If you’re dealing with stubborn texture or acne prone skin, chemical exfoliants like Stratia Soft Touch AHA might be a great choice for you!
Enter Soft Touch AHA, an exfoliating serum that contains 10% mandelic acid.
In this review, I will take a closer look at the benefits of Stratia Soft Touch AHA and how it compares to other exfoliants on the market.
Stratia Soft Touch AHA
| Best for: | Combination skin, acne prone skin, oily skin, dull skin |
| Key Ingredients: | 10% mandelic acid, chamomile extract, allantoin |
| Approved? | Yes! |
| Alternatives: | Paula’s Choice 2% BHA↗ |
| More like this: | Stratia Rewind Serum Review↗ |
| Further Reading: | 8 Best Stratia Products↗ |
Key Features of Stratia Soft Touch AHA Serum
There are three main ingredients that make this exfoliant great:
Key Ingredients
- 10% mandelic acid (an AHA)
- Chamomile extract
- Allantoin
Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, are a type of skincare exfoliant. They work by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells. This helps turn over old skin and let younger, brighter skin shine through.
Mandelic acid is a great AHA that’s still gentle enough for those with sensitive skin.
In addition to mandelic acid, this serum contains chamomile. Chamomile extract is a popular skincare ingredient due to its ability to calm and soothe the skin. It is particularly helpful for those with sensitive skin, as it can help to reduce redness and inflammation.
Allantoin, on the other hand, is known for its ability to soften and moisturize the skin. It’s also being studied for potential wound-healing properties!
Stratia
Soft Touch AHA
What are the benefits of using Stratia Soft Touch AHA?
Of course, the main benefit of any AHA serum is exfoliation.
Soft Touch AHA uses the best exfoliating acid for sensitive skin, mandelic acid, to get rid of dead skin cells and unclog pores.
This process helps even out your skin tone by fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Plus, it can even help reduce acne breakouts and signs of aging!
How do you use Stratia Soft Touch AH?
Any AHA serum should be used as part of your evening skincare routine as they can cause too much irritation when exposed to UV. To use it, apply a small amount of the serum to a clean face and neck. Be careful not to get it in your eyes.
Make sure to follow up with a moisturizer as AHAs can cause the skin to become dry and dehydrated if left on their own.
If you’re looking for a good moisturizer, consider checking out my review of Stratia Liquid Gold.
I also suggest applying a sunscreen during the day when using any AHA product, as AHAs can increase sun sensitivity. Elta MD SPF 46 is one of my favorites.
For frequency, you can start out using Stratia Soft Touch AHA once or twice a week. Gradually increase the frequency as your skin becomes accustomed to the product.
It is important to listen to your skin and adjust your usage accordingly, as overuse of AHAs can lead to irritation.
Also, make sure not to combine this product with anything like retinol or other acids.
What are some potential drawbacks?
While mandelic acid is generally well-tolerated by most people, some with sensitive skin might experience irritation.
If you are new to using AHAs or have sensitive skin, it is a good idea to patch test the product before applying it to your entire face.
You can do this by applying a small amount of the serum to a small area of skin and waiting 24-48 hours to see if any irritation occurs.
Another potential drawback of using Stratia Soft Touch AHA is the need to use sun protection during the day.
As mentioned earlier, AHAs can increase sun sensitivity, which means that it is important to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when using this product.
Failure to do so can result in sunburn and potential long-term damage to the skin.
Should you try Stratia Soft Touch AHA Exfoliant?
Overall, Stratia Soft Touch AHA is a highly effective exfoliating serum that is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Its formula, which includes mandelic acid, chamomile extract, and allantoin, helps to exfoliate the skin and improve its overall texture, while also providing soothing and calming benefits.
In fact, it’s of the best mandelic acid products for people with skin texture!
Therefore, if you’re new to acids or have sensitive skin, this might be a good product for you to consider However, if you’re already used to stronger products with glycolic or lactic acid, you might not get any benefit from this.
While there are a few potential drawbacks to consider, such as the need for sun protection and the possibility of irritation for those with very sensitive skin, the benefits of using Stratia Soft Touch AHA outweigh any potential drawbacks if you use it correctly.
Additionally, at $16, Soft Touch AHA is a great exfoliant at a competitive price point!
Frequently Asked Questions
Mandelic acid, like the one in Stratia Soft Touch AHA, is an alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates your skin by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells. This process helps improve your skin texture, fade dark spots, and unclog pores.
It’s generally recommended to start using Stratia Soft Touch AHA once or twice a week and then gradually increase frequency as your skin gets used to it. Overusing AHA products like this one can lead to irritation, so listen to your skin and adjust usage accordingly.
Yes, Stratia Soft Touch AHA is suitable for sensitive skin. The formulation includes mandelic acid, known for being gentle, and soothing ingredients like chamomile extract and allantoin. However, it’s always a good idea to patch test if you have sensitive skin and to introduce the product gradually.
While mandelic acid is generally well-tolerated, some individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. It’s crucial to patch test before applying it to your entire face. Additionally, failure to use sun protection during the day can lead to increased sensitivity and potential sunburn.
You can use Stratia Soft Touch AHA as part of your skincare routine for as long as you see benefits. However, it’s important to be mindful of your skin’s response. If you experience irritation or other adverse effects, it might be necessary to adjust the frequency or discontinue use. Regularly assess your skin’s needs.
