FLAWLESS Complexion Clearing Serum
Flawless Complexion Clearing Serum
An acid serum for breakouts, built for people whose skin cannot take the usual acne treatments.
Mandelic acid sits fourth on the ingredient list. It is the largest of the common AHAs, which sounds like a technicality but is the whole point: a bigger molecule crosses the skin barrier more slowly, so it exfoliates and works on the bacteria involved in breakouts with markedly less sting, flaking and redness than glycolic acid. It is also the acid most often chosen for deeper skin tones, where harsher exfoliants can leave dark marks behind after a spot clears.
Salicylic acid does the other half of the job. It is oil-soluble, so it travels into the pore rather than sitting on the surface of it.
Why it does not strip the skin
Most acne products treat dryness and peeling as the price of clearing. This one is built around squalane, ectoin, betaine, panthenol and vitamin E, so the acids sit in a cushioned base. Skin that is barrier-damaged breaks out more, not less — stripping it is counterproductive.
Who it suits
Active breakouts, congestion and post-spot marks. Particularly suited to sensitive or reactive skin, and to deeper skin tones.
Which clearing product to choose
Choose this for breakouts, especially if acids have irritated you before. Choose the BHA+AHA Skin Perfector if your main concern is rough texture and visible pores rather than spots — it uses glycolic acid, which is faster and stronger but less forgiving.
How to use
At night, on clean skin. Start three times a week and build up as tolerated. Daily sunscreen is essential with any acid.
Pairs well with
- CLEAN 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 — acids make skin more sun-sensitive, and the matte finish suits oilier skin. The single most useful thing to add alongside this serum.
- FRESH FACED Coco Mint Souffle Cleanser — the step before, without stripping the skin you are about to treat.
- SKIN DRINK — pure squalane, no preservative or fragrance, for nights when the acids have been a little much.
SW1 Doctor Note: Selected by SW1 aesthetic doctors for its concentrated formula and clinical-grade ingredient quality.
Ingredients (INCI)
Aqua, Propanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Mandelic Acid, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Betaine, Squalane, Sorbitan Olivate, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Ectoin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Phytate, Tocopherol, Sodium Hydroxide.
For advanced treatments, book a consultation at SW1 Clinic.
