A well-documented, effective acid exfoliating serum with strong evidence for smoothing and pore-focused benefits, but it is best suited to skin that already tolerates exfoliation.
Scored for skin — based on what its ingredients contribute.
What it may help with
Whether it can improve smoothness and surface texture — roughness, flaking, clogged pores, or unevenness. Exfoliating acids, retinoids, and smoothing moisturizers may score here.
From Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid
Whether the ingredient helps increase the skin’s water content — humectants that attract water, ingredients that reduce water loss, or ones that make skin feel less dry.
From Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Lactic Acid
Whether it can help visible signs of aging — fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, or photoaging.
From Glycolic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Buddleja Davidii Meristem Cell Culture, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Whether it can help acne-prone skin — reducing clogged pores, excess oil, acne-causing bacteria, inflammation, or breakouts.
From Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Whether it can help uneven tone, dark spots, melasma-like discoloration, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — including brightening and tyrosinase-inhibiting ingredients.
From Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Things to watch
Risk of short-term irritation — stinging, burning, dryness, redness, or discomfort. Common for strong actives, acids, retinoids, fragrances, and harsh surfactants.
From Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Carbonate
Whether it can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, raising the risk of sunburn or UV-related irritation. Relevant for some exfoliating acids, retinoids, and certain plant-derived ingredients.
From Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid
Whether it can weaken or damage the skin barrier — harsh surfactants, strong exfoliants, high alcohol content, or overuse-prone actives.
From Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride
Risk of allergic contact dermatitis or immune-based reactions. Fragrance allergens, preservatives, botanicals, and some dyes may score here.
Whether it may sting or irritate around the eyes. Relevant for sunscreens, fragrances, acids, surfactants, and volatile ingredients.
From Phenoxyethanol, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride
GOOD · 13
NEUTRAL · 14
This is a leave-on exfoliating serum from Drunk Elephant built around a high-acid blend of glycolic, lactic, salicylic, tartaric, and citric acids. The manufacturer and retailer listings confirm the exact product and full INCI list, and the formula also includes humectants, soothing agents, and plant extracts. It looks effective for texture, congestion, and dullness, but the acid strength makes irritation a realistic concern for sensitive or over-exfoliated skin.
Summarised from public reviews across the web — subjective experience, not our formula assessment.
User reviews are generally positive, with repeated reports of smoother texture, brighter skin, and help with acne or pores, while some users mention expense and occasional irritation.
Aggregated from publicly available reviews. SpottyLabs does not sell this product.
Spotty Labs
