25% AHA, 2% BHA, 5% PHA Peeling Solution

What you need to know

This is a serum with Glycolic Acid. The smallest alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Exfoliates dead skin cells on the surface, improves texture, and stimulates collagen over time.

Who should use this: If your concern is rough texture, dull skin, fine lines, or mild hyperpigmentation, this ingredient addresses that directly. 5-10% for daily use, 20-30% for peels (use sparingly). In a cleanser, contact time is too short for the percentage to matter.

This is a serum with Lactic Acid. An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is larger than glycolic acid, so it penetrates more slowly and gently. Exfoliates while also providing mild hydration.

Who should use this: If your concern is sensitive skin that needs exfoliation, rough texture, KP (keratosis pilaris), or body care, this ingredient addresses that directly. 5-10% for daily use. Up to 15% for more intensive exfoliation. In body care, higher concentrations are common because body skin is thicker.

This is a serum with Salicylic Acid. A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates into pores to dissolve oil and dead skin cells. The only commonly used acid that works inside the pore, not just on the surface.

Who should use this: If your concern is acne, blackheads, clogged pores, or oily skin, this ingredient addresses that directly. 0.5-2% for leave-on products. In cleansers, contact time is too short for the percentage to matter much.

This is a serum with Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid). A humectant that holds up to 1000x its weight in water. Draws moisture from the environment into your skin. Found naturally in your skin but declines with age.

Who should use this: If your concern is dehydrated skin, dry skin, fine lines from dehydration, or all skin types, this ingredient addresses that directly. 0.1-2%. Low molecular weight penetrates deeper. High molecular weight sits on top and plumps. Most products use a mix.

Key ingredients

The formula also includes Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), both humectants, to draw moisture into the skin, and Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe-Vera) Leaf Juice and Panthenol (Vitamin B5) for their soothing properties. These are good additions to balance the potent exfoliating acids, but they may not be enough to prevent adverse reactions for all users.

Who should use this

This product is best suited for individuals with resilient, non-sensitive skin that is already accustomed to chemical exfoliants. It might benefit those with stubborn texture issues, hyperpigmentation, or mild acne scarring who are seeking a strong at-home treatment. It is explicitly not for very sensitive, very dry, or peeling skin.

Who should skip this

Anyone with sensitive skin, compromised skin barrier, active breakouts, eczema, rosacea, or very dry skin should absolutely skip this product. Pregnant women should avoid all chemical exfoliants of this strength and stick to 100% mineral sunscreens only. New users to chemical exfoliation, or those with a history of irritation from acids, should also avoid this high-strength solution. The risk of over-exfoliation and irritation is significant.

How to use

Apply an even layer to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for no more than 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow with a gentle hydrating serum and a moisturizer. Use once a week at most. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, as AHAs increase sun sensitivity. Do not combine with other active ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, or other exfoliating acids on the same day.

What users say

With 0 reviews available, there is no existing user sentiment to summarize. The only information found was a Reddit comment describing a 'patch of red' after using the product, which is not a full review and suggests potential irritation. The product claims suitability for 'All Skin Types (Not for Peeling, very sensitive and very dry skin)' and to be 'Designed for dry skin,' which contradicts the warnings against very dry skin.

Price context

At Rs645, this peeling solution is competitively priced for a multi-acid product in the Indian market. Alternatives offering similar concentrations, like The Ordinary's peeling solution, are often priced higher, making Pilgrim's offering seem like good value on paper. However, the true value depends on efficacy and safety, which are questionable given the high concentration and potential for irritation. Cheaper doesn't always mean better, especially with potent actives.

Final take

This Pilgrim peeling solution is a high-risk, high-reward product. While the ingredient list is impressive for its exfoliating power, the potential for irritation is substantial, especially for those with less resilient skin. We recommend extreme caution; it is best reserved for experienced users of strong chemical exfoliants who understand the risks and how to manage them. For most, gentler exfoliating options would be a safer and more effective approach.

Same ingredient, different brands

Pilgrim is not the only brand selling a serum with glycolic acid. Here is what else exists at what price. Same active, different formulations. The choice comes down to texture, price, and what your skin prefers.