Review: Shani Darden Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum

So, one of my favourite things to do when I'm away is to go shopping for beauty products - it's so exciting to walk into a brick and mortar store that is crammed full of glossy boxes and glittery lettering, just waiting to torn apart, particularly at Christmas time. However, I didn't buy much when I was in Chicago recently, which both surprised me, and didn't, at the same time. Rather, I see it as a sign of the times. The internet has allowed us to get our hands on products that we never used to be able to get ahold of, and increasingly, companies have been importing items that were once cult and only available in selected regions. Remember Glossier only had a store in New York, and you couldn't walk into Mecca to pick it up?

 

Shani Darden Skin Care is my latest internet find, and what a good thing that is! I bought this off Cult Beauty a few months ago, and got into it recently to see if I could improve my skin texture, particularly as I take another turn around the sun. Shani Darden is the creator of the brand, and a facialist that has aided many clear and radiant complexions in Hollywood, and she draws on her years of expertise and experience to formulate a line of skincare products that is meant to give people the skin that they so crave. 

 

The Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum is made up of a blend AHAs and PHAs to give you smoother, brighter skin overnight. 9% Lactic Acid (AHA) helps to gently remove dead skin cells, so that it can reveal smoother, brighter skin and fresh skin cells beneath, while the Gluconolactone (PHA) is present to help exfoliate the skin, improving the clarity and tone, as well as hydrating the face. There is also an Exclusive Soothing Complex, which is made up of four molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid, as well as aloe vera and green and white tea extract, and this complex is meant to help soothe skin and minimize irritation.Overall, this is meant to help resurface the skin, while keeping it calm and comfortable. 

It all comes packaged in an opaque, pearly white pump bottle that is slim and tall, and has a pull off cap that stays in place without popping off spontaneously, yet also isn't difficult to pull off. This is easy to use - simply place 1 - 2 pumps (my go to is 2) into the palm of your hand, before spreading it over dry, clean skin. Then, simply let it sit there for five minutes, allowing it to dry down before applying moisturiser. The serum itself is a slightly milky white, and it dries down without leaving a sticky residue or film on the skin.

 

I did find that my skin initially tingled a little bit when I first started using this, but beyond that, it hasn't been an ongoing issue, and it's quite comfortable on me. I feel like this has made a difference to my skin, in that it feels softer and smoother, and actually does look a little brighter. Interestingly, since I started using this, I feel like I've had a few more small blemishes crop up over time (nothing that I couldn't deal with), but conversely, my skin has been more luminous, so I'd definitely still use this! Coming in at just under AUD $165 with the current exchange rate, this very much feels worth it! Have you tried anything from Shani Darden?