With thousands of skincare products and trending ingredients constantly circulating on the internet, it’s very difficult to know which recommendations are sincere and which are simply part of the latest TikTok Shop pitch.
Enter Sofie Pavitt Face; a brand founded in 2023 by fashion expert turned aesthetician Sofie Pavitt. After embarking on a 15-year journey in the fashion world, Pavitt pivoted to skincare. Today, she’s one of the most trusted facialists among distinguished models and editors alike for acne-prone skin. Her 3-step skincare system is the go-to regimen, but there are a plethora of skincare products and sets to try. Enthusiastic to get my hands on her products, I was thrilled to reach out and receive a sample of the Mandelic Clearing Serum. Here’s a bit more about the product and my personal experience with it.
Image courtesy of Sofie Pavitt Face.
One of the things that drew me to Sofie Pavitt Face was its intention to share “products designed to minimize needless steps and maximize real results.” For context, I have extremely oily and sensitive skin – often clogging my pores when I don’t exfoliate, but irritating my skin when I do. I was recommended to try mandelic acid by an aesthetician. According Pavitt’s website, the Mandelic Clearing Serum is designed to “smooth, hydrate, and protect,” while “gently removing dead skin cells without irritation.” Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds and known for its antibacterial properties. The product itself is formulated with rich and nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and panthenol. Other standout ingredients include glycerin and, of course, 8% mandelic acid. It’s also free of fragrance, essential oils, and alcohol. A sensitive user’s dream.
The product itself is a very runny serum and absorbs into the skin rather quickly. It’s recommended to apply 2-3 pumps on dry, clean skin. Be sure not to use other active ingredients in the same routine. I began by integrating it into my routine every other night for two weeks. The results in my T-zone were quite evident. Typically, I wake up with sebaceous filaments that cause my nose to be rough and bumpy. I also have fairly rosy skin, which chemical exfoliants often accentuate. However, this serum truly lived up to its name, gently exfoliating my skin without irritation. Two weeks later, I use the product once a day (besides shaving or retinol nights) right after cleansing and before my hydrating products.
A truly simple yet powerful product, the Mandelic Clearing Serum is not one to discount, especially for those with sensitive skin. I plan to keep it in my routine moving forward, and hope to try the rest of the line soon!
You can try it on the official Sofie Pavitt Face website, at Sephora, or select retailers.
