This is a 10% mandelic acid gel specially formulated for sensitive skin. My skin is particularly picky with AHA formulations, and I was a bit wary about this because I’ve gotten itchiness and irritation from another mandelic acid product (the Wishtrend 5% skin prep). Then again, I’ve also never tried a Stratia product that hasn’t worked well for me so I was keen on trying this.
✨ Mandelic acid has larger molecules than glycolic acid, hence it’s less prone to cause irritation, and Stratia Soft Touch AHA is buffered with soothing ingredients like aloe, chamomile and allantoin. This AHA gel claims to increase cell turnover, fade hyperpigmentation, stimulate collagen production, fade fine lines and wrinkles, and regulate sebum.
✨ I have been using three pumps of this chemical exfoliator almost daily in my night routine for the past month — it’s that gentle. I leave it on for about ten minutes before toning, and it works its magic in that time, with visible improvement in texture and brightness even before I complete my skincare routine. The results are steady, not as dramatic as glycolic acid, but the net effect is similar, and I really like how can use this more frequently with no issues, even while I was dealing with seb derm attacks, and even in the same routine with my retinol.
✨I’d recommend this for AHA starters, people who have sensitivity to glycolic acid, or those who like to exfoliate frequently like I do. (SPF 50 is a must, of course).
