Acnestil Micro Peeling
Acnestil Micro Peeling
Product Description
Product overview
A dermatologist-grade exfoliating lotion combining 5% Mandelic Acid (AHA) and 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA) with Niacinamide and patented Azeloglycine® to fight acne, reduce blemishes, and normalize sebum production. Clinically shown to reduce non-inflammatory lesions by 73% in 28 days. Just 8 clean ingredients in a water-based, leave-on formula for face and body.
Dual-Acid Exfoliation
5% Mandelic Acid (AHA) works on the surface while 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA) penetrates deep into pores for comprehensive exfoliation.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDual-Acid Exfoliation
5% Mandelic Acid (AHA) works on the surface while 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA) penetrates deep into pores for comprehensive exfoliation.
Sebum Normalization
Patented Azeloglycine® and Niacinamide regulate excess oil production, clinically reducing sebum by 34% in 28 days.
Post-Acne Mark Reduction
Helps fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and erythema, evening out skin tone over consistent use.
Minimalist Clean Formula
Just 8 purposeful ingredients with no fillers, fragrances, alcohols, or unnecessary additives. Every ingredient works.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains 2% Salicylic Acid. ACOG considers topical salicylic acid at 2% or less generally acceptable during pregnancy. However, this product also contains 5% Mandelic Acid (AHA). Consult your doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, and oils. The water-based formula with only 8 ingredients poses no risk to fungal acne.
Pure water-based formula with no oils, silicones, or pore-clogging ingredients. Comedogenic rating of 0 — will not clog pores.
Contains AHA (Mandelic Acid) which increases photosensitivity. Always apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen during the day when using this product.
Mandelic acid is the gentlest AHA due to its larger molecular size. Alcohol-free and fragrance-free. Start once daily and build tolerance.
Not recommended for children under 3 years old. Suitable for teenagers and adults with acne-prone skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSMandelic Acid 5%Proven
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds. Its larger molecular size makes it the gentlest AHA, ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Exfoliates the skin surface, promotes cell turnover, and fades hyperpigmentation.
- Mechanism: Dissolves bonds between dead skin cells for gentle surface exfoliation
- Study: 10% mandelic acid + 10% salicylic acid combination outperformed 35% glycolic acid peel for acne with less irritation (Sarkar et al., 2019)
- Benefit: Also has antibacterial properties effective against P. acnes bacteria
Salicylic Acid 2%Proven
The gold-standard beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) for acne treatment. Oil-soluble, so it penetrates deep inside pores to dissolve sebum plugs, unclog blackheads, and reduce inflammation. FDA-recognized at 0.5–2% for OTC acne treatment.
- Mechanism: Oil-soluble, penetrates into pore lining to dissolve clogs from within
- Anti-inflammatory: Structurally related to aspirin, reduces redness and swelling of active acne
- FDA: Recognized as an effective OTC topical acne treatment at 0.5–2% concentration
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) undisclosedProven
A powerhouse multitasking ingredient that regulates sebum, reduces inflammation, fades dark spots, and strengthens the skin barrier. Listed 3rd in the INCI, suggesting a meaningful concentration.
- Sebum control: Clinically proven to reduce oiliness and minimize pore appearance
- Barrier support: Boosts ceramide production for a stronger skin barrier
- Brightening: Inhibits melanin transfer to reduce post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation
Azeloglycine® (Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate) undisclosedPromising
A patented derivative of azelaic acid developed by Instituto Ganassini. It combines the benefits of azelaic acid (anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, brightening) with improved water solubility and skin tolerance.
- Anti-acne: Exhibits antibacterial action against Cutibacterium acnes
- Sebo-regulating: Helps normalize sebum production at the sebaceous gland level
- Brightening: Inhibits tyrosinase activity to reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
8 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Mandelic Acid, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after cleansing as a leave-on treatment. Use in the PM routine. Always follow with sunscreen in the AM. Can be used 1–2 times daily once skin has built tolerance.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser (ideally Rilastil Acnestil Cleansing Gel or Mousse). Pat skin dry completely.
Apply
Soak a cotton pad with the lotion and swipe across the entire face, focusing on acne-prone areas. Avoid the eye contour, lips, and mucous membranes.
Leave On
Do not rinse. Allow the product to absorb fully (about 30 seconds). A slight tingling sensation is normal and subsides quickly.
Follow Up
Wait 5–10 minutes, then apply your moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with SPF 30+ sunscreen. For body use, apply directly and locally to affected areas only.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
- You struggle with blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores
- You want to fade post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation
- You prefer a minimalist, clean ingredient list
- You need a product safe for fungal acne
- You want a face AND body acne treatment
- You are a teenager or adult dealing with hormonal acne
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin (may be too drying)
- You are currently using prescription retinoids (risk of over-exfoliation)
- You have open wounds, eczema, or severely irritated skin
- You are pregnant and not cleared by your doctor for acid use
- You want a hydrating or anti-aging focused product
- Your child is under 3 years old
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThis product was designed for oily skin. BHA penetrates pores to dissolve excess sebum, while Azeloglycine® normalizes oil production. Clinically proven to reduce sebum by 34%.
Balances the T-zone without stripping dry areas. Lightweight watery formula absorbs instantly. Apply to oily areas or full face as tolerated.
Ideal target skin type. Dual AHA/BHA action addresses all 4 stages of acne: excess sebum, clogged pores, inflammation, and post-acne marks. Clinical data shows up to 73% lesion reduction.
Mandelic acid is the gentlest AHA. Formula is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and minimal. Start once every other day and build frequency. Patch test recommended.
Exfoliating acids may be too drying if used daily. Limit use to 2–3 times per week and always follow with a rich moisturizer. Niacinamide helps support the barrier.
Results timeline
WEEKS 4–8Immediate Exfoliating Effect
Skin feels smoother and cleaner after the first applications. A mild tingling sensation confirms the acids are working. Clinical tests show measurable exfoliation after just 3 days of use.
70% noticed smoother texturePore Clarity & Reduced Oiliness
Blackheads and whiteheads begin to surface and clear. Skin appears less shiny as sebum production starts to normalize. Some users may experience mild purging as clogged pores are cleared.
60% noticed clearer poresSignificant Acne Reduction
Active breakouts decrease noticeably. Clinical data shows a 73.6% reduction in non-inflammatory lesions and 48.7% reduction in inflammatory lesions after 28 days of consistent use.
73% reduction in comedones (clinical)Fading Marks & Even Skin Tone
Post-acne hyperpigmentation and redness continue to fade with ongoing use. Skin texture becomes noticeably refined and more even. Sebum levels stabilize for lasting oil control.
80% noticed improved skin toneRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Ultra-short ingredient list (only 8) — transparent and clean
- Clinically proven results: 73% reduction in comedones in 28 days
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin despite containing active acids
- Dual AHA + BHA provides comprehensive surface and pore exfoliation
- Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and fungal acne safe
- Versatile face and body application
- Visible results from the very first application
- Dermatologist recommended and prescribed across Europe
Criticized
- Glass bottle is fragile and not ideal for travel
- Can cause initial purging in the first 1–2 weeks
- Mild tingling sensation on first use (normal but surprising for some)
- Pricier than mass-market acid toners from The Ordinary
- Limited availability outside Europe — harder to purchase in the US/Asia
- Not moisturizing — must be paired with a good moisturizer
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESHigher mandelic acid concentration (10% vs 5%) but no salicylic acid or azeloglycine. Adds hyaluronic acid for hydration. Good for AHA beginners who want mandelic acid only. Missing the BHA pore-clearing benefit.
Contains 4% Betaine Salicylate (gentler BHA equivalent) with willow bark and niacinamide. K-beauty approach — more hydrating but lacks mandelic acid and azeloglycine. Better for mild blackheads than active acne.
Contains 18% mandelic acid + 2% salicylic acid — significantly stronger formulation. Better for stubborn congestion but may be too intense for sensitive skin. Lacks the patented Azeloglycine®.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Keep container closed and store in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight
Glass bottle with screw cap — protects formula integrity from light and air degradation
Yes, 100 ml is within carry-on limits. However, glass bottle requires careful packing — consider a protective sleeve
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. This product contains 2% Salicylic Acid, which the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers generally acceptable at topical concentrations of 2% or less during pregnancy. It also contains 5% Mandelic Acid (AHA). While topical application means minimal systemic absorption, we recommend consulting your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. During breastfeeding, avoid applying to areas that may come in direct contact with your baby's skin.
Yes, this product is fungal acne safe. With only 8 ingredients, it contains zero fungal acne triggers. The formula is free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, oils, and other ingredients that feed Malassezia yeast. The salicylic acid may even help manage fungal acne by keeping pores clear. This is one of the cleanest exfoliating lotions available for fungal acne sufferers.
This product already contains both AHA (mandelic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid), so avoid layering additional acid exfoliants at the same time to prevent over-exfoliation. Do not use with retinol or retinoids in the same routine — alternate them on different nights. Vitamin C can be used in the morning while this peeling is used at night. Niacinamide is already included in the formula and pairs well with it. If using prescription retinoids like isotretinoin, this product can serve as an adjuvant but consult your dermatologist for proper scheduling.
This product is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It excels at controlling excess sebum, unclogging pores, and reducing breakouts. It also works well for sensitive-acne-prone skin thanks to the gentle mandelic acid and minimal ingredient list. For dry skin, use sparingly (2–3 times per week) and always follow with a nourishing moisturizer. It is suitable for both teenagers and adults, and can be used on both face and body.
Clinical studies show measurable exfoliating efficacy after just 3 days of use. Most users notice smoother, cleaner-feeling skin within the first week. Significant acne reduction is typically seen at the 4-week mark, with clinical data showing a 73.6% reduction in non-inflammatory lesions and 48.7% reduction in inflammatory lesions after 28 days. Post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation continue to fade with 6–8 weeks of consistent use. Some users may experience mild purging in weeks 1–2 as the acids clear out existing clogs.
Apply immediately after cleansing, on clean dry skin. Soak a cotton pad and sweep across the face (or apply to body areas). Do not rinse. Wait 5–10 minutes, then follow with serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). It sits at step 2 in your routine, right after cleansing and before any serums or creams. Use once daily in the evening to start, then up to twice daily (AM and PM) once your skin has adjusted.
No, this product has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. It is entirely water-based with no oils, silicones, waxes, or pore-clogging ingredients. In fact, it does the opposite — the salicylic acid actively unclogs pores, and the mandelic acid removes dead skin cells that contribute to congestion. The minimal 8-ingredient formula means there are simply no comedogenic substances present.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. The 100 ml bottle typically lasts 2–3 months with daily facial use (approximately 1 ml per application with a cotton pad). Store it in a cool, dry place away from heat and keep the cap tightly closed. The glass bottle helps protect the active acids from degradation. Discard if you notice any changes in color, smell, or texture.
Verdict: Rilastil Acnestil Micro Peeling is an exceptionally well-formulated exfoliating lotion that punches well above its weight with just 8 clean ingredients. The dual-acid approach of 5% mandelic acid and 2% salicylic acid, enhanced by patented Azeloglycine® and niacinamide, delivers clinically proven results against acne, clogged pores, and post-acne marks. Its fungal-acne-safe, fragrance-free, alcohol-free formula makes it one of the cleanest and safest acid treatments on the market. A hidden gem from Italian pharmacy skincare that deserves far more recognition internationally. Highly recommended for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types looking for a no-nonsense, science-backed exfoliant.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
|
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 4 |
Salicylic Acid
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Denaturant, Preservative, Exfoliant, Keratolytic, Corn/Callus/Wart Remover
|
Pores
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Hydroxide
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Denaturant, Buffering
|
|







