Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant is a US-brand ultra-gentle leave-on AHA exfoliant that represents a meaningful evolution beyond Paula’s Choice’s existing exfoliant range — the brand’s first water-light, dual-acid AHA formula that goes beyond surface exfoliation to simultaneously deliver skin renewal, microbiome support & improved barrier function in a single lightweight treatment. Where the brand’s original exfoliants rely heavily on Glycolic Acid, this formula deliberately selects the two gentlest AHAs in the acid family — Mandelic & Lactic — making it the ideal entry point for AHA newcomers, sensitive skin types, and those with deeper skin tones who need to avoid the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) that more aggressive acids can trigger. Its water-light, refreshing liquid texture absorbs effortlessly and provides up to 90 uses per 88ml bottle. 100% fragrance-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, vegan & gluten-free. Bottle made from 96% recycled plastic.

Apply once or twice daily after cleansing and toning. Gently shake the bottle 1–2 times, then pour a coin-sized amount onto clean fingertips or a cotton pad. Apply over the entire face and neck — including the eye area (avoid lower lash line and eyelids). Do not rinse. Follow with serum and moisturizer. For daytime, always finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen — AHA exfoliation increases the skin’s sensitivity to UV, making daily sunscreen non-negotiable. Start slowly: begin every other day and observe skin’s response before increasing to once or twice daily. Pro tip: alternate this AHA exfoliant with Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant for comprehensive multi-level exfoliation — AHA in the morning, BHA in the evening — to address surface texture, dark spots & pore congestion simultaneously.

Mandelic Acid (6%) is the anchor exfoliating active — and arguably the most unique AHA available. Derived from bitter almonds, Mandelic Acid has the largest molecular structure of all AHAs, which means it penetrates the skin more slowly & evenly than Glycolic or Lactic Acid — delivering thorough surface cell renewal without the sharp irritation spike associated with faster-penetrating acids. This controlled-penetration quality makes it exceptionally safe for sensitive skin types & deeper skin tones where uneven acid penetration can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Mandelic Acid specifically targets discoloration pathways — disrupting tyrosinase activity to prevent melanin overproduction that leads to dark spots, sun damage patches & uneven pigmentation — while simultaneously smoothing surface skin texture, softening fine lines & brightening the overall complexion. Lactic Acid (2%) provides time-released complementary AHA exfoliation — refining the skin surface further while simultaneously acting as a powerful humectant that attracts & binds moisture to the freshly exfoliated skin, preventing the post-acid dryness that some formulas cause. Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Extract serves as the microbiome & barrier restoration specialist — clinically recognized for its ability to soothe inflammation, reverse a compromised moisture barrier & actively support the healthy ecosystem of skin-protective microorganisms. Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate & Saccharomyces Lysate provide a probiotic/postbiotic fermented blend that nourishes the skin’s microbiome diversity for long-term skin health & barrier resilience. A Fermented Antioxidant Botanical Trio — Cherry Blossom (Prunus Lannesiana), Chocolate Vine (Akebia Quinata) & Bayberry (Myrica Cerifera) — floods the freshly exfoliated skin with concentrated antioxidant & anti-inflammatory protection. Saccharide Isomerate binds lasting moisture to keratin proteins in the skin for hydration that remains beyond the wash.

* Mandelic Acid (6%) — the gentlest AHA — disrupts discoloration & smooths texture without irritation or PIH
* Safe for sensitive skin & deeper skin tones: slow, even penetration minimizes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
* Lactic Acid (2%) provides time-released surface exfoliation while hydrating freshly exfoliated skin
* Yarrow Extract reverses compromised skin barrier & soothes inflammation for fortified, calm skin
* Lactobacillus + Saccharomyces Ferment Lysates nourish the skin microbiome for long-term barrier health
* Fermented Botanical Trio (Cherry Blossom, Chocolate Vine, Bayberry) delivers antioxidant protection
* Saccharide Isomerate bonds lasting moisture to skin keratin — hydration that doesn't wash away
* Fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free — ultra-gentle water-light formula, up to 90 uses per 88ml bottle

How to Use: After cleansing and toning, gently shake the bottle 1–2 times. Pour a coin-sized amount onto clean fingertips or a cotton pad. Apply evenly over the face and neck, including the eye area (avoid lower lash line and eyelids). Do not rinse. Follow with serum and moisturizer. Start with every other day use and increase to once or twice daily as tolerated. Always finish morning application with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. Pro tip: alternate with Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant — AHA in the morning, BHA in the evening — for comprehensive multi-level exfoliation results.