AHA 25% + PHA 5% + BHA 2% Face Peel
GoodAHA 25% + PHA 5% + BHA 2% Face Peel
Skin texture, dullness, hyperpigmentation, pore congestion
A professional-grade multi-acid peel with 32% total acid load: AHA 25% (comprising Glycolic Acid at position 2, Lactic Acid at position 11, Mandelic Acid at position 10), PHA 5% (G…
A professional-grade multi-acid peel with 32% total acid load: AHA 25% (comprising Glycolic Acid at position 2, Lactic Acid at position 11, Mandelic Acid at position 10), PHA 5% (Gluconolactone at position 4), and BHA 2% (Salicylic Acid at position 9). pH is brand-disclosed at 3.4-3.8, within the range where AHAs are predominantly in their free-acid form for maximum exfoliation activity. Glycolic Acid's INCI position 2 (immediately after water) indicates it is the dominant ingredient. This is a weekly-use peel, not a daily serum. Turmeric root extract (position 17) provides anti-inflammatory post-peel support. Not for beginners, not for sensitive or compromised skin.
This peel contains 32% total acid load at a disclosed pH of 3.4-3.8. At this pH range, AHAs are predominantly in their free acid (undissociated) form, which delivers maximum exfoliation but also maximum potential for irritation and barrier disruption. Glycolic Acid appears second in the ingredient list, confirming it is the dominant ingredient at high concentration. EU scientific guidance (SCCS/1816/17) recommends professional supervision for AHA leave-on products above 10% at pH below 3.5 — at pH 3.4, the lower end of this product's stated range, it sits at the edge of that guidance boundary. This peel is intended for weekly use only. Post-application photosensitivity is significant at this acid load — applying SPF the morning after use is not optional. Not suitable for sensitive, eczema-prone, or barrier-compromised skin.
The multi-acid approach here covers different exfoliation mechanisms: Glycolic Acid has the smallest molecule of the AHAs and penetrates deepest; Mandelic Acid (a larger AHA molecule) works more gently at the surface; Gluconolactone (PHA) provides the gentlest exfoliation class along with antioxidant benefit; Salicylic Acid (BHA) is oil-soluble and pore-clearing. Turmeric root extract later in the list provides curcumin-based anti-inflammatory support during the post-peel phase. The fact that the brand has disclosed both the acid percentages and the formula pH range is unusually transparent for an OTC product of this potency. Sodium Hyaluronate in the formula helps offset the drying effects of the acid blend. The individual proportions of glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid within the 25% AHA total are not broken down.
The brand discloses all three acid percentages (AHA 25%, PHA 5%, BHA 2%) as well as the formula pH range (3.4-3.8) — this level of transparency is genuinely rare for an OTC high-potency product and is commendable. The full ingredient list is available on beminimalist.co. Clear warnings about usage frequency appear on packaging. The one gap is that the proportions of glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid within the 25% AHA total are not individually specified.
PETA-certified cruelty-free. Vegan. No synthetic fragrance or dyes. Indian brand with no presence in mandatory animal-testing markets. Minimalist packaging. Uses biodegradable chelating agents. Independent verification of sustainable sourcing for palm-derived ingredients has not been confirmed.
High-concentration acid peels require extra caution in Indian conditions: UV exposure post-peel without SPF significantly increases PIH risk, which is harder to resolve in darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI). Avoid use before sun exposure or during peak summer months without stringent sun protection. Apply at night, follow with barrier repair (B5 Moisturizer or similar) and SPF the next morning. Start monthly, then fortnightly if well-tolerated.
| Ingredient | Note | Status |
|---|---|---|
Water/Aqua | Solvent base | Safe |
Glycolic Acid | Dominant AHA, position 2 confirms high concentration; part of 25% AHA blend; pH 3.4-3.8 maximises free-acid form | Caution |
Propylene Glycol | Humectant and solubiliser, position 3 indicates significant quantity in formula | Safe |
Gluconolactone | PHA, brand-confirmed 5%; position 4 confirms functional concentration; gentle exfoliant and antioxidant | Safe |
Dimethyl Isosorbide | Penetration enhancer, increases acid delivery into skin | Note |
Propanediol | Plant-derived humectant | Safe |
Sodium Hydroxide | pH adjuster, fully neutralised; required to adjust total pH of high-acid formula | Safe |
Ethoxydiglycol | Solvent and penetration enhancer | Safe |
Salicylic Acid | BHA, brand-confirmed 2% (OTC maximum); oil-soluble pore-clearing action | Safe |
Mandelic Acid | Larger-molecule AHA, gentler exfoliation; part of AHA 25% blend | Safe |
Lactic Acid | AHA, part of 25% AHA blend; natural moisturising factor properties offset dryness | Safe |
Sodium Hyaluronate | HA, hydration support during acid action | Safe |
Pentylene Glycol | Humectant | Safe |
Phenoxyethanol | Preservative, within 1% limit | Note |
Xanthan Gum | Natural thickener | Safe |
Sclerotium Gum | Biopolymer thickener | Safe |
Curcuma Longa Root Extract | Turmeric, anti-inflammatory; post-peel calming support | Safe |
Lecithin | Phospholipid emulsifier | Safe |
Pullulan | Film-former | Safe |
Ethylhexylglycerin | Preservative booster | Safe |
Hydroxyethylcellulose | Polymer thickener | Safe |
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate | Biodegradable chelator | Safe |
Ingredients listed in INCI order as declared on product packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high → low).
Clean Sheet Scores are generated by analysing every ingredient against India, EU, US & Korean safety regulations. No brand sponsorship. No affiliate relationships. Independent science-backed analysis only.
The Clean Sheet does not use fear-based ingredient labels. We assess products through a structured evidence hierarchy:
- What global regulations say
- What toxicology says
- What the formula concentration shows
- What the product format changes
- What the intended user needs
- What testing evidence proves
- What the brand is claiming
