Koko Lumara

Salicylic acid is oil-soluble — a property that distinguishes it from every other acid in this formula and makes it uniquely suited to its role. Because it dissolves in oil rather than water, it can penetrate the lipid-rich environment of the pore lining, where it dissolves the sebum and cellular debris that accumulate within. It works from the inside of the pore outward — the only acid capable of doing so. Derived originally from the bark of the white willow tree, Salix alba, it has been used in dermatological practice for over a century and remains the gold standard for pore refinement.

Lactic acid — an AHA derived from fermented milk sugars — is one of the gentlest and most well-studied exfoliating acids available. It works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells at the surface of the stratum corneum, allowing them to shed naturally and revealing the fresher skin beneath. Uniquely among AHAs, lactic acid also supports the skin’s natural moisturising factor — the complex of hygroscopic compounds within the skin that maintain hydration. It resurfaces and hydrates simultaneously, making it the ideal complement to the deeper-working acids in this formula.

Mandelic acid — derived from bitter almonds, Prunus dulcis var. amara — is the largest-molecule AHA, a structural characteristic that determines its behaviour on the skin. Its larger molecular size means it penetrates the skin more slowly and gradually than glycolic or lactic acid, making it the most gentle AHA and the most suitable for sensitive skin types. It targets uneven skin tone and the appearance of skin texture with precision, working at a pace the skin can accommodate without irritation. In this formula, it is the acid that makes the complex accessible to every skin type.

After cleansing, sweep one pad gently across the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Allow to absorb fully before applying your serum or moisturizer. Use in the evening for best results. Always follow with broad-spectrum SPF during the day — exfoliated skin is more sensitive to UV exposure and requires diligent sun protection.