
About this product
A liquid chemical exfoliant combining 6% mandelic acid and 2% lactic acid in a time-released formula, designed to gently exfoliate and improve skin texture, dullness, and fine lines.
Full ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, 2,3-Butanediol (Humectant/Solvent), Mandelic Acid (Exfoliant), Lactic Acid (Exfoliant/Humectant), Sodium Hydroxide (Ph Adjuster), Myrica Cerifera (Bayberry) Fruit Extract (Plant Extract/Antioxidant), Akebia Quinata (Chocolate Vine) Stem Extract (Plant Extract/Antioxidant), Prunus Lannesiana (Cherry Blossom) Flower Extract (Plant Extract/Antioxidant), Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate (Prebiotic/Probiotic/Postbiotic), Saccharomyces Lysate (Prebiotic/Probiotic/Postbiotic), Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Extract (Plant Extract/Antioxidant), Saccharide Isomerate (Humectant), Arginine (Antioxidant/Humectant), Hydroxyacetophenone (Humectant/Stabilizer), Butylene Glycol (Humectant/Solvent), Sodium Phytate (Chelating Agent), Pentylene Glycol (Humectant), Xanthan Gum (Stabilizer/Texture Enhancer), Citric Acid (Ph Adjuster), Sodium Citrate (Ph Adjuster/Chelating Agent), 1,2-Hexanediol (Preservative/Solvent), Caprylyl Glycol (Humectant), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative)
Guru Score
Yay
9 experts · Strong agreementWhat they liked
What they flagged
What the gurus are saying
Mandelic acid's larger molecular size means it exfoliates without penetrating as deeply, making this blend particularly well-suited to sensitive skin when paired with lactic acid's slight moisturizing effect. One expert praises it as an effective, gentle option for those wanting exfoliation without irritation. The main caveat: the brand claims it can repair a compromised skin barrier, but experts advise against layering any exfoliant onto damaged skin, so skip it if your barrier is currently compromised. For everyone else, it delivers on anti-aging and cell turnover, though at 3.8 ounces for $37 it sits on the pricey side.
Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.
Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.
Alpha hydroxy acids loosen the bonds holding dead cells at the surface. The evidence supports smoother texture and more even tone over time, and they can leave skin more sensitive to sun.
A liquid chemical exfoliant combining 6% mandelic acid and 2% lactic acid in a time-released formula, designed to gently exfoliate and improve skin texture, dullness, and fine lines.
Yes. All 9 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 83%.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant holds a Guru Score of 83%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 9 expert reviewers we have collected.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant is generally suited to oily skin, acne-prone skin and mature skin.
Lower-priced masks and peels the gurus still rate highly, versus this mid-range pick.
See how they stack up →Other products the same gurus have weighed in on, plus more from this brand and category.
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