As a toner lover, I’ve always felt that this step deserves more attention in a skincare routine. While some people prefer to move straight from cleansing to their serums and treatments, I enjoy having a product in between. For me, it helps make my routine feel complete.
However, toners have changed quite a bit over the years. Traditionally, they were often used after cleansing to remove any remaining residue and refresh the skin. As cleansers evolved, toners became less of a necessary step and more of an optional addition, with formulas now designed for different purposes, including hydration, soothing, and exfoliation.
Not every toner does the same thing, and not every routine needs one. If your cleanser leaves your skin feeling comfortable and your other products meet your needs, you may be perfectly content skipping this step. But for someone like me, who genuinely enjoys toners, finding a formula that complements my routine makes all the difference.
That brings me to the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant, a product I came to appreciate for how my skin looked and felt when I incorporated it into my routine.
A Closer Look at the Exfoliant
Although I often think of products like this as part of my toner step, Paula’s Choice classifies this particular formula as a liquid AHA exfoliant. That distinction matters because its primary purpose is to exfoliate rather than simply add hydration or refresh the skin.
The formula contains 6% mandelic acid and 2% lactic acid. Both are alpha hydroxy acids, commonly known as AHAs, which help exfoliate the skin’s surface. Paula’s Choice describes the product as helping improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and texture, leaving skin looking smoother and more radiant.
Mandelic acid and lactic acid are both AHAs, but they are not identical. Mandelic acid has a larger molecular size than many other AHAs, including lactic acid. The combination makes the product an interesting option for people looking to incorporate chemical exfoliation into their skincare routine.
The brand also highlights the formula’s soothing and antioxidant ingredients. However, as with any exfoliating product, how your skin responds will depend on your individual skin and how the product fits into your existing routine.
My Experience With Paula’s Choice
For me, toner has always been a staple. I enjoy the feeling of applying it after cleansing, and I like having that additional step before moving on to the rest of my skincare products.
Even though I don’t necessarily consider my skin sensitive, I still believe in being mindful of how often I use exfoliating products. More frequent use does not automatically mean better results, and I prefer to pay attention to how my skin responds rather than assume it needs daily exfoliation.
Over the course of using this product, I noticed that my skin looked more even-toned to me. I also liked the radiant-looking finish my skin had after completing my skincare routine. These are personal observations, but they are the main reasons this exfoliant stood out to me.
What I Noticed About My Skin
I appreciate that exfoliation can be incorporated into a routine without relying on a physical scrub. AHAs work by helping loosen the bonds between dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, supporting the removal of accumulated surface cells. When a formula suits your skin, the best skincare product is one that suits your skin and is comfortable and consistent.
This can help improve the appearance of dullness and uneven texture over time.
That said, I want to distinguish between what the ingredient category is intended to do and what I personally noticed. I can speak to my experience with the appearance of my skin, but I wouldn’t promise that everyone will see the same results.
For me, the appeal was not about expecting an overnight transformation. It was about how the product complemented my routine and the more radiant-looking finish I noticed when I used it.
Is This Exfoliant Right for Everyone?
Paula’s Choice describes this exfoliant as gentle and effective for all skin types and tones. However, that does not mean every person will tolerate it in the same way.
Even if you do not typically have sensitive skin, exfoliating acids can cause irritation if they are used too frequently or if they do not suit your skin. If you are new to chemical exfoliation, starting less frequently and monitoring your skin’s response is a sensible approach.
It is also worth remembering that this product is an exfoliant, not simply a hydrating toner. If your main goal is to add moisture or soothe your skin, a non-exfoliating toner may be a better fit for that particular step.
If you decide to use an AHA exfoliant, follow the product’s directions, avoid combining it with too many other potentially irritating treatments, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day. If your skin becomes persistently irritated, discontinue use and seek professional advice.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, I don’t believe everyone needs a toner to have a successful skincare routine. But if you enjoy this step and are looking for an exfoliating product, this Paula’s Choice formula may be worth exploring. As always, the right choice comes down to your skin’s needs, your tolerance for exfoliation, and how a product works alongside the rest of your routine.
