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T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

Product Description

Product overview

Made in USA INDIE

A professional-grade 25% AHA + 2% BHA exfoliating mask that delivers spa-quality results at home. This powerful blend of glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids resurfaces skin in just 20 minutes, revealing dramatically smoother texture, minimized pores, and a radiant baby-soft complexion.

25% AHA Blend 2% Salicylic Acid pH 3.5 Fragrance-Free Cruelty-Free Dermatologist Tested Silicone-Free No Essential Oils
Pregnancy
No
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
50ml / 1.69 oz
Price
$80
pH Level
3.5
Use Time
20 min
Frequency
1x Weekly
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Pro-Quality Exfoliation

25% AHA + 2% BHA blend delivers professional peel-grade results without the harsh downtime of traditional treatments.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Thick cream, slightly grainy
Scent
Fragrance-free
Absorption
Rinse-off mask
Finish
Baby-soft, radiant

Pro-Quality Exfoliation

25% AHA + 2% BHA blend delivers professional peel-grade results without the harsh downtime of traditional treatments.

Instant Radiance

Dramatically smooths texture and reveals a more even, radiant complexion in just one 20-minute treatment.

Clean Formula

Free from Drunk Elephant's "Suspicious 6": essential oils, silicones, fragrance, drying alcohols, SLS, and chemical sunscreens.

Soothing Complex

Prickly pear cactus, pumpkin ferment, and matcha tea help calm skin while acids work, minimizing irritation.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Not Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Safe

Contains 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA). The brand explicitly states this product is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.

Not Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Contains fermented ingredients (Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract) and oils that may feed Malassezia yeast.

Low Comedogenic Risk

As a wash-off treatment, comedogenic risk is minimal. The formula is designed to unclog pores rather than block them.

Sun Sensitivity Warning

AHAs increase photosensitivity. Use SPF 30+ daily during and for one week after using this product. Best used at night.

Patch Test Recommended

High acid concentration may cause tingling. Start with 10 minutes if new to acids and work up to 20 minutes.

Cruelty-Free & Vegan

Not tested on animals. Drunk Elephant supports the International Elephant Foundation.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Glycolic Acid Primary AHAGold Standard

The smallest and most effective AHA molecule, glycolic acid penetrates deeply to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath.

  • Mechanism: Breaks down desmosomes (cell-to-cell adhesions) to accelerate cell turnover
  • Benefits: Reduces fine lines, fades hyperpigmentation, improves texture
  • pH optimized: Formulated at pH 3.5 for maximum efficacy with minimized irritation

Salicylic Acid (BHA) 2%Proven

Oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid that penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum plugs and dead skin cells from within, making it exceptional for congested and acne-prone skin.

  • Unique property: Oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into sebaceous glands
  • Anti-inflammatory: Derived from aspirin family, helps soothe redness
  • Pore clarifying: Exfoliates inside pore walls to prevent future breakouts
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to salicylic acid content.

Chickpea Flour SupportingBrightening

A gentle, natural alternative to clay that balances and brightens skin without over-drying. Helps combat dullness while providing mild enzymatic exfoliation.

  • Traditional use: Used in Ayurvedic skincare for centuries for brightening
  • Gentle action: Won't strip skin like harsh clays
  • Balancing: Helps absorb excess oil without dehydrating

Pumpkin Ferment Extract EnzymaticNatural Exfoliant

Lactobacillus-fermented pumpkin provides gentle enzymatic exfoliation that complements the chemical acids, helping to break down dead skin cells naturally.

  • Enzymes: Contains natural proteolytic enzymes for gentle exfoliation
  • Vitamins: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E for antioxidant protection
  • Fermentation benefits: Enhanced bioavailability of nutrients

Prickly Pear (Opuntia) Extract SoothingAnti-Inflammatory

Cactus extract that helps calm and soothe skin during the exfoliation process. Research shows it can inhibit inflammatory cytokines when combined with yeast extracts.

  • Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce redness associated with acid use
  • Hydrating: High in polysaccharides for moisture retention
  • Synergy: Works with Saccharomyces cerevisiae to inhibit COX-2
This calming complex helps make the high-acid formula more tolerable than traditional peels.

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer HydratingMoisture Lock

A cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid with smaller molecular weight for deeper penetration, helping to maintain hydration during the exfoliation process.

  • Deep hydration: Smaller molecules penetrate more effectively
  • Plumping effect: Helps minimize appearance of fine lines
  • Barrier support: Maintains skin hydration during treatment

40 ingredients

Water, Glycolic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Silybum Marianum Seed Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Cicer Arietinum Seed Powder, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium PCA, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Dextrin, Polydextrose, Sorbitan Isostearate, Amylopectin, Niacinamide, Phytosphingosine, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Citric Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polysorbate 60, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol

FREE FROM: Essential Oils, Silicones, Fragrance/Dyes, Drying Alcohols, SLS, Chemical Sunscreens, Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Mineral Oils
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Pat Dry
3
Babyfacial (20 min)
4
Rinse
5
Marula Oil
6
Moisturizer

Use once weekly, preferably at night. Skip other potent actives (retinol, vitamin C, other acids) on treatment days. Always use SPF the next day.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse & Dry

Start with clean, completely dry skin. Any water can dilute the formula and reduce effectiveness.

2

Apply Evenly

Warm 3-5 pumps between hands to thin out product. Pat an even layer over face, avoiding eye area and lips.

3

Wait 10-20 Minutes

Start with 10 minutes if new to acids. Tingling is normal; if burning occurs, rinse immediately. Work up to 20 minutes.

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Remove completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry gently with a clean towel.

5

Follow with Virgin Marula Oil

The included mini Marula Oil helps soothe and lock in moisture post-treatment for best results.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You want spa-quality exfoliation at home
  • You struggle with dull, uneven skin texture
  • You have clogged pores and blackheads
  • You want to minimize fine lines and wrinkles
  • You have experience with chemical exfoliants
  • You're looking to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation
  • You prefer fragrance-free, clean formulas

Consider alternatives if:

  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding (contains salicylic acid)
  • You have fungal acne (contains ferments and oils)
  • You're new to chemical exfoliants (start gentler)
  • You have active eczema, rosacea, or broken skin
  • You're on isotretinoin (Accutane) or prescription retinoids
  • You recently had professional peels or laser treatments
  • You're on a tight budget (dupes available at $7-10)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

The BHA component penetrates oil-filled pores effectively. Excellent for controlling sebum and minimizing enlarged pores.

Dry Skin
Good

Removes flaky buildup effectively. Follow with the included Marula Oil and rich moisturizer. May need to start with shorter application time.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Ideal for combination skin. Balances oily T-zone while smoothing dry areas. The multi-acid approach addresses different zone needs.

Sensitive Skin
Moderate

High acid concentration may be too intense. Patch test first, start with 5-10 minutes, and use less frequently (every 2-3 weeks).

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

BHA helps unclog pores and reduce breakouts. However, do not use on active, inflamed acne. May cause initial purging.

Mature Skin
Excellent

Glycolic acid stimulates collagen and reduces fine lines. Excellent for addressing age-related dullness and improving skin elasticity.

08

Results timeline

4-8 WEEKS
Immediately After

Instant Glow & Smoothness

Skin feels noticeably smoother and looks more radiant right after rinsing. Some temporary redness or flushing is normal and subsides within hours.

95% noticed immediate smoothness
24-48 Hours

Peak Radiance

The glow peaks the next morning. Makeup applies more smoothly. Some may experience minor micropeeling around nose and chin—this is normal cell turnover.

90% reported improved makeup application
2-4 Weeks

Visible Texture Improvement

With weekly use, texture becomes consistently smoother. Pores appear minimized. Dark spots begin to fade. Skin clarity noticeably improves.

88% saw improved clarity (clinical study)
4-8 Weeks

Significant Transformation

Fine lines and wrinkles appear reduced. Hyperpigmentation visibly faded. Overall skin tone more even. Professional-peel level results achieved at home.

85% noticed fine line improvement
09

Ratings by platform

5K+ REVIEWS
Sephora
4.6
Rating
2,600+
Reviews
Main complaint: Intense tingling for first-time users; high price point for the size
Ulta
4.4
Rating
850+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can cause redness for sensitive skin; may cause purging initially
Amazon
4.4
Rating
1,200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Expensive for the size; concerns about counterfeit products from third-party sellers
Drunk Elephant
4.8
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Too strong for beginners; wish the bottle was larger
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Delivers professional spa-quality results at home
  • Immediate visible improvement in texture and glow
  • Effective on fine lines, pores, and dark spots
  • Clean formula free from "Suspicious 6" irritants
  • Includes mini Marula Oil for post-treatment care
  • No harsh scent or fragrance
  • Hygienic airless pump packaging
  • A little goes a long way—bottle lasts months
  • pH optimized at 3.5 for efficacy
  • Allure Best of Beauty Award winner

Criticized

  • High price point ($80 for 50ml)
  • Intense tingling may alarm first-time users
  • Not suitable for sensitive or reactive skin
  • Not safe for pregnancy/breastfeeding
  • Not fungal acne safe (contains ferments)
  • May cause temporary redness post-treatment
  • Initial purging possible for some users
  • Requires consistent SPF use afterward
  • Too strong for acid beginners
  • More affordable dupes exist
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
$7.20
Budget Pick

Higher AHA concentration (30% vs 25%) but harsher formulation. Lacks the soothing botanicals and ferments. Blood-red color, vinegar scent. 10-minute max vs 20 minutes. More irritating for sensitive skin but extremely affordable.

70% Match
Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
$95

Two-step peel pad system with built-in neutralizer. Lower acid concentration but designed for daily use. More convenient format. Contains retinol for added anti-aging. Great for those who prefer daily maintenance over weekly treatments.

65% Match
Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
$52
Mid-Range

Same acid percentages as Babyfacial. Weekly peel treatment at lower price point. More straightforward formula without ferments (fungal acne safe). Less luxurious experience but similar efficacy. Good middle-ground option.

55% Match
OLEHENRIKSEN Dewtopia 25% AHA + PHA Flash Facial
$55
Mid-Range

Uses PHAs (gentler than BHAs) for a milder experience. Same AHA percentage. Better for sensitive skin. More hydrating formula with birch sap. Less pore-clearing power but more comfortable to use.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
AHA Concentration 30%
BHA Concentration 2%
Size 30ml
Application Time 10 minutes max
Frequency 1-2x Weekly
Pregnancy Safe No
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
AHA Concentration ~12%
BHA Concentration Low %
Size 30 treatments
Application Time 2-step process
Frequency Daily
Pregnancy Safe No
Fungal Acne Safe No
Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
AHA Concentration 25%
BHA Concentration 2%
Size 30ml
Application Time 10 minutes
Frequency Weekly
Pregnancy Safe No
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required.

Packaging

Airless pump in opaque white container with signature pink cap. Hygienic design prevents contamination and preserves active ingredients.

Travel Friendly

Yes, under 100ml TSA limit. Airless pump prevents leaking during travel.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

No. Drunk Elephant explicitly states that Babyfacial is not recommended for use by pregnant or nursing mothers. This is due to the 2% salicylic acid (BHA) content. Salicylic acid is in the aspirin family and is generally advised against during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor before using any new skincare products while pregnant or breastfeeding.

No. This product contains several ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast, including Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, and Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil. If you have fungal acne, consider The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% or Paula's Choice 25% AHA + 2% BHA Peel, which are fungal acne safe.

Not on the same day. Babyfacial already contains high concentrations of AHAs and BHA. On the day you use Babyfacial, skip all other potent actives including retinol, vitamin C serums, and other exfoliating acids. Wait at least 24-48 hours before resuming your regular active routine. Drunk Elephant recommends thinking of Babyfacial as your weekly deep cleaning and daily serums as maintenance.

Babyfacial works best for normal, oily, combination, and mature skin types. It's excellent for those dealing with dullness, uneven texture, clogged pores, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. However, it may be too intense for very sensitive or reactive skin. If you're new to acids, start with gentler products before trying Babyfacial. Not suitable for skin with active eczema, rosacea, sunburn, or open wounds.

You'll see immediate results after your first use—smoother texture and enhanced radiance within 24 hours. Some temporary redness or micropeeling is normal. With consistent weekly use, expect to see improvements in pore size, dark spots, and fine lines within 2-4 weeks. Significant transformation in overall skin clarity and texture typically occurs at 4-8 weeks of regular use.

Use Babyfacial once weekly after cleansing on completely dry skin. Leave on for 10-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow immediately with the included Virgin Marula Oil and your moisturizer. Skip all other actives that day. Best used in the evening since AHAs increase sun sensitivity. Always use SPF 30+ the next day.

No. Despite containing some oils, Babyfacial has a low comedogenic rating (1/5) because it's a rinse-off treatment that stays on skin for only 20 minutes. The product is actually designed to unclog pores through the action of salicylic acid (BHA), which penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum and dead skin cells. Most users experience clearer, less congested pores with regular use.

The product has a 12-month PAO (Period After Opening). The airless pump and opaque packaging help preserve the active ingredients. Since you only use it once weekly with 3-5 pumps each time, a 50ml bottle typically lasts 4-6 months for most users. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for optimal shelf life.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial lives up to its cult-favorite status, delivering genuine spa-quality results at home. The 25% AHA + 2% BHA blend effectively resurfaces skin, minimizes pores, and creates that coveted "just had a facial" glow. While the $80 price tag is steep and more affordable dupes exist, the superior soothing complex, elegant formulation, and included Marula Oil justify the investment for those who can afford it. Not suitable for sensitive skin, acid beginners, pregnant/nursing mothers, or those with fungal acne. For everyone else seeking professional-grade exfoliation, this remains the gold standard in at-home chemical peels.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycolic Acid Niacinamide Lactic Acid Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 6 ingredient(s):
Glycolic Acid Glycerin Salicylic Acid Niacinamide Lactic Acid Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 5 ingredient(s):
Glycolic Acid Glycerin Allantoin Niacinamide Citric Acid
ache Ache-fighting from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycolic Acid Salicylic Acid Niacinamide
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
3 2
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
2
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
53% 12% 33%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 39 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
4 B
Glycolic Acid
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Exfoliant, Exfoliating, Buffering
brightening Brightening
ache Ache-fighting
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
0 Unknown
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
3 B
Sodium Hydroxide
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Denaturant, Buffering
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS