The Illuminating Tonic

For skin that wants the results of a chemical exfoliant without the reactivity that usually comes with one. Especially:

• Skin that's tried glycolic acid and ended up red, peeling, or stinging
• Skin with closed comedones: small bumps under the surface that never come to a head and don't respond to anything in the acne aisle
• Skin with uneven tone, post-breakout marks, or general dullness that wants gradual evening rather than overnight resurfacing
• Reactive, rosacea-leaning, or sensitive skin that's been hesitant to try acids at all
• Mature skin looking to support cell turnover without barrier disruption

Formulated with 9% mandelic acid at pH 4.5. Mandelic is an AHA whose molecule is roughly twice the size of glycolic acid, which means it absorbs more slowly and works more gradually.

Pair that larger molecule with a gentler pH, and you get a real chemical exfoliant that resurfaces steadily over weeks rather than aggressively overnight.

Mandelic also brings antioxidant activity alongside its exfoliating work, supporting both surface renewal and protection against the oxidative stress that contributes to dullness and uneven tone.

The mandelic is paired with hyaluronic acid for hydration during exfoliation, plus turmeric extract and chamomile to keep things calm. All ingredients dosed for functional skin benefits, not marketing.

Use at night, 2-3X/week to start. After washing your face and patting dry, apply 10 drops into your palm and rub hands together. Gently pat on your face and neck.

Increase frequency only if your skin asks for more. Over weeks of consistent use, expect smoother texture, more even tone, and brightness.

We believe in total transparency. Below is a complete list of each and every ingredient in our formulas in their true order of concentration. To learn more about our ingredient standards, click here.

water, calendula officinalis (calendula) hydrosol water*, rosa damascena (rose) flower water*, mandelic acid, helichrysum italicum (helichrysum) flower hydrolate*, glycerin*, curcuma longa (turmeric) root extract*, gluconodeltalactone, sodium hyaluronate, matricaria recutita (chamomile) flower*, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil, foeniculum vulgare (fennel) seed oil, sodium benzoate.
*certified organic

This is the most up-to-date ingredient list and may differ from product packaging.

Parcheta, M., Świsłocka, R., Świderski, G., Matejczyk, M., & Lewandowski, W. (2022). Spectroscopic characterization and antioxidant properties of mandelic acid and its derivatives in a theoretical and experimental approach. Materials (Basel, Switzerland), 15(15), 5413. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15155413

Sarkar, R., Garg, V., Bansal, S., Sethi, S., & Gupta, C. (2016). Comparative evaluation of efficacy and tolerability of glycolic acid, salicylic mandelic acid, and phytic acid combination peels in melasma. Dermatologic Surgery, 42(3), 384–391. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000000642

Trying something new? You're covered.

30-day guarantee:

💕 Minis are risk-free (refund, no return required)
💗 Full sizes are refundable (refund or 110% store credit)

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