Acid exfoliants have long been feared by those with sensitive skin, but they can be gentler and more effective than traditional physical scrubs. The rise of milky toners from South Korea has influenced a new generation of acid exfoliants, combining sturdy skin-clearing acids with soothing ingredients to cushion the blow. These products offer a more gentle and effective approach to exfoliation, making them suitable for those who have found traditional glycolic acid toners too harsh or tingly. The US brand Naturium's Multi Bright Milky Toner is a standout product, blending exfoliating polyhydroxy acid gluconolactone with azelaic acid for uneven tone and moisturizing ingredients like squalane, glycerin, and rice bran oil for smoothing and brightening. It's an excellent option for those who crave the glow of glycolic acid toners but find them too harsh. Trinny London's Tiptoe In exfoliant, a milky non-watery serum applied with hands after cleansing, also uses gluconolactone and lactobionic acid for a gentle exfoliation, with humectant trehalose for plumping and comfort throughout the day. The Ordinary's Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner is another great option, suitable for dry and oily skin types, gently sweeping away dead skin and excess oil without leaving skin parched. These products can be used 4 times a week, with the option to increase to daily use if all is calm. Acid exfoliants offer a gentler and more effective approach to achieving smooth, even skin texture and makeup application.
