#exfoliant

Just because you’re called The Sunscreen Company, it doesn’t mean that you only have to stick to making sunscreen. You can also make products that fight all the nasty side effects of sun exposure, like dark spots, for example. Case in point: Cyberderm Exfoliant Reveal (by The Sunscreen Company) does just that. It’s loaded with glycolic acid, a powerful exfoliant that can fade away dark spots and…

Let’s get straight into this Annmarie Kaolin Micro Exfoliant review. If you’ve ever used a scrub that made your face feel like you just dragged sandpaper across it, you’ll know why I was a little nervous to try another exfoliant. Most scrubs are either way too harsh or so gentle you wonder if they’re even doing anything. But Annmarie Gianni’s products usually lean into the whole non-toxic scrub,…

NOTE: This review has been updated on 24/08/2025 and reflect the latest version currently available in stores. I’ve decided to keep the old picture (as historic reference) and the contents of this review apply to the current formula). I still cringe when I think of my teenage self rubbing those scrubs all over my face. Too often, they left my skin all red. I thought it was a sign they worked.…

I absolutely love the texture of this cleanser. It features rice granules as a physical exfoliant, and lathers up into a foam. But I didn’t find it to be a drying foaming wash. You can watch the one minute review on Instagram or Tiktok.

Here is what my skin looked like after using it:

You can sign up for Picky to try out this and other Korean Beauty brands with my invite code: 30321C65

In this post, I'll dive into Minimalist's 8% Glycolic Acid Toner, covering:

what it does

who should use it

important considerations to keep in mind

Let's get started!

Product Overview

This product does what a glycolic acid toner should do. Glycolic acid is a powerful exfoliant, and its concentration matters. Minimalist’s Glycolic Acid contains 8% glycolic acid, within the ideal 5-10% range.

Another crucial aspect is the pH level, which affects the product’s effectiveness. This product’s pH ranges between 3.4 and 4, perfect for optimal performance.

How Glycolic Acid Works: Glycolic acid is an exfoliating ingredient that helps remove dead skin cells. Our skin naturally sheds these cells, but sometimes, they cling together and don’t fall off, creating many skin concerns.

Glycolic acid breaks the bonds between these stubborn cells, allowing them to shed and revealing newer, brighter skin.

Preventing Breakouts: Regular use of glycolic acid can help prevent breakouts.

Dead skin cells that don’t fall off on their own can clog pores, leading to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.

By exfoliating the skin, glycolic acid reduces the chances of clogged pores.

Hydration Benefits: Glycolic acid isn’t just an exfoliant; it’s also a humectant. It draws moisture from the environment, helping to keep your skin hydrated.

Addressing Hyperpigmentation: If you struggle with dark spots or uneven skin tone, glycolic acid can help. It exfoliates the top layer of the skin, removing cells that contain excess melanin (the pigment responsible for dark spots) and promoting a more even complexion. Additional Ingredients: Minimalist’s Glycolic Acid also contains bamboo water, an anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps calm the skin, and sodium hyaluronate, a powerful humectant that adds hydration.

Small Molecule, Big Impact

Glycolic acid belongs to a category of skincare ingredients called alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These ingredients are effective and yet gentle.

Glycolic acid is the smallest of the AHAs, allowing it to penetrate the skin more effectively.

This small size also enables it to stimulate fibroblasts in the deeper layers of the skin, boosting collagen production. Collagen is vital for maintaining skin structure and firmness, but it decreases with age, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.

This deeper penetration also enables it to exfoliate better than the other AHAs.

When and How to Use It

I recommend using Minimalist’s Glycolic Acid at night. Avoid daytime use, especially if you’ll be exposed to the sun.

As a rule of thumb, use repair-focused products like glycolic acid at night and protective products during the day.

Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser, then apply the glycolic acid. Allow it to dry before applying a serum or moisturiser. If you use a serum after this, top the serum with a moisturiser.

Glycolic Acid and Darker Skin Tones

Those with darker skin tones need to be cautious with glycolic acid.

While it offers great benefits, since it can penetrate deeper than other AHAs, it can also cause irritation.

Irritation on skin, if not controlled soon enough, always leads to excess melanin production. Excess melanin is nothing but hyperpigmentation.

Start with a small amount, observe how your skin reacts, and gradually increase usage.

Don’t miss out on glycolic acid’s benefits, but approach it with care.

A Few Final Tips

Don’t over-exfoliate. Once or twice a week is enough.

Avoid exfoliating if your skin is red or irritated. Dry patches and redness indicate the need for hydration, not exfoliation.

For acne-prone skin, regular exfoliation can help unclog pores.

Does It Help with Blackheads and Whiteheads?

Glycolic acid helps to some extent, but for more effective treatment of blackheads and whiteheads, consider a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) like salicylic acid. Its primary purpose is to get rid of the dead cells.

Below is a video on my YouTube channel that is about this product’s review - Unpacking Glycolic Acid from Minimalist: What You Need to Know

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