AHAs and BHAs are everywhere, promising “glass skin” overnight. But for many of us (myself and Wendy included), traditional acid exfoliants can be too harsh - not always because of the acids themselves, but because of the extra ingredients often added to make liquid peels or toners stable: drying alcohols, heavy preservatives, and other stabilisers. These are the things that can sting, irritate, or compromise the skin barrier.

We still love the idea of AHAs though - the gentle resurfacing, the brighter skin, that freshly renewed glow. So rather than turning away from them altogether, we simply chose a different path that felt more in tune with both sensitive skin and our philosophy of working with botanicals. As we always do when formulating, we looked to nature for an answer.  That’s where our beautiful hibiscus powder comes in.

Often called nature’s “Botox plant,” hibiscus naturally contains malic and citric acids - gentle plant-derived AHAs that help loosen the bonds between dead skin cells so they can shed more easily. What makes hibiscus particularly special is the way these acids occur naturally within the plant fibres and mucilage. Rather than delivering a sudden hit like many synthetic acid treatments, they release slowly and gradually as the powder hydrates on the skin. You still receive the benefits of AHAs, just in a softer, more buffered way that the skin can comfortably tolerate.

To complement this botanical resurfacing, we paired hibiscus with a beautifully delicate micro-exfoliant - our upcycled blackcurrant powder. This gently buffs away dull surface cells as you massage the exfoliant onto damp skin, refining the skin’s texture without scratching or dragging. The particles are small and rounded, giving that satisfying freshly polished feeling while remaining kind to the skin. It’s also a wonderful example of ingredient upcycling, making use of nutrient-rich seeds that would otherwise go to waste.

Alongside this, the formulation is enriched with avocado oil, which helps ensure the skin remains comfortable and nourished throughout the exfoliation process. Avocado oil is rich in essential fatty acids, which help replenish the skin’s natural lipid barrier and lock in moisture. It’s also naturally abundant in vitamins A, D and E - nutrients that support skin repair, improve softness, and protect against oxidative stress.

We also include marshmallow root powder, a wonderfully soothing botanical that helps bring balance to the exfoliation process. Marshmallow root is naturally rich in mucilage — a soft, gel-like plant compound that becomes silky when mixed with water. On the skin, this creates a gentle cushioning effect, helping the exfoliant glide more smoothly while calming and hydrating the skin. It’s traditionally known for its ability to soothe irritation, support the skin barrier, and leave the complexion feeling soft and comfortable rather than tight or stripped.

Now that you know a little more about the ingredients, let’s talk about the ritual and the extra few minutes that allow the botanicals to truly get to work! First, the blackcurrant micro-exfoliant gently smooths and refines the surface of the skin. Then, rather than rinsing it off straight away like a traditional manual exfoliator, leave a thin layer on the skin for around five to ten minutes. This gives the hibiscus time to work its magic, allowing its naturally occurring AHAs to slowly release and encourage brighter, softer, more refined skin.

Because the formulation is entirely waterless, the botanical ingredients remain concentrated and stable, and keeping the jar dry helps preserve the integrity of these actives. When you’re ready to use it, take a small amount and warm it between your fingertips for a few moments to soften the balm-like texture. Place it into the palm of your hand, add a few drops of water, and gently work it together to create a soft paste.  Massage the paste slowly onto damp skin and allow the botanicals to begin their work.

If you’d like an even more indulgent treatment, you can blend a little with our Gently Nourishing Cleansing Balm for a more intense exfoliation. Water softens the powders, while the cleansing balm keeps them firmer, creating a deeper polish.

“This is the best exfoliating scrub I have used; gentle and effective my skin looks radiant and youthful after using. I follow up with the face oils and the moisturiser when my skin needs it. I often go without makeup now because my skin looks so gorgeous I don’t need to cover anything.” Liana

https://huskandseedskincare.co.uk/collections/masks-facial-exfoliants/products/gently-resurfacing-facial-exfoliant