Paula’s Choice has launched a Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant that’s already a contender for best product of 2024. The iconic brand has delivered a deeply effective skin resurfacer that gently caters for skin sensitive to typical AHAs – but without compromising its potency for truly remarkable results.
When it comes to premium beauty and skincare, Paula’s Choice has been the go-to for beauty enthusiasts around the globe since 1995. Fuelled by its cult following, Paula’s Choice has consistently delivered quality, science-heavy, and beloved essentials, all at accessible pricepoints. The latest release is just the latest step in the brand’s upwards trajectory, joining existing Paula’s Choice favourites such as the award-winning Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster, and the iconic Skin Perfecting BHA.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting AHA Liquid Exfoliant
This newest addition to the Skin Perfecting range offers an AHA-based exfoliant, resurfacing skin with a powerful yet gentle blend of mandelic and lactic acid for a smoother, softer, and brighter complexion. AHAs have a multitude of benefits, including improving sun damage, dullness, and fine lines, reversing a compromised skin barrier, and renewing below-the-surface skin for a healthier cell overturn. And Paula’s Choice does this like no other – the radiant effects on the skin are almost immediately noticeable, meaning it won’t be long until this exfoliant becomes an unmissable addition to the daily routine.
How is this AHA different?
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are natural acids, with Glycolic Acid being the most common type found in skincare. Glycolic Acid particles are the smallest in the AHA family, meaning they penetrate the skin quickly and more aggressively. While this might suit resilient, conditioned skin, it can be a nightmare for people with sensitivities, causing irritation, redness, and uncomfortable swelling.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Liquid Exfoliant uses a complex of gentle AHAs with larger molecules (Mandelic Acid (6%) and Lactic Acid (2%)) that resurfaces and sheds built-up layers of dead skin more gradually, to leave a smooth texture, softer fine lines, and lasting brightened complexion. With less risk of hyperpigmentation, photosensitivity, and scarring compared to other AHAs, this is the perfect solution for those newer to acid peels, people of colour, and those with skin sensitivities and intolerances.
What about BHA?
Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is another exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells from skin, however it serves a different purpose. While AHA is water soluble and exfoliates the surface level of the skin, also serving to improve the skin’s hydration mechanism, BHA (such as Salicylic Acid) is oil soluble, working deep inside the pores with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties for far-reaching results. So while BHA does best deep cleaning pores and balancing oil levels, AHA is better for surface-level exfoliation, evening tone, and improving skin texture.
The best part is that both chemical exfoliants can be used together, and can generate advanced results especially when targeting multiple skin concerns. While it’s perfectly ok to apply both together, Paula’s Choice recommends alternating the two in a once-a-day routine, or using an AHA in the morning and a BHA at night – a great approach for breakout-prone skin showing signs of sun damage.
If you’re looking to step up your skincare routine to improve firmness, hydration, and vibrance along with diminishing the look of lines and uneven skin tones the Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant (with a dose of Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant) is just what the doctor ordered.
You can shop the new Paula’s Choice Skin perfecting 6% Mandelic + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant (RRP £35) directly from Paula’s Choice right here, and from top skincare retailers such as Cult Beauty.
