Review of Bravura 10% Lactic Acid and a Homemade Toner Mist Using The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toning Solution

I have had the Bravura Lactic Acid 10% for so long. I would use it intermittently because I just couldn’t get excited about it. I used it about five times before I totally started ignoring it. In the end, I found a magnificent use for it!

My skin type

Oily, acne scars on cheeks and a bit on the chin. Ice pick scars on cheek due to incessant picking, I presume; don’t do that.

What it’s supposed to do

Lactic acid functions as an exfoliator, used to fight various skin ailments including acne and hyperpigmentation, my main concerns. It also helps improve the texture of the skin and I find it does this better than any of the other things it is used for. This product is infused with rose water, although I am not sure why… perhaps to make it more interesting? Here’s what the brand has to say about the product:

This alcohol free chemical peel is infused with Rose Water and is the perfect treatment for dry or dehydrated skin suffering from hyperpigmentation, acne, dry/dull skin, ageing skin or to just freshen the complexion and revive your natural glow. PH 3.75

I was really impressed with the literature on the brand’s website. They really go into what lactic acid is in plain language and why you should use it on your skin.

Ingredients

Purified Water, Rose Floral Water, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Sodium Hydroxide and Sodium Citrate.

How I use it

I started off using this as directed – apply to face, wait a few minutes, and then wash off. After I found that it did not excite me enough to consistently use or make part of my regimen, I decided to spice things up a little bit. As a standalone lactic acid product, I am sure it was effective; my skin responds very well to lactic acid, probably better than any other acid I have ever tried. The problem though, is that it was incredibly boring and the joy factor was low so I had no incentive to use it. I only found the opportunity to use the product on the weekends when I would pamper my skin. I recently found a better use for it, by creating a toner with this product as one of the main ingredients!

If you can recall or have read my review of The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toning Solution 7%, you know that I wasn’t super excited about it either. I also created a mist from my Blithe Splash Mask with lactic acid and that gave me the idea to mix this lactic acid product with the Glycolic Acid Toning Solution.

To start, I poured the remaining Lactic Acid (about half the bottle was left) into my 2 oz. spray bottle, mixed another half an ounce of The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid toner in, and filled the remainder of the bottle with water. I spray this mixture on my face every morning and night and I am very happy with the results. Upon contact with the skin, there is sometimes a slight stinging sensation, especially right out of the shower when my pores are open. That dissipates the longer I use the acid solution.

I enjoy the concoction so much, I plan on repurchasing the Bravura Lactic Acid (I actually received this as a gift, but it’s definitely worth buying to use this way). I don’t often find toners that I enjoy, especially since most of them are moisturizing toners, but this little mixture is amazing.

How long I used it

I have been using this mixture since the end of June, beginning of July; I have already run out, so it lasted a month!

What I like about it

The Bravura Lactic Acid surprised me; I wasn’t so excited about it but found that mixing it with glycolic acid really increased how much I enjoyed this product. I also love the packaging and just the overall simplicity of it. It is certainly effective in skin turnover as I see my skin more brightened and the texture improved (my tan from Turks and Caicos is pretty much gone – I went the end of June -and I believe it is due to this; however this is obviously a double-edged sword. I’ve got enough acne scars and melanin to sacrifice). In theory, the concentration of acids in this solution should be 17%, however I am adding water so that likely dilutes it down further. I did this so that I wouldn’t have to wash it off. I find this solution to be fast-acting and effective. Have a look at this post to see photos of my skin before and after I started using this mixture and to read more about my super-streamlined skincare regimen.

>>ANOTHER DIY SOLUTION I LOVE<<

What could be better

When I saw that it was infused with rose water, I expected this to smell like roses; it does not. I don’t mind skincare having no smell, and I often prefer it, but I do like roses and was expecting a rose scent. A little bit disappointing there was none. Not a deal-breaker at all, though because the product is meant to be washed off.

Joy Factor

On a scale of 1-10, the Bravura 10% Lactic Acid is a 5. Mixed in with my glycolic acid solution, it’s a 10! I would love to see this line offered in the states.

Where to indulge

Bravura London

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