Disclosure: This post contains press samples and affiliate links
I was introduced to mandelic acid over 5 years ago when I had the opportunity to sample a serum from Colleen Rothschild ($75). The results from the sample were amazing—my skin was even in tone, soft to the touch, and bright. This serum was so good that I reduced my retinol use. The problem was that, at that time, it was out of my price range when it was time to replenish the serum.
Shortly after, The Ordinary released 10% Mandelic + HA ($7.50), and it was nice, but I didn’t care for the formulation. It seems like Paula’s Choice heard my cries (and the cries of everyone else in the skincare community) and released a mandelic acid serum.
Paula’s Choice Cosmetics teased a product last week, and thanks to a surprise package Saturday, we now know that the newest launch from the brand is Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant.
Retail price: $37
This liquid exfoliant claims to resurface the skin with a blend of mandelic and lactic acid, with the promise of brighter, smoother, and softer skin. It hasn’t been a full week since I’ve had this product in my possession, so let’s talk about my first impressions.
Packaging
It is packaged in a similar bottle to Skin Perfecting BHA, except it’s grey in color and smaller in size, a 3oz bottle. The hole that dispenses the product is also larger than the BHA.
Formula
Dispense, and you’ll find that it has a viscosity similar to water. It’s very liquidy, which is going to make dispensing and treating it as a serum challenging. It has a scent similar to witch hazel, which dissipates quickly.
When applied like a serum, it was challenging due to its viscosity and left my skin with a slightly tacky feel.
Applying to a cotton pad and applying is going to be optimal. It’s easier to apply this way.
After just one application, my skin is noticeably softer to the touch. I’m excited to try this for the next 6 weeks to see what kind of results I can track.
@theroutineskin #PR| ✨First Impressions✨ @Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant. Available now on the @sephora app, available on paulaschoice.com 1/8/24 #skincare #mandelicacid #liquidexfoliant #lacticacid #paulaschoice #firstimpressions ♬ original sound – #theroutine✨Skincare & beauty
