The New Natural-ish Beauty Obsession Is Acid — These Are 7 Brands Doing It Right

Instagram’s favorite adaptogen "dust" brand has branched out into beauty with a three-product line aptly dubbed "Beauty Shroom." The Exfoliating Acid Potion, which launched July 26, is 25 percent acid, a five-acid complex containing glycolic acid, phytic acid, salicylic acid, beta-hydroxy acid, and lactic acid, which work in tandem with the brand’s signature adaptogens like reishi.

Part essence—a Korean-beauty term for a product that's lighter than serum but heavier than toner—and part serum, this liquid "potion" contains a 5 percent fruit acid blend plus hydrators that work together to resurface the texture of the skin. Apple (malic), bilberry (lactic), sugar cane (glycolic), and orange (citric) work together with other plant-based ingredients like kakadu plum and willow bark to brighten, smooth, and gently exfoliate. Look good and feel better: One dollar of every Prism Glow Potion sold is donated to the Trans Women of Color Collective.

Founder of Peach & Lily Alicia Yoon launched a new line of skin care in July of 2018 because she herself has eczema and wanted to create a potent, "worry-free" K-beauty product line that wouldn't irritate sensitive skin. Of all the products in the line, this mask was the first to sell out—and currently has a waiting list. The acid composition of the mask is 10 percent AHA, 0.5 percent BHA, and blue agave, which gives the mask its blue-green hue naturally.

Made with 15 acids—more than any other product on this list—this overnight serum balances hydrating and exfoliating acids so the skin doesn't overdry or peel. It has more than 1,000 five-star reviews on its own website from users of all skin tones, types, and ages—women over 65 frequently post that they love this product for its skin-smoothing properties.

A 15 percent blend of AHAs like lactic, glycolic, citric, and fruit acids; salicylic acid, a BHA; and flower acids gives this potent-but-gentle serum a moisturizing edge. It’s also the only product on this list to include honey as a hydrating, calming buffer from the acids. It launches on August 22 and sports the Clean at Sephora seal, which means that it's formulated without sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban.

Omorovicza is known for the Hungarian water they include in their products, and this one is no different. Using glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acid, this serum also includes plant-based ferments that can smooth, brighten, and clarify the skin. It, too, sports the Clean at Sephora seal.

It wouldn't be a great acid roundup without including Drunk Elephant, a super-effective, nontoxic brand that really started to break down the stigma around acids and clean beauty. Baby Facial has reached cult status, and it's well-warranted. The product has proved to be a catalyst for skin change for not only mbg’s beauty editor but thousands of others who have experienced it.