Press & Glow

The gentlest acid class, daily

Gluconolactone, second in the formula, is a polyhydroxy acid: a large, ring-shaped molecule that loosens spent surface cells slowly and stays at the surface, too big to rush in and sting the way smaller AHAs can. It moonlights as a humectant and antioxidant, which is why PHA tonics hydrate as they exfoliate.

Why daily works here

Where glycolic asks for respect and scheduling, gluconolactone’s pace suits everyday use, a little surface housekeeping each morning reads as glow rather than peeling. Notably, PHAs are the exfoliating class shown not to increase photosensitivity the way AHAs do, SPF stays daily practice regardless.

The soothing bench

Hydrolysed prickly pear flower, açaí and aloe keep the tonic calm and lightly antioxidant, a fragrance-free formula of fourteen ingredients.

The press

The name is the technique: pressed in with hands rather than wiped with cotton, so nothing is scrubbed and nothing is wasted.

Dull, rough-textured and congestion-prone skin wanting daily radiance without committing to strong acids, including sensitive skin that has failed glycolic before, and beginners taking a first step into exfoliation.

Worth knowing

Even the gentlest acid deserves an introduction: start once daily and watch how skin responds. Skip it on nights you use a stronger acid or peel elsewhere in the routine. Fragrance-free.

Morning and/or evening after cleansing: dispense onto palms, press gently over face and neck until absorbed, no cotton pad needed.

Follow with serum and moisturiser; SPF every morning as always.

Use alongside

Slots between cleanser and serum, the glow step of the Medik8 routine, under any C-Tetra by day and compatible with retinoid nights, though acid-cautious skin may prefer it mornings only. It holds the daily-acid-tonic chair alongside ZO’s Complexion Renewal Pads: one daily exfoliating step, not two. Copper Firming Mist plays a different, conflict-free role and can share a shelf happily.