cycle. As this cycle slows with age, ingredients that can accelerate this process help support youthful-looking skin. 

The toner also contains 2% salicylic acid, a BHA. This is an oil-soluble ingredient, meaning it can get right inside the pores to break down excess sebum and dead skin cells which can build up in the pores and lead to breakouts and blackheads. Salicylic acid is a natural anti-inflammatory (fun fact: it’s derived from the same plant as aspirin), so helps to calm inflamed blemishes and reduce redness. Regular use reduces congestion in the skin.

Gluconolactone 5% and lactobionic acid 0.25% are the PHAs in the formula. PHAs are water soluble and larger in size than AHAs. They work in a similar way to exfoliate the surface layer of the skin, but their size makes them a more gentle option. They also act as a natural humectant, which means they can draw water molecules towards them to hydrate and plump the area they are applied to. 

Lastly, 2.5% niacinamide rounds off the formulation. This ingredient has a multitude of benefits. It can regulate the skin’s natural oil production, as well as strengthen the skin barrier by encouraging the production of natural skin lipids. It works to fade hyperpigmentation, is an anti-inflammatory and can also reduce redness in the skin.

These treatments combine AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate the skin, decongest pores, reduce blemishes and breakouts, and refine overall texture and tone.

AHA & BHA mixed acid exfoliant picks

This formula includes a blend of acids to decongest and brighten the skin. This include mandelic, glycolic, dioic, salicylic and gluconolactone. On top of this, hydrating and soothing ingredients such as panthenol, liquorice and aloe vera work to balance the skin to support the skin barrier.

This toner includes a blend of natural salicylic acid from willow bark water, alongside natural malic acid from apple fruit water. Combined with allantoin and panthenol to soothe and hydrate, this formula works well to decongest and brighten without drying or stripping the skin.

This resurfacing toner combines 5 different acids to deliver multiple benefits to the skin. AHAs lactic acid and glycolic acid refine skin texture and add radiance, BHA salicylic acid works to decongest pores, reducing blemishes and breakouts, whilst PHAs gluconolactone and lactobiotic acid even out skin tone. The toner also includes niacinamide to regulate oil production and soothe any redness.

Lactobionic Acid

What is Lactobionic Acid?

What does Lactobionic Acid do?

Who is Lactobionic Acid good for?

Who should avoid Lactobionic Acid?

Lactobionic Acid

What is Lactobionic Acid?

What does Lactobionic Acid do?

Who is Lactobionic Acid good for?

Who should avoid Lactobionic Acid?

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