6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant for Dark Spots, Textured Skin

Name: Paula's Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant for Dark Spots, Textured Skin
Brand: Paula's Choice

exfoliantmid-range

Overall score8.2

Paula's Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant for Dark Spots, Textured Skin scores 8.2/9.8 overall. It ranks highest in low irritation risk (9.5) and formulation safety (9.0).

✶ Hero ingredients

#23-Butanediol

Draws in moisture

#3Mandelic Acid

Gentle AHA suitable for sensitive skin

#4Lactic Acid

Gentle AHA that hydrates while exfoliating

Score breakdown

Overall

8.2

Hydration Efficacy3.9

Irritation Risk9.5

Active Ingredient Strength4.8

Ingredient Transparency8.5

Formulation Safety9.0

Scores last verified: June 2026

What makes Paula's Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant for Dark Spots, Textured Skin stand out

Paula's Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant for Dark Spots, Textured Skin is an excellent exfoliant with an overall score of 8.2/9.8. Positioned in the mid-range bracket, it delivers a well-rounded formulation that balances efficacy with gentleness. The formula leads with 3-Butanediol, Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid — ingredients that support the skin barrier and moisture levels.

It performs well on low irritation risk (9.5). On the flip side, hydration could be stronger.

Is this right for you?

Great for

✓Sensitive skin — low irritation risk with a gentle formulation
✓Safety-conscious shoppers — clean formulation with minimal flags
✓Ingredient-aware buyers — transparent, well-documented formula

May not suit

⚠Very dry skin types looking for heavy-duty moisture

Key ingredients

✶
3-Butanediol
Draws in moisture — #2 in the INCI list
✶
Mandelic Acid
Works on your skin — #3 in the INCI list

Full ingredient list

21 ingredients — listed in INCI order (highest concentration first)

#1Water/Aqua/Eau #23-Butanediol #3Mandelic Acid #4Lactic Acid #5Sodium Hydroxide #6Myrica Cerifera (Bayberry) Fruit Extract #9Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate #10Saccharomyces Lysate

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✶

Lactic Acid

Works on your skin — #4 in the INCI list

✶

Myrica Cerifera (Bayberry) Fruit Extract

Works on your skin — #6 in the INCI list

✶

Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate

Works on your skin — #9 in the INCI list

#11

Achillea Millefolium Extract

#12Saccharide Isomerate