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Not Sponsored: Hey Everybody! I always like to review a skincare collection at the beginning of the year, so for 2025 it is Shani Darden. In 2023, I reviewed Shani Darden's Hydration Peptide Cream (Revolve, Sephora) and ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! I made a reel on Instagram and people were thoroughly impressed with my results. I continue to use it as a day moisturizer and makeup primer. It makes my skin and makeup look beautiful. With such Supersweet results, I vowed to review other products in her skincare collection. So, here we go! Let's get started!
Shani Darden Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum (Revolve, Sephora). This Lactic Acid won Allure's 2024 Best Serum Award. So I was super-excited to try it! My favorite Lactic Acid is from Sunday Riley, called Good Genes (SpaceNK, Revolve, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Macy's). I've been using Shani Darden's Lactic Acid and I'm just not getting any kind of results. My skin doesn't feel softer after using it. I don't seen any improvement with my fine lines. There's just NOTHING. I don't see any difference. So, I tried using it on the back of my hands and I don't see any difference with my skin there either. Maybe I got a bad batch? I don't know what's going on!?! I'm just truly disappointed. I love lactic acid because it's a gentle form of exfoliation that's really good for people with sensitive and reactive skin like me. Let me share what is on her website: "A powerful-yet gentle 9% Lactic Acid Serum that brightens and refines dull and congested skin so you can wake up to an instant glow. Dual exfoliating acids—including Shani's go-to Lactic Acid & Gluconolactone (PHA)—smooth, refine and re-texturize while an exclusive Soothing Complex calms the skin & minimizes irritation."
Here's a list of ingredients:
- 9% Lactic Acid (AHA) polishes away dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter, more glowing skin.
- Gluconolactone (PHA) exfoliates, evens tone, improves clarity and hydrates.
- Exclusive Soothing Complex contains four molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid plus Aloe Vera and Green & White Tea Extract to soothe skin and minimize irritation.
Full Disclosure: I won't be using this Lactic Acid unfortunately. It did absolutely nothing for my skin. Didn't hurt it, but I experienced no results. I wouldn't recommend it either. I hope I just got a bad batch, but I'm not willing to pay for another to try again. HaHaHa I'm only giving it Bittersweet, because it won Allure's award in 2024. So something is off. I recommend Sunday Riley's Good Genes! I'm currently trying Fresh Beauty's Lotus AHA Gentle Resurfacing Serum (Youth Preserve Resurfacing Dream Serum) and having great results. So stay tuned for my review!
Shani Darden Intensive Eye Renewal Cream is Bittersweet
