Illuminate Lactic Acid Cleanser: Gentle Exfoliation Daily – Althaea Soul

Let’s Talk About Cleansers.

Not the harsh, tight-skin-inducing kind — we’ve moved past that era. We’re talking about the kind that respects your skin. The kind that deeply cleanses without drama, leaves your barrier intact, and makes your skin feel fresh, calm, and quietly radiant.

Illuminate Lactic Acid Cleanser is your new daily ritual — a refreshing gel-based formula that gently exfoliates as it cleans, sweeping away buildup without stripping your natural protective oils. Think clean, smooth, and radiant — every single time.

🌿 A Note on Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is a member of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family, naturally found in fermented sugars and milk — though in skincare, it’s lab-pure and precisely dosed. It works by gently dissolving the “glue” between dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath. Bonus? It’s also a humectant, which means it helps draw moisture into the skin — a rare flex for an exfoliant.

🌿 What Makes Illuminate… Illuminate?

Every ingredient is hand-picked to cleanse without compromise — no harsh sulfates, no unnecessary fillers. Just gentle surfactants, soothing botanicals, and a kiss of lactic acid to keep your glow game strong and your barrier smiling.

💧 Water (Aqua)

The carrier queen — helping every other ingredient spread evenly and work its magic.

💧 Glycerin

A humectant hydration hero that draws water into your skin, ensuring zero tightness post-cleanse.

🫧 PEG-120 Glucose Methyl Dioleate

A super-mild foaming agent derived from glucose and fatty acids, known for creating a soft, creamy lather that’s sensitive skin–approved.

🫧 Capryl/Caprylyl Glucoside & Decyl Glucoside

Biodegradable, plant-based surfactants from sugar and coconut that cleanse effectively without disrupting your skin’s moisture barrier.

Lactic Acid

The star of the show. A gentle AHA that refines texture, brightens tone, and lightly exfoliates dull surface cells — while supporting hydration and barrier function.

🫧 Cocamidopropyl Betaine

A coconut-derived surfactant that boosts the mildness of the entire formula and gives that silky-smooth cleanse.

🫧 Sodium Lauroamphoacetate

Another ultra-gentle cleanser that enhances the creamy foam factor — minus the irritation.

🌿 Aloe Vera Leaf Juice (Aloe Barbadensis)

Soothes, hydrates, and brings calm to the cleansing process. Perfect for keeping skin balanced and happy.

💦 Polyquaternium-7

A conditioning polymer that leaves skin soft and smooth, never squeaky or stripped.

🧴 Xanthan Gum

A natural thickener that gives Illuminate its smooth, luxurious gel texture for an even application.

🧂 Sodium Chloride

Helps tweak the consistency — for that just-right gel feel — without affecting your barrier.

🛡️ Phenoxyethanol & Ethylhexylglycerin

A paraben-free preservation duo that keeps your cleanser fresh and safe. Gentle on skin, tough on bacteria.

🌿 Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil

A crisp, clean aromatic note with a refreshing, non-overpowering feel. Just enough to perk up your routine without irritating the senses.

✨ Why Use a Cleanser with Lactic Acid?

Because cleansing should do more than just remove. Illuminate is designed to refine — gently buffing away buildup, smoothing skin texture, and helping your complexion feel balanced and bright.

Unlike physical exfoliants or aggressive actives, lactic acid offers a more graceful kind of glow — one that respects your skin's moisture barrier and microbiome.

Here’s What Illuminate Delivers:

✅ A gentle yet thorough daily cleanse
✅ Light exfoliation to smooth and clarify
✅ Hydration support for balance and barrier care
✅ Soothing botanicals to calm and comfort
✅ A subtly refreshing sensorial experience — no fake fragrance here

🧴 How to Use Illuminate

Dispense 1–2 pumps onto damp skin. Massage gently for 30–60 seconds to allow the lactic acid and botanical actives to do their thing. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Pro tip:

  • For normal, combination, or oily skin, use daily or as tolerated.

  • For sensitive or dry skin, start with 2–3 times per week and adjust based on how your skin feels.

🌿 Is This For Me?

✔️ Skin that feels dull, uneven, or a little congested
✔️ You’re looking for gentle exfoliation without grit or sting
✔️ You’ve got normal, combination, or oily skin
✔️ You care about your barrier (and don’t want to strip it)
✔️ You want that calm but luminous skin vibe

In Summary…

Illuminate Lactic Cleanser isn’t just about clean skin — it’s about balanced, barrier-respecting skin that glows from within. With every wash, you’re not only clearing away the day — you’re supporting your skin’s natural renewal, hydration, and resilience.

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