Want to supercharge your skincare routine? You’ll need an exfoliant for that. Exfoliation is the process of removing old, no-longer-needed cells from the surface of our complexion. Our skin naturally turns over these old cells like a conveyor belt, but the rate at which this process happens slows as we age – which means we need to exfoliate to help them on their way. When our skin is exfoliated it looks brighter and more even, and our skincare can asborb more effectively without a backlog of cells blocking its way.

There are three different forms of exfoliation. There is physical exfoliation, where you use a scrub or cloth to break down the bonds that hold onto old skin cells, enzyme exfoliation, where enzymes nibble away at the bonds and chemical exfoliation, where acid-based ingredients dissolve the bonds. Of all three, chemical exfoliation is the least messy (good news for previously splattered sinks) and the most effective.

Why Trinny London exfoliants perform better

Now, not all chemical exfoliant formulas are created equal – nor is there just one ingredient that is able to exfoliate the skin in this way. Exfoliating acids can be separated into three distinct categories: poly-hydroxy acids (PHAs) including lactobionic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) including lactic acid and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) including salicylic acid. Each has their own unique properties and benefits. PHAs are the gentlest of the bunch and best suited to sensitive skin types or exfoliant novices. BHAs are recommended for oily and blemish-prone complexions and AHAs are the gold-standard glow-givers.

At Trinny London, we wanted all of our consumers to be able to exfoliate – even those who felt a little intimidated by the idea, or who thought that their skin was too easily irritated to use a product like this. That’s why we created not one, not two, but three formulas – each one powered by a different hydroxy-acid. By taking this tailored approach, our customers are able to progress from one acid to another, use one in the morning and a different one at night or change up their routine based on hormonal fluctuations and the seasons.

We also worked really carefully to ensure that each acid had a supporting cast of brilliant ingredients to supercharge the acid's potential and prevent them from irritating the skin in any way. Maintaining the integrity of the skin is always our top priority, and that’s what separates us from single ingredient or unnecessarily harsh chemical exfoliants.

Key ingredients in our exfoliants

As we’ve just mentioned, every exfoliant in our line up is formulated with a specially curated combination of exfoliating acids, as well as supporting ingredients.

In Tiptoe In, our PHA exfoliant, you’ll find poly-hydroxy acids gluconolactone and lactobionic acid to gently exfoliate and restore radiance, as well as the humectant trehalose which draws moisture into the skin.

Reveal Yourself, our AHA exfoliant, is powered by alpha-hydroxy acids lactic and malic acid for exfoliation, succinic acid for glow, an amino acid complex for hydration and bioactive plankton for visible smoothing.

Find Your Balance, our BHA exfoliant, contains two beta-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid and willowbark to unclog pores, AHA mandelic acid for deep-down exfoliation and chlorella vulgaris extract to promote a clear complexion.

Our exfoliant line-up

We formulated our trio of exfoliants to suit a unique set of skin concerns...

Tiptoe In

Created for exfoliant novices and sensitive skin, promising gentle exfoliation without irritation.

Entry level product for gentle exfoliation

Gently exfoliates with gluconolactone

Boosts radiance with lactobionic acid

Restores hydration with trehalose

Reveal Yourself

Made for radiance-seekers looking to smooth lines, even tone and boost brightness.

Deeply exfoliates with lactic and malic acid

Reveals skin’s glow with succinic acid

Balances hydration with amino acid complex

Visibly smooths skin with bioactive plankton extract

Find Your Balance

Designed for oily, blemish-prone and congested complexions in need of a good clear out.

Unclogs pores with salicylic acid and willowbark

Deeply exfoliates with mandelic acid

Promotes a clear complexion with chlorella vulgaris extract