Fresh Wave of Acid Skincare
The beauty industry occasionally experiences a curious phenomenon: a sudden surge of remarkably similar products arriving simultaneously. That is precisely what is happening right now with acid-driven skincare. Caroline's Cheat Sheet on Acids (HERE) provides a brilliant breakdown of which formulations might work best for your particular skin type, and I genuinely cannot improve upon it. Below is a quick overview, though I would urge you to read her full guide for the complete picture. Essentially, acids work to slough away dead cells from both the outermost layer and the deeper levels of the complexion, depending on the specific acid used. Introducing an acid blend into your regimen (applied post-cleansing, pre-moisturising) will yield visibly more radiant, revitalised skin. I am convinced these acid-infused tonics will eventually become as essential to our routines as moisturiser itself. They are a worthwhile investment at any life stage, and evening application is preferable since acids can heighten photosensitivity during daylight hours. Additionally, avoid layering a manual scrub over an enzymatic formula unless you are confident your skin can handle the extra exfoliation.
Kicking things off is REN's Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, priced at £25 for 250ml, available HERE. This formula harnesses Lactic Acid (sourced through yeast fermentation), Salicin (extracted from Willow Bark) and Azelaic Acid (derived from wheat, barley and rye). What distinguishes this offering is its blend of surface-level AHAs alongside oil-soluble BHAs, which penetrate deeper into the complexion by working their way into pores, combined with Azelaic to calm irritation. The product has earned a reputation as a saviour for those dealing with rosacea.
Full Ingredient List: Aqua (Water), Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Heptyl Glucoside, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Triethyl Citrate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Benzoic Acid, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Heptanol, Parfum* (Fragrance), Limonene
Fresh Wave of Acid Skincare
Glossier Solution, retailing at £19 for 150ml and found HERE, operates on a comparable principle, blending Lactic (AHA) and Salicylic Acids (BHA) with Glycolic (AHA). The formula additionally features an 'anti-stress' component comprising aloe and niacinamide, both recognised for their ability to fade discolouration. A handy tip when scanning ingredient decks: the position of an ingredient reflects its concentration, with higher quantities appearing nearer the top.
Full Ingredient List: Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Hydroxide, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Propanediol, Ethoxydiglycol, Magnesium Chloride, Glycereth-7 Trimethyl Ether, Niacinamide, Betaine, Inositol, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Phytic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum/Fragrance, PEG-8, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Acetic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide.
Fresh Wave of Acid Skincare
Omorovicza Acid Fix takes a somewhat different direction from the previous two offerings, though acids remain its central selling point. To begin with, it is presented as a concentrated serum priced at £85 for 30ml (HERE), and a glance at the ingredient list reveals a notably higher acid concentration, with glycolic appearing in the second slot. The product also pairs AHAs with BHAs but throws in some luxurious extras, as you would anticipate given the price tag. Of particular note is Lime Pearl Extract, an AHA that maintains its efficacy across varying pH ranges, a quality that eludes many other AHAs. While this translates to more intense exfoliation compared to the other formulas, the end result over time is likely to be broadly comparable. This is the one I have recently incorporated into my own routine, drawn to its concentrated nature, the fact that no cotton pad is required, and the minimal dose of just a couple of drops per application.
Full Ingredient List: Aqua (Hungarian Thermal Water), Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Propanediol, Yeast Extract, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Parfum, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Phospholipids, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Benzyl Salicylate.
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