6 multi-active exfoliants that will drastically reduce your skincare steps

With the Internet peddling us one skincare product after another, our skincare routines can quickly shoot up to multiple steps (sometimes more than 10!), also adding up the number of skincare products we buy that jostle for space on our beauty shelves. While an unhurried skincare routine is a luxury one should indulge in—most nights we are too busy and tired to invest our energy and time in slathering, dabbing, and rubbing countless serums onto our faces. 

Enter serums formulated with more than one active ingredient and that tackle numerous skincare issues with just a few drops. 

Ahead, discover some of our favourites of the lot. 

Paula’s Choice Resist Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA, ₹4,560

Name an active ingredient and chances are this potent serum probably has it. The ingredient list features both AHAs, which peel away dead skin cells from your skin, and BHAs, which go deep to work within your pores. An effective mix of glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and salicylic acid gently ploughs away dead skin cells as well as acne marks, bumps, and pesky pimples to make way for soft, supple skin. If you’re looking to add a slightly strong multi-tasking serum that also has peptides, ceramides, and green tea to give you that blemish-free glow, add this to your night skincare routine twice a week. 

Farmacy Beauty Honey Moon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum, ₹5,950

The high-performing trifecta of hyaluronic acid, AHA, and BHA along with hibiscus flower extract will help keep your skin healthy and nourished, especially during winter when the cold weather can dull your skin’s appearance. A moisturiser will only work if your skin is deeply hydrated from within, which is exactly what this night serum does. All skin types will love the sensitive-skin friendly formula that gently exfoliates, clarifies, and refines the pores. 

Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum, ₹5,199

This fruit-forward serum by the popular K-beauty brand makes the most of the skincare benefits of strawberry along with salicylic acid (BHA) and mandelic acid (AHA) for a formulation that not only reduces redness and irritation on the topmost layer of your skin, but also helps getting rid of congestion, blackheads, and bumps from deep within. Add azelaic acid, hyaluronic acid, and succinic acid to the mix, and you have a serum that soothes and hydrates the skin, too. This one is truly a multi-tasker and a must-have if you like a minimal skincare routine. 

Gunam Daily Liquid Exfoliant, ₹2,000

Part toner, part serum, this all-in-one product from the newly launched Indian skincare brand, Gunam, exfoliates and hydrates at the same time. Micro-exfoliating fruit acids, salicylic acid, and niacinamide unclog pores, while hyaluronic acid and Ayurvedic ingredients like aloe vera, vetiver, and rose tamp down any redness or inflammation. The formula is mild enough to be used as part of your everyday skincare routine—dab a few drops on a cotton pad and swipe gently through your skin before topping it off with a moisturiser. 

d’you Hustle Serum, ₹3,200

The d’you Hustle Serum is a cult skincare product and for good reason—it is one of the earliest multi-tasking, multi-active serums by a home-grown brand. With over 11 active ingredients, it tackles a whole range of skin issues, from acne and dehydration, to hyperpigmentation and ageing. The formula has a long list of tried-and-tested exfoliants, from vitamin C, niacinamide, arbutin and hyaluronic acid, to polyglutamic acid. This means, you can replace your one-ingredient serums in your multiple-step skincare routine with this one. 

Dermalogica Smart Response 4-in-1 Serum, ₹10,500

As the name suggests, this 4-in-1 serum does the work of multiple beauty products in one with four active ingredients—Beta Glucan, hydrolised wheat flour, Japanese Cornelia cherry, and plant-based mannose-6-phosphate all work together to brighten, soothe, tackle fine lines and wrinkles, and hydrate at the same time. The serum is also fortified with niacinamide and lactic acid to help exfoliate the skin and get rid of impurities.