The Elixirum is a serum designed to be facial in a bottle. We say it’s a serum, but really it has everything your skin would want. Designed to calm, exfoliate gently, brighten and protect your skin, we dare you to not get addicted to this luxurious and silky liquid! This unique serum can be used as a standalone product in your skincare or as a serum followed by a moisturizer should you still crave more moisturization!

Our star ingredients:

1. Centella Asiatica (10%) -  A much loved botanical that has been in use since tha ancient times. Known as ‘Gotu Kola’ in Ayurveda, this genius ingredient is known to calm and soothe irritated skin and also confer brightening and protection against environmental stressors.  How does it do so? Centella has countless valuable antioxidants – flavonoids , saponin. Phenolic acid, triterpenes- these make Centella worthy of all the fame and hype. Our Elixirum has 10 % centella extract, making it rich in these amazing compounds!
   
   
2. Tetrahydrocurcumin (2%) - Straight from your kitchen! Yes, tetrahydrocurcumin is the bioactive derivative of curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric. Curcumin is already a great antioxidant  with anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties, but is less stable and not well absorbed by skin. Enter THC, its hydrogenated counterpart that is absorbed well and keeps the same benefits! Also, it doesn’t stain your skin yellow. Talk about having the cake and eating it too! THC also reduces TEWL (Transepidermal water loss) and ensures that your skin remains plump and supple.
   
   
3. Ceramides (1%) - Ceramides need no introduction! We have infused our Elixirum serum with the goodness of ceramides in sufficient strength to protect and rebuild your skin barrier. This prolific component transforms Elixirum into an It girl that has it all!
   We are going to tell you a bit more about the next two spotlight ingredients! While we love glycolic and lactic acid, these can irritate and sting sensitive skin. So, are there equally good alternatives? Yes, and we are surprised they do not get enough love!
   
   
4. Malic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) found naturally in fruits like apples. In skincare, it offers several benefits, particularly due to its larger molecular size compared to other AHAs like glycolic acid, which leads to a gentler exfoliation.

Advantages of Malic Acid in Skincare:

1. Gentle Exfoliation: Malic acid has a larger molecular structure than glycolic acid, which allows it to penetrate the skin more slowly. This makes it a milder exfoliant, ideal for sensitive skin types or those prone to irritation.
   
   
2. Hydration: Malic acid not only exfoliates but also has humectant properties, meaning it helps retain moisture, making the skin feel more hydrated and supple after use.
   
   
3. Improved Skin Texture: Regular use can help smooth rough skin texture by encouraging cell turnover, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and promoting a more even complexion.
   
   
4. Balanced pH: Malic acid is sometimes used to adjust and balance the pH level of skincare products, ensuring better skin tolerance while enhancing the efficacy of other active ingredients.
   
   
5. Antioxidant Benefits: As a fruit-derived acid, malic acid has antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from environmental stressors, which can contribute to premature aging.

Malic Acid vs. Glycolic Acid:

1. Exfoliation Power: Glycolic acid, with its smaller molecular size, penetrates the skin more deeply and provides stronger exfoliation. It’s highly effective for addressing issues like hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and deep wrinkles. However, it can be more irritating, especially for sensitive skin types. Malic acid, being gentler, is better for those looking for mild exfoliation without as much risk of irritation.
   
   
2. Molecular Size and Penetration: The larger molecular size of malic acid makes it less likely to penetrate deeply into the skin layers, focusing more on surface-level exfoliation. Glycolic acid, being smaller, works deeper within the skin and can yield more dramatic results but may also cause more irritation.
   
   
3. Skin Types: Glycolic acid is generally better for those with more resilient or thicker skin types, or for individuals targeting significant skin issues like wrinkles or hyperpigmentation. Malic acid, due to its gentleness, is better suited for sensitive skin or beginners to acid exfoliation.
   
   
4. Combination Usage: Sometimes, malic acid is used in combination with other AHAs like glycolic acid to balance exfoliation with hydration. This can help reduce irritation while still offering the benefits of deeper exfoliation.

In summary, malic acid is a milder AHA with added benefits of hydration and reduced irritation, making it great for sensitive skin. Glycolic acid is stronger and more effective for deeper exfoliation but carries a higher risk of irritation. The choice between the two depends on your skin type and the specific concerns you’re targeting.

Mandelic acid is another alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds. It’s known for its gentle exfoliating properties, making it an excellent option for people with sensitive skin or those new to chemical exfoliation. Its molecular structure is larger than both glycolic and malic acids, which makes it one of the mildest AHAs.

Advantages of Mandelic Acid in Skincare:

1. Gentle Exfoliation: Due to its large molecular size, mandelic acid penetrates the skin slowly and superficially, offering a very gentle exfoliation. This makes it suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin, reducing the risk of irritation commonly associated with stronger AHAs.
   
   
2. Acne Treatment: Mandelic acid has antibacterial properties that can help treat acne by reducing the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria and promoting the shedding of dead skin cells that can clog pores.
   
   
3. Hyperpigmentation Reduction: It is effective at treating hyperpigmentation and melasma because it helps promote cell turnover, gradually lightening dark spots and improving skin tone.
   
   
4. Anti-Aging Benefits: Mandelic acid boosts collagen production and can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time, all while being gentle enough to avoid significant irritation.
   
   
5. Improved Skin Texture and Tone: Like other AHAs, mandelic acid smooths out rough skin texture and helps even out skin tone by promoting new skin cell growth. Over time, it leaves the skin looking more radiant and refined.

Mandelic Acid vs. Glycolic Acid:

1. Exfoliation Power: Glycolic acid is the most powerful exfoliant among the AHAs due to its small molecular size, allowing it to penetrate deeply into the skin. Mandelic acid, with its larger molecular size, provides a much gentler exfoliation focused more on the surface. While glycolic acid yields faster, more dramatic results, it can also cause more irritation, especially for sensitive skin. Mandelic acid offers slower but steadier improvements with minimal irritation.
   
   
2. Molecular Size and Penetration: Mandelic acid’s larger molecules stay closer to the surface of the skin, making it an excellent option for people who want a mild, non-irritating exfoliation. In contrast, glycolic acid penetrates deeply into the dermis, offering stronger exfoliation but with a higher chance of irritation.
   
   
3. Skin Types: Mandelic acid is ideal for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and those with rosacea or darker skin tones who may be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid, on the other hand, is best suited for more resilient skin types or for individuals dealing with severe issues like deep wrinkles, acne scars, or significant hyperpigmentation.
   
   
4. Acne and Oiliness: While both acids can help treat acne, mandelic acid has antibacterial properties that make it especially effective for treating inflamed, cystic acne. Glycolic acid is better suited for treating clogged pores and smoothing the overall texture of the skin but may not have the same antibacterial effects.
   
   
5. Irritation Risk: Mandelic acid is much less likely to cause irritation compared to glycolic acid. It’s often recommended for beginners or for people who have had adverse reactions to stronger AHAs. Glycolic acid, while highly effective, can cause redness, stinging, and sensitivity, especially if overused.

Mandelic Acid vs. Malic Acid:

1. Exfoliation: While both acids are gentle, mandelic acid has an edge in acne treatment due to its antibacterial properties. Malic acid focuses more on hydration and superficial exfoliation, making it ideal for dry or dull skin types.
   
   
2. Molecular Size: Mandelic acid has an even larger molecular size than malic acid, making it slightly milder in terms of penetration and exfoliation. Both are suited for sensitive skin, but mandelic acid may be more effective for acne treatment, while malic acid is great for overall skin hydration and texture improvement.
   
   
3. Additional Benefits: Mandelic acid offers anti-aging and pigmentation-correcting benefits, similar to malic acid, but with the added advantage of reducing breakouts and controlling oil production.

In summary, mandelic acid is a very gentle, surface-level exfoliant that excels in treating acne, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone without irritating sensitive skin. Glycolic acid is more potent and works deeper within the skin, offering more significant results but with a higher risk of irritation. Malic acid lies somewhere in between, offering gentle exfoliation with added hydration benefits. The choice of which acid to use depends on your skin type and primary concerns, with mandelic acid being ideal for those seeking mild exfoliation with acne--fighting properties.