Exfoliating Acids

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Exfoliating acids can rapidly smooth, brighten, decongest, and boost ingredient absorption, visibly transforming your complexion in a matter of weeks. While exfoliating acids can be known to irritate, our innovative encapsulation and gentle-release technologies ensure powerful yet gentle results for all skin types. Our range of exfoliating toners, and serums feature AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, to maximise your results and meet your skin’s specific needs.
Medik8 Press & Glow tonic bottle stands against a clean white background with translucent liquid droplets and a puddle, highlighting its watery texture. Text identifies the product as a 200mL "Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic with Enzyme Activator."
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Morning
Evening
Dullness
Press & Glow® Brightening 5.5% PHA Tonic
Gluconolactone & Enzyme Activator
Full Size (200ml) | £34
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse tube displayed on a clean white background with a large, translucent gel texture smear. Text identifies it as a Resurfacing AHA/BHA Mangosteen Cleansing Gel in a 150mL size.
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse tube on a bright background with checkmark graphics. Text highlights its benefits: brightening and exfoliating acids for a youthful glow, refreshing and smoothing gel-to-light foam formula, smooths fine lines and wrinkles, and antioxidant-infused for healthy-looking skin.
Morning
Evening
Dullness
Surface Radiance Cleanse™ Smoothing Gel-to-Foam
Exfoliating AHA/BHA
Full Size (150ml) | £25
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Medik8 Press & Clear bottle (150ml) displayed on a white background with splashes of blue tonic around it. Text highlights the "Exfoliating 2% BHA Tonic" formula.
A model applies toner with a cotton pad alongside text listing "Proven Results," including "7 days to clarified, healthier-looking skin*" and "38% reduction in visible blemishes**".
Morning
Evening
Enlarged pores & blemishes
Press & Clear™ Pore-Refining 2% BHA Tonic
Encapsulated Salicylic Acid
Full Size (150ml) | £35
Medik8 Sleep Glycolic tube stands against a clean white background with a wavy swipe and a small droplet of white cream texture. Text identifies the product as a Time Release AHA Overnight At-Home Peel in a 30mL size.
A person holds a Medik8 Sleep Glycolic tube against a neutral off-white background with a swipe of white cream on their cheek. Text highlights its benefits as an "At-Home AHA Peel" that "delivers fast smoothing & brightening results – without irritation" and "minimises the look of fine lines, dark spots & congestion." It also notes "94% felt their skin was visibly illuminated after use."
Evening
Uneven skin texture
Sleep Glycolic™ Time Release AHA Overnight At-Home Peel
Full Size (30ml) | £39
A tube of Blemish SOS stands upright, with a wavy swatch of light-coloured gel and a droplet beside it.
A white tube of Blemish SOS Rapid Action Target Gel is featured. Text highlights it as a RAPID ACTION TREATMENT GEL. Four bullet points with checkmarks list benefits: Targets & reduces the look of blemishes, Calms visible redness, Promotes clear, healthy-looking skin, and Can be used under or over makeup.
Morning
Evening
Enlarged pores & blemishes
Blemish SOS™ Rapid Action Target Gel
£25
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Visibly Lift, Tighten & Improve Skin Laxity*

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Medik8 Blemish Control Pads jar stands against a clean white background. Text identifies the product as "Ready-to-Go Clarifying Pads with 2% Salicylic Acid" containing 60 pads.
Medik8 Blemish Control Pads jar is shown against a light teal background with a single textured white pad and clear liquid droplets. Text highlights that the product "Works to calm the look of existing breakouts," "Helps to prevent future breakouts from occurring," and "Promotes a visibly clear & smooth complexion."
Morning
Evening
Enlarged pores & blemishes
Blemish Control Pads™ Ready-to-Go Clarifying Pads with 2% Salicylic Acid
£30
Press & Glow® (Travel Size - 30ml)
Press & Glow® (Travel Size - 30ml)
Morning
Evening
Press & Glow® (Travel Size - 30ml) Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic with Enzyme Activator
Travel Size (30ml) | £9
Press & Clear™ (Travel Size)
Press & Clear™ (Travel Size)
Morning
Evening
Press & Clear™ (Travel Size) Exfoliating 2% BHA Tonic
Gentle-Release Salicylic Acid
Travel Size (30ml) | £10

Frequently Asked Questions

What are exfoliating acids?

Exfoliating acids are chemical ingredients that help to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. They work by loosening the bonds between cells, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath. Common types include AHAs, BHAs and PHAs, which each target different layers of the skin to improve texture, tone and clarity.

What are AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, and how do you use them?

AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) are water-soluble acids that exfoliate the skin’s surface. 

BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are oil-soluble and work deeper within the pores, making them ideal for blemish-prone skin. 

PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are larger molecules that offer gentle exfoliation while also drawing in moisture, making them a great choice for sensitive or dry skin. 

AHAs and BHAs can work well together, but combining them requires care. The safest approach is to use a single, balanced formula containing both acids, like Surface Radiance Cleanse, to exfoliate effectively without causing irritation.

You can also alternate their use: try AHAs in the evening and BHAs in the morning, or use them on different days. Another method is to apply them to specific areas based on skin type, such as BHAs on oilier zones and AHAs where skin feels dull or dry.

Avoid layering separate AHA and BHA products in the same routine unless the formulas are specifically designed to work together. Always follow with moisturiser and SPF to keep the skin protected and balanced.

Explore our guide to learn more about skincare acids and how to use them effectively.

When to use acids in a skincare routine?

Acids can be used at different stages of your skincare routine depending on the format. Acid-based cleansers, such as those with glycolic or salicylic acid, are a great way to gently exfoliate during the first step of your routine. 

After cleansing, exfoliating acids and toners can be applied to further sweep away dead skin cells and prepare the skin for better absorption of the products that follow. These are best used in the evening, when the skin naturally begins its repair process and is not exposed to UV stress.

If you’re new to acids or have sensitive skin, start with a few times a week and build up as your skin adapts. Always follow with a moisturiser and use SPF in the morning, as exfoliating acids can make skin more sensitive to the sun.

Can you use AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs together?

Yes, AHAs, BHAs and PHAs can be used together, but it’s important to apply them in a way that minimises the risk of irritation. A gentle approach is to use AHAs and BHAs in a cleanser, such as Surface Radiance Cleanse, to exfoliate during cleansing, followed by a PHA-based toner like Press & Glow to hydrate and refine without overloading the skin.

Alternatively, you can alternate between them on different days to build tolerance. Always follow with moisturiser and wear sunscreen during the day to protect freshly exfoliated skin.