PILGRIMExfoliants

25% AHA + 2% BHA + 5% PHA Peeling Solution

A multi-acid peel combining 25% AHA (Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid), 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid), and 5% PHA (Gluconolactone) for layered chemical exfoliation. The AHA component at 25% is a high-strength concentration requiring careful pH calibration and a short contact time of 10 to 15 minutes; this is not a leave-on product. A key gap is that the formula pH is not publicly disclosed by Pilgrim. At 25% AHA, pH is the single most important parameter determining whether the product functions as a cosmetic exfoliant or approaches clinical peel territory.

MOSTLYCLEAN

Mostly Clean

Best for

Visible pores
Post-acne marks and dark spots

Avoid if

You have reactive or sensitised skin
You have sensitive or eczema-prone skin
You are new to active skincare - patch test first

Rs. 549 - Rs. 849 • Analysed 10 June 2026

India Context

Multi-acid peels are effective for India's most common skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation, uneven texture, and acne scarring, which are prevalent across Fitzpatrick III-V skin tones. At 25% AHA this is a high-potency formula. Start with weekly use at a maximum contact time of 10 minutes. Do not use on broken, sunburned, or sensitised skin. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50 every morning for at least 7 days after each use, as chemical exfoliation significantly increases photosensitivity. This is not suitable for beginners to acid exfoliation. If significant stinging or visible redness occurs after rinsing, reduce frequency to biweekly. Avoid during pregnancy.

Key Ingredients

Glycolic Acid•Lactic Acid•Salicylic AcidView all ingredients

MOSTLYCLEAN

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Ingredient & Safety

Formula Logic

Public Claim Support

Transparency

Consumer Clarity

This is a web evidence review, not a Clean Sheet certification. We checked the ingredient list, publicly available test reports, marketing claims, and formula logic using only public information available at the time of review.

At a glance

✓Fragrance free

✓Alcohol free

✓Paraben free

What was checked

4 claims checked against public evidence

Good

25% AHAVerified

Pilgrim explicitly confirms 25% AHA on the product page.

Published evidence

2% BHAVerified

Pilgrim explicitly confirms 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid) on the product page.

Published evidence

5% PHAVerified

Pilgrim explicitly confirms 5% PHA (Gluconolactone) on the product page.

Published evidence

Improves skin texture and reduces dark spotsNeeds context

Multi-acid formulas have ingredient-level evidence for texture and pigmentation improvement, but no finished-product clinical study or colorimetry result is publicly available for this formula.

Brand claim

Verified: confirmed from public evidenceSupported: consistent with available evidenceNeeds context: relevant for some usersNot verified: could not be confirmed

The breakdown

Mostly credible with gaps

Public Evidence Score across 5 pillars. Open any row for the full rationale.

Ingredient Safety

Excellent

Clean allergen profile with a fragrance free formula.

There is no synthetic fragrance, no dyes, and no restricted preservatives in this formula. This is a rinse-off treatment product, not a leave-on, which reduces exposure context concerns. Glycolic Acid at 25% is a high concentration, and the single most important safety parameter is the formula pH, which Pilgrim has not published. A very low pH at this acid concentration could cause significant skin barrier disruption beyond what would be expected for a cosmetic-grade exfoliant. Salicylic Acid at 2% is within the permitted range for rinse-off treatment use under Indian and EU cosmetic regulations. Gluconolactone at 5% is gentle and well-tolerated. Niacinamide and Panthenol help moderate post-use irritation.

Formula Logic

Strong

The three acid types work at different depths. Glycolic Acid has the smallest molecule and penetrates most deeply, stimulating collagen and renewing the skin surface. Lactic Acid is gentler with the added benefit of drawing moisture into the skin. Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore rather than only at the surface. Gluconolactone is the mildest exfoliant in the group, acting gently at the surface while also soothing and hydrating. Niacinamide reduces post-use redness. The formula pH is not disclosed, which is a significant gap at this acid concentration since pH determines both potency and safety. The individual split between Glycolic and Lactic Acid within the 25% AHA total is also not specified, making the depth of exfoliation impossible to independently verify.

Claims Evidence

Good

The full ingredient list is published on the brand product page. AHA (25%), BHA (2%), and PHA (5%) percentages are all confirmed by the brand, which is good active disclosure. The formula pH is not published. At concentrations this high, pH is the single most important safety and efficacy parameter, and its absence makes independent consumer risk assessment impossible. The individual split between Glycolic and Lactic Acid within the 25% AHA total is not specified. A recommended maximum contact time is not clearly stated on the main product page. No clinical study data has been published for this formula.

“25% AHA” Pilgrim explicitly confirms 25% AHA on the product page.

“2% BHA” Pilgrim explicitly confirms 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid) on the product page.

“5% PHA” Pilgrim explicitly confirms 5% PHA (Gluconolactone) on the product page.

Test Transparency

Grade CFair

The brand confirms all three acid percentages, which is strong active disclosure. No lab test report, pH measurement, or clinical exfoliation study is publicly accessible. For a product at this acid concentration, the pH value is not a minor formulation detail but a safety-critical parameter. The absence of a disclosed pH is a notable transparency gap that prevents independent consumer risk assessment. No dermatologist review or patch test result is publicly linked.

Consumer Clarity

Strong

The product is clearly positioned as a treatment product rather than a leave-on, which is important consumer clarity. Guidance on frequency and maximum contact time is available in brand communications. A recommendation to use SPF for at least 7 days after each use is present. The formula pH is not stated, which is the one piece of information that would allow confident consumer risk assessment at this acid concentration.

Ingredient list

13 ingredients · INCI order

Excellent

SafeNoteCaution

Ingredient	What it does
Aqua	Solvent base
Glycolic Acid	Primary AHA in 25% blend; smallest molecule with deepest penetration; efficacy and safety depend on pH, which is not publicly disclosed at this concentration
Lactic Acid	Secondary AHA component; larger molecule than glycolic, gentler, provides hydration alongside exfoliation
Salicylic Acid	2% BHA, compliant for rinse-off treatment use; lipid-soluble, penetrates sebaceous follicles
Gluconolactone	5% PHA; large molecular weight, surface exfoliation with soothing and humectant properties; gentlest acid in this formula
Niacinamide	Vitamin B3, anti-inflammatory, reduces post-peel redness
Panthenol	Pro-vitamin B5, barrier restoration post-exfoliation
Allantoin	Soothing and repairing, helps buffer post-peel barrier disruption
Sodium Hyaluronate	HA salt, hydration support post-peel
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice	Soothing and anti-inflammatory, post-peel barrier support
Dipropylene Glycol	Synthetic solvent and humectant, low concern at cosmetic concentrations
Phenoxyethanol	Preservative within the EU and India one percent limit
Ethylhexylglycerin	Preservative booster, very low concern

INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).