‘Acid’ and ‘face’ don’t sound like a match made in glowing skin heaven. But far from counterintuitive, the sort of acids stockpiled into skincare work to clear out congested pores, exfoliating in an often less abrasive way to your standard granular facial scrub, kickstarting your skin’s natural repair mechanisms for a brighter, healthy-looking complexion.
Not convinced? Read on to discover the latest innovations in the acid skincare market that cater to every need from daily gentle acids to powerful peels.
Skincare Acid Exfoliants 2020
1 of 6L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Glycolic Acid Ampoule Serum, £24.99
With Glycolic Acid at 10%, L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser Renew Ampoules: 7 Day Cure Peeling Effect, £24.99 for 7, are encapsulated for freshness, with an intense week-long programme of single-use vials to reset dull skin, while improving hyperpigmentation. Big tick.
2 of 6Decleor Overnight Bi-Phase Facial Peel with Glycolic Acid, £45
Helping do away with dead skin cells without drying out the skin, Decleor Overnight Bi-Phase Facial Peel with Glycolic Acid, £45, is best used nightly for a course of 28 days.
3 of 6Goop Glow 15% Glycolic Acid + Fruit Extracts Overnight Glow Peel, £38 for 4
Used just once weekly, Goop Glow 15% Glycolic Acid + Fruit Extracts Overnight Glow Peel, £38 for 4, make impressively speedy work of dull skin, but are best avoided if you're on the sensitive side.
4 of 6SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser, £30
To incorporate Glycolic Acid into your daily routine, try a wash off formulation. SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser, £30, gently exfoliates, improving cell turnover for a fresh-faced feel.
5 of 6Elemis Peptide4 Overnight Radiance Peel, £56
Less irritating than Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid is a great entry point. Try Elemis Peptide4 Overnight Radiance Peel, £56, which can be used daily without the downtime of some more intense peels.
6 of 6Murad Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel, £48
Combining an AHA/BHA/TXA acid blend in a bi-phase formula, Murad Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel, £48, has been shown to accelerate cell renewal by an impressive 33%. An easy option to slip into your routine.
READ MORE: AHAs, BHAs And Beyond: A Beginner's Guide To Liquid Exfoliants
READ MORE: 10 Best Facial Cleansing Brushes You Can Buy In The UK