Peel breaker

For Clogged pores, blackheads, rough texture, oily/acne-prone skin — PM leave-on

Elle magazine's pick for the best exfoliator for acne-prone skin. And once you understand how it works, you'll get why.

Peel Breaker is a leave-on liquid exfoliator that uses two types of acids to clear pores without damaging the barrier: salicylic acid (BHA) dissolves the oil and dead cells blocking pores from the inside out; gluconolactone (PHA) gently breaks down the bonds of dead surface skin without the sensitivity that often comes with AHAs. The combination gives you thorough pore-clearing results without the inflammation that typically comes with aggressive exfoliation.

But what sets this apart is that the barrier-damaging acids are balanced with barrier-building ingredients — aloe vera, willowherb, hibiscus, oregano, and thyme — so skin doesn't get stripped in the process. In a 14-day clinical study, 86% saw minimized pores. 86% said it provided pore-cleansing exfoliation without irritation.

This is the product we recommend for clients who have tried harsher peels and experienced sensitivity or rebounding breakouts.

How to use: PM only. Apply to clean skin at night, avoiding the eye area. No need to remove — follow with moisturizer. Use 1–3 times a week, up to nightly.

Key ingredients:

Salicylic Acid 1.5%: A sebum-soluble, beta hydroxy acid that gets deep into pores to exfoliate clogging oil and dead skin cells.
Gluconolactone .5%: Large molecule poly-hydroxy acid known for gentle exfoliating properties; dissolves the bonds of dead skin, eliminates surface flakes, rough textures, and imperfections.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: Naturally soothes skin, reduces redness.
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Extract: Pure, plant-derived extract that targets excess sebum.
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract: High in polysaccharides to help the skin retain moisture.
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract: From Canadian Willowherb, naturally-derived plant extract soothes, counteracts invisible irritation and fights free radicals.
Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract: From oregano, a botanical extract that is high in the antioxidant, carvacrol.