Exuviance® Deep Clean AHA Cleanser

Standard face washes clean the skin's surface. The Exuviance Deep Clean AHA Cleanser goes further. Using Glycolic Acid, the most clinically studied AHA in dermatology, it actively dissolves the pore-congesting debris and dead skin cells that standard surfactant cleansers leave behind, delivering a deeper, more effective cleanse that leaves skin noticeably clearer and smoother with every use.

Soap-free and fragrance-free. Suitable for normal, combination and oily skin types wanting a daily cleanser that actively contributes to skin improvement rather than simply removing surface impurities.

Who Is It For?

• Oily or combination skin prone to congestion, enlarged pores and frequent breakouts
• Those wanting active AHA exfoliating benefits built into their daily cleansing step
• Skin prone to periodic blemishes that benefits from daily acid cleansing
• Those wanting to improve skin texture and radiance without adding extra steps to the routine
• Anyone whose skin feels cleaner and smoother after acid treatments and wants those benefits at the cleansing step

How Does It Work?

Glycolic Acid at the cleansing step works differently from Glycolic Acid in a leave-on serum or peel. Even as a rinse-off formula, the brief contact time during cleansing allows enough acid activity to loosen dead skin cell bonds at the surface, dissolve some pore-congesting sebum and cellular debris, and improve skin clarity compared to a standard surfactant wash. Gluconolactone PHA provides additional gentle exfoliation and maintains the skin's moisture balance throughout the cleansing process. The combined effect is a cleanse that delivers active skin improvement alongside thorough cleansing rather than simply removing what is on the surface.

Key Ingredients

• Glycolic Acid (AHA): The most clinically studied AHA with the smallest molecular weight, allowing effective stratum corneum penetration even in a rinse-off cleanser format. Dissolves dead skin cell bonds, targets pore-congesting debris and stimulates long-term collagen production with consistent daily use.
• Gluconolactone (PHA): Provides additional gentle exfoliation alongside Glycolic Acid and maintains the skin's moisture balance throughout the active cleansing process.
• Soap-free surfactant complex: Cleanses thoroughly without stripping the skin's natural oils or leaving residue.

Benefits

• Deeper, more thorough cleanse through Glycolic Acid active exfoliation
• Reduces congestion and refines pore appearance with consistent daily use
• Improves skin texture and radiance at the cleansing step
• Controls oil without over-stripping
• Soap-free and fragrance-free
• Suitable for normal, combination and oily skin types

What Results Can You Expect?

Immediately: noticeably cleaner and clearer skin from the first use. At 2 to 4 weeks: reduced congestion, improved pore appearance and smoother skin texture with consistent twice-daily use. At 6 weeks: progressively clearer, brighter and more refined skin with collagen stimulation benefits beginning to accumulate with long-term use.

How We Use It at Face for Soul

As a pharmacist prescriber specialising in skin health, Deep Clean AHA Cleanser is one of my most recommended cleansers for patients with oily and congestion-prone skin who want maximum efficiency from their cleansing step. The three-acid approach of Glycolic Acid plus PHA makes it one of the most clinically comprehensive cleansers available without a prescription for this skin type.

How to Use

Apply to damp skin and massage gently to develop a light foaming action. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use morning and evening. Always apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning. Follow with Exuviance HydraPrep pH Balance Toner and your chosen Exuviance serum and moisturiser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth the money?
Deep Clean AHA Cleanser delivers active Glycolic Acid exfoliation at the cleansing step in addition to thorough cleansing, making it significantly more efficient than a standard face wash for oily and congestion-prone skin. The active contribution to skin improvement justifies the investment over a neutral cleanser.

Can I use it twice a day?
Yes. The formula is balanced for twice-daily use on normal to oily skin. If you find it too active for morning use, begin with evenings only and build up gradually.

Do I need to use SPF after using it?
Yes. This product contains Glycolic Acid which may increase sun sensitivity. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning.

Can I use it with tretinoin?
Use Deep Clean in the morning. Apply tretinoin in the evening after a different evening cleanser if preferred, or after Deep Clean if you find it comfortable. Do not use high-concentration Glycolic immediately before tretinoin without allowing time for complete rinsing.

Is it pregnancy safe?
Glycolic Acid at cosmetic rinse-off concentrations is generally considered low risk during pregnancy. We always recommend consulting your midwife or obstetrician before starting new skincare during pregnancy.

Is it suitable for rosacea-prone skin?
Deep Clean AHA contains Glycolic Acid which may trigger reactivity in rosacea-prone skin. We recommend the Gentle Cream Cleanser for rosacea and sensitive skin instead.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
This cleanser is better suited to normal, combination and oily skin. For sensitive skin, we recommend the Exuviance Gentle Cream Cleanser.

Does it clog pores?
No. The soap-free formula is non-comedogenic and actively reduces congestion with consistent use.

How long will one tube last?
Used morning and evening, a tube typically lasts 8 to 12 weeks.

Is it vegan?
Please contact us to confirm vegan status for this specific product as Exuviance formulations can vary.

Is it cruelty-free?
Yes. Exuviance does not test on animals.

Clinical Insight

As a pharmacist prescriber specialising in skin health, Deep Clean AHA Cleanser is the cleanser I recommend for oily and combination skin patients who want their cleansing step to actively contribute to results rather than simply performing a neutral function. Glycolic Acid at the cleansing step is a simple and effective way to add daily acid exfoliation to a routine without adding a separate dedicated exfoliating step.

Research and Evidence

Glycolic Acid is the most extensively published AHA in dermatological literature with over 30 years of confirmed research on its mechanism of surface exfoliation, pore cleansing, collagen stimulation and skin renewal. Even in rinse-off formulations, brief contact time with Glycolic Acid has been demonstrated to produce surface improvement compared to surfactant-only cleansers.

How Does It Compare?

Deep Clean AHA Cleanser vs Exuviance Gentle Cream Cleanser: Deep Clean is for oily and combination skin wanting active exfoliation at the cleansing step. Gentle Cream Cleanser is for sensitive, dry and reactive skin wanting non-stripping, barrier-compatible cleansing. Completely opposite skin type targets.

Deep Clean AHA Cleanser vs Exuviance 3-in-1 Clarifying Cleanser: 3-in-1 Clarifying adds Salicylic Acid and Mandelic Acid alongside PHA for a triple acid approach targeting oily and acne-prone skin specifically. Deep Clean uses Glycolic Acid and PHA for a broader oily and combination skin approach. For acne-prone skin, 3-in-1 is more targeted. For general oily and congested skin, Deep Clean.

Deep Clean AHA Cleanser vs AGE REVERSE BioActiv Wash: BioActiv Wash uses Maltobionic Acid (a gentler Bionic Acid) within the AGE REVERSE protocol. Deep Clean uses Glycolic Acid for more aggressive active exfoliation. For oily and congested skin outside the AGE REVERSE protocol, Deep Clean. For the AGE REVERSE protocol, BioActiv Wash.

Complete Your Routine

Morning: Exuviance Deep Clean AHA Cleanser, Exuviance HydraPrep Toner, Exuviance Radiance Serum, Exuviance Glycolic Perfecting Moisturizer or chosen moisturiser, Exuviance Daily Corrector SPF 35. Evening: Deep Clean, HydraPrep, chosen serum, Exuviance Night Corrector or Glycolic Expert Moisturizer.

Why Buy From Face for Soul?

At Face for Soul, we recommend Deep Clean AHA Cleanser for oily and combination skin patients who want maximum clinical efficiency from their routine, including from the cleansing step. As a prescriber who recommends Exuviance across a range of skin types, matching the cleanser to the skin type is the foundation of every protocol. Contact us before ordering if you are unsure which Exuviance cleanser is most appropriate for your skin.