Surface Reset

Surface Reset

£38.00
£38.00
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Surface Reset
  • Surface Reset
  • Surface Reset
  • Surface Reset
  • Surface Reset
Surface Reset

Surface Reset

£38.00
£38.00

What it is

Surface Reset is an exfoliating acid cleanser — a face wash that gently resurfaces the skin as it cleanses. It combines alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic and citric acid) with a beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) plus natural willow bark. The AHAs dissolve the bonds between dead surface cells to smooth texture and boost radiance, while the oil-soluble salicylic acid gets into pores to clear excess oil and debris.

Because the acids are in a rinse-off cleanser rather than a leave-on product, exfoliation is milder and more controlled — a sensible daily or few-times-weekly way to keep skin smooth, decongested and bright. It suits normal, combination, oily and blemish-prone skin, and skin wanting brighter, smoother texture. Note: the front claims "three AHAs," but the formula's exfoliating acids are glycolic and citric (AHAs) plus salicylic (a BHA) — effective, but not literally three AHAs.

What it does

● Exfoliates: Glycolic and citric acid remove the build-up of dead surface cells to smooth roughness and boost radiance.
● Decongests pores: Salicylic acid and willow bark penetrate pores to clear oil and debris — good for congestion, blackheads and blemishes.
● Smooths & brightens: Regular gentle exfoliation supports cell turnover, softening the look of fine lines and dullness over time.
● Preps the skin: By clearing the surface, it helps your serums and treatments absorb better afterwards.

How to use

● How: Massage onto damp skin and leave on for a few minutes to let the acids work, then rinse with warm water and pat dry.
● Frequency: Start 2–3 times a week and build up as tolerated. It can be used daily once your skin is accustomed, but daily acid exfoliation isn't necessary for everyone.
● Daily SPF is essential: A broad-spectrum SPF 50+ must be worn and reapplied daily. Exfoliating acids increase sun sensitivity, and sun exposure will undo the benefits.
● Avoid over-exfoliating: Don't combine on the same day/session with other strong exfoliating actives (e.g. a leave-on retinol or acid) to avoid over-exfoliation. Space acids and retinoids across different times.

What each ingredient does

Ingredients are listed on the pack in order of concentration (highest first) down to about 1%; below that they can appear in any order. Some grouped rows below combine related ingredients for readability. Glycolic acid sits high on the list, confirming a genuinely active exfoliating cleanser rather than a token acid inclusion.

 

Ingredient

Role

What it does

Aqua (Water)

Base / solvent

The base that carries and dissolves the other ingredients.

PPG-26-Buteth-26 / PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Solubilisers / mild surfactants

Help the cleanser lift oil and disperse the actives and fragrance evenly.

Glycolic Acid

Active — AHA

Fourth on the list, so present at a working level. The smallest AHA molecule; exfoliates dead surface cells, smooths texture and boosts radiance and cell turnover. Strong evidence.

Glycerin

Humectant

Hydrates and offsets the potential dryness of the acids, keeping the cleanser comfortable.

Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine

Mild surfactant

A gentle cleansing agent that lifts dirt and oil.

Aloe Vera Leaf Juice (Aloe Barbadensis)

Soothing

Calms and hydrates to counterbalance the exfoliating acids.

Silybum Marianum Ethyl Ester (Milk Thistle)

Antioxidant

A silymarin-rich antioxidant with soothing properties.

Salicylic Acid

Active — BHA

An oil-soluble acid that penetrates pores to clear excess oil and debris — good for congestion, blackheads and blemish-prone skin. Well-evidenced.

Willow Bark Extract (Salix Nigra)

Natural BHA / soothing

A natural source of salicylates that supports gentle exfoliation and calms skin.

Saccharide Isomerate

Humectant (long-lasting)

A plant-sugar moisturiser that holds hydration to the skin surface.

Pomegranate Fruit Extract (Punica Granatum)

Antioxidant

An antioxidant botanical that helps defend against oxidative stress.

Licorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

Brightening / soothing

Calms redness and provides mild brightening — helpful for evening tone and reducing marks.

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)

Antibacterial

A naturally antibacterial oil that supports blemish-prone skin — but a potential sensitiser.

Lavender Oil (Lavandula Angustifolia)

Fragrance / soothing

Adds natural scent and a calming feel; a potential sensitiser for reactive skin.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Antioxidant

Protects the formula and adds antioxidant benefit to the skin.

Xanthan Gum

Thickener

Gives the cleanser its smooth, gel-cream texture.

Sodium Gluconate

Chelator

Binds trace metals to keep the formula stable and effective.

Butylene Glycol

Humectant / solvent

Hydrates and helps dissolve the actives.

Citric Acid / Sodium Citrate

AHA / pH adjusters

Citric acid adds mild AHA exfoliation and, with sodium citrate, keeps the pH in the effective range for the acids to work.

Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment / Didecyldimonium Chloride

Preservation / conditioning

Help preserve and condition the formula.

Parfum / Limonene / Linalool

Fragrance + allergens

Provide scent; limonene and linalool are declared allergens. Worth noting if fragrance-sensitive.

Potassium Sorbate / Sodium Benzoate

Preservatives

A mild, food-grade preservative system that keeps the product safe in use.

Good to know

● Sun protection: Daily SPF 50+ is non-negotiable with any acid exfoliant. Freshly exfoliated skin burns and pigments more easily — especially important in skin of colour, where irritation can leave dark marks.
● Don't overdo it: Signs of over-exfoliation are tightness, stinging, shininess, redness or increased sensitivity. If these appear, cut back frequency and focus on barrier repair.
● Fragrance / essential oils: Contains fragrance plus essential oils (tea tree, lavender) and declared allergens (limonene, linalool). These can sensitise reactive skin — patch test first if you are prone to irritation or have rosacea.
● Safety: For external use only. Avoid the eyes; rinse with water if contact occurs. Discontinue if irritation occurs. Store below 40°C, away from direct sunlight. Best used within 6 months of opening.

 

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