Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC) • 40% Lactic Acid Peel • Masks

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*TOP REVIEWER* egoh on 5/26/2009 3:53:00 PM more reviews by egoh

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

Going to keep this review short since there are a lot of ppl with great reviews on this xD I have been using the 40% Lactic Peel for 1 month now. I average about 2 peels per week (7 mintues each peel). There is a "light" peeling effect for me a couple of days after I use the product, especially around my nose and cheeks area. Result: I must say I see a 'brightening' effect on my skin, my pores are a bit smaller. In general, I say my skin looks "healthier" but I haven't seen a significant decrease in my fine wrinkles (mostly around my eye area). I will probably buy the 55% Lactic peel after I'm done with this (though it seems like the 1oz bottle will last at least another 20 peels.... a little goes a LONG way)

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amhammond2003 on 4/15/2009 7:22:00 PM more reviews by amhammond2003

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Green    

I just used this product for the first time a few hours ago and am so impressed!! I know you are suppossed to do a test patch of it, then wait 24 hours but I'm pretty impatient so I decided to do an all over peel and just take my chances. My skin isn't usually too sensitive so I figured I'd be okay. I left it on for 4 minutes. My skin was tingling a bit with it on. Nothing terrible but like others have said you definitley know it's there. After I took it off my skin felt a little sunburned. I started to get a little worried at first because it was stinging but it subsided and the redness has gone away (did it about 3 hours ago). Next week I'll probably do it again for 4 minutes then the following week start going up a minute each week. My skin looks really clear and clean. I can see how doing this once a week is going to make a dramatic difference. I'm so excited to move up another level and get stronger peels and hopefully turn back time on my face!!!

UPDATE: 4/20/09 It's been 5 days since I did my first peel. The past few days since I overdid it on the time of the peel and didn't work my way up, my skin has felt very bumpy and dry. I was afraid to wash it too aggressively because I didn't want to irritate it anymore. Last night I took a washcloth to it and it seemed fine, so I sloughed off all the dry skin. Ever since I did that, my skin looks AMAZING!!!!!!! I'm 34 and I swear I look a few years younger! My skin is so clear and radiant. I think it won't be long and it will look like movie star skin! I'm so excited to see how good my skin is going to look after a few more peels. I definitley recommend to start slow, 2 minutes at the most for your first time. I wish I had. I'm going to back off and do 2 minutes this week and if that is okay then I'll up it by a minute each week until I get to the maximum which is 7 minutes. Anyways I highly recommend this product just be careful using it!!

Edited: I've done 4 peels now, about a week apart. I think I'm going to do a series of 6 since my skin is already looking SO good. I haven't been able to do more than 4 minutes on this peel. I think my skin is pretty happy now and I'm afraid of pushing it too much now and over exfoliating. The fine lines around my mouth have diminished SO much, they are barely noticable. I can't say enough good things about this product. My skin looks so clear and isn't dry anymore. I have to apply powder once or twice a day or my nose gets shiny. I'm thrilled about this because my skin needed some moisture!!! Also I'm excited to see how the MUAC skin care products work with my skin. I read that they will absorb better once you do a series of peels, so you will get more benefits.

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shmoopy on 4/5/2009 7:52:00 AM more reviews by shmoopy

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

Huge Raves for MUAC Lactic Acid Peels! I love them! I've noticed my pores have tightened and my skin looks baby smooth. Hyperpigmentation is starting to fade. I have done 3 peels in the last 2 weeks. I used the 40% for the first 2 to start. First time was 3 minutes, 2nd time was 7 minutes. When I noticed no irritation, I moved up to the 55% for 7 minutes. I love the results.
I am OSPW for reference and I've noticed my skin gets irritated easily.
Those with sensitive, acne prone, and/or pigmented skin and large pores - you may want to try it! 8-)

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*TOP REVIEWER* my3sons5 on 3/6/2009 9:52:00 AM more reviews by my3sons5

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I am in my 40's, have fair skin that is very resistant.
I have used this peel twice so far, three days apart. The first peel I left on for 3 minutes and the second for 5 minutes. Both times the results were immediate radiant "new" looking skin. Sun spots faded a bit. I also experienced some purging as I broke out in a few pimples the days following (unusual for me to have acne). After the second peel, my skin feels taut and needs moisture! I really like the results and will continue to use these twice a week for the next few weeks (am working my way up to a TCA peel). My goal.....fade sun spots and hopefully some lines/wrinkles too. I use a really good spf 40 after doing a peel.

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*TOP REVIEWER* PattyG on 2/25/2009 1:11:00 PM more reviews by PattyG

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Silver   Eyes: Green    

Wow! Wow! Wow! I have used this only 3 times so far (face and tops of hands) and I am VERY impressed! I only get a slight tingling on my face, none on my hands, and it's so worth it for the wonderful results. I had read that this 40% lactic acid was good for sensitive skin and a bit easier than glycolic, even though I have used glycolic, too. I ordered the sample size and I can't wait to finish it up so I can order a stronger strength. This is well worth the price, which is very reasonable!

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1stone on 2/6/2009 12:06:00 AM more reviews by 1stone

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

I had two mild lactic peels a year or so ago, administered by an aesthetician, and was very pleased with the resulting glowy skin. Nothing hugely dramatic happended, no vanishing wrinkles or melting pores or anything, but I definitely had a nice healthy glow. Some people noticed and complimented me on my skin shortly after those peels also. I had hoped I would experience the same results with the MUAC lactic peel, and followed instructions carefully (and am quite interested and fascinated by skin care so feel I have a reasonable amount of knowledge about the absolute do and do nots) but have not experienced the same glow. I have used the peel three times (believe in giving a product a fair chance before reviewing) and really see no difference in my skin at all. As the sample price is so reasonable, however, I don't feel horribly ripped off, and based on all the good reviews (and great price) I suppose I would not discourage someone from trying it for themselves.

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CynicElle on 2/5/2009 12:46:00 PM more reviews by CynicElle

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Red   Eyes: Brown    

This is the first chemical peel I've used and is the type that MUAC suggests for first-time users, and so far, so good. I first bought a sample kit, which comes with pretty detailed instructions.


I took the advice of some reviewers here and started off with a peel time of just one minute to make sure I wouldn't end up looking like Two-Face's bad side, but this peel is way too gentle for that. I've worked up to about four minutes; it stings for a short while after I wash everything off, but it isn't anything I can't handle. My face doesn't even get all that pink. The results aren't dramatic, but I've noticed that after a few weeks of once-weekly use, my finer lines have diminished quite a bit -- I often find myself peering in my compact mirror and saying "Where'd they go!?" And good riddance.


One point: I gather from some of the reviews that MUAC used to include a sample of their soap-free cleansing bars with the sample kits. Mine didn't come with one (I got a sponge instead), so if you order the sample, you might want to have a soap-free cleanser on hand, as they recommend using that the day before you do a peel. They did send a nice-sized sample of the shea butter bar when I ordered a 1oz kit.


I might try upgrading to a higher concentration some day, but for now I'm enjoying the 40%.

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gsandy25 on 12/17/2008 1:35:00 PM more reviews by gsandy25

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I have hyper pigmentation and have tried everything that is available. After i read the reviews here i bought this item. After 2 uses my skin has a subtle glow but my pigmentation has not faded yet. Will try this for the suggested 6 weeks or i will have to increase the percentage.
Overall i feel it is good for the price i payed. I will buy this again atleast for the glow it gives.

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KimberlyRoseWolf on 12/10/2008 7:37:00 PM more reviews by KimberlyRoseWolf

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This stuff is AMAZING. I've only used it for a few weeks and my skin is actually clear! The last time my skin was completely clear was before puberty! It's also faded my acne scars. Hopefully, this peel combined with hydroquinone will fade them completely over time. The texture of my skin has also evened out and my skin has a glow to it.

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jibbala on 11/20/2008 11:50:00 AM more reviews by jibbala

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Brown    

This stuff is fantastic! I dont get breakouts, but I get heinous clogged pores, dull skin and the flakies. I have tried exfoliating cleansers, brushes, serums, baking power, oil cleansing,ect. Nothing has ever worked as well as this stuff. I dont have a lot of acne, but when I use this it clears up the few small breakouts I have. I have to be careful about how long I leave it on (my skin can stand 2 minutes). My skin is more even, my pores are small and my skin glows. I have the sample size and it will likely last months, as I only do the peel once a week. Will definately buy again and continue to use!

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puffnugget on 11/15/2008 10:39:00 PM more reviews by puffnugget

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I've been trying to control acne and smooth my skin for 20 years. Where were you, Lactic Acid, all this time? I went through 2 rounds of Accutane. Why didn't you save me then? It doesn't matter. I've found you now, use you twice/week, and shed away all my skin problems. Lactic Acid, you are my HG.

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beautigal2 on 11/13/2008 3:57:00 PM more reviews by beautigal2

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I read the reviews from this site and was very excited about trying this product. I thought it would help clear up my blemishes and clear the spots I have. Sadly to say it did not. Infact, right now my skin is at it's worst, and I have been using this product for over 6weeks. My skin appears immune to it. I use to experience tingling and a slight itchy feeling when I first started using it. Now I can leave it on and nothing!!! I even have an increase in cystic acne.

What went wrong!! I used it twice a week....and I really thought it would work!!! :(

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Eugeniet on 10/20/2008 5:40:00 AM more reviews by Eugeniet

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Dry, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

Well, having read the reviews of this product, I took the plunge and ordered this. I put it on about an hour ago, leaving it on for 2 1/2 minutes (MUAC suggests a starting time of 3 mins), the washed it off, put the ph stuff on as directed, washed that off, and slathered my skin with the Paula's Choice extra moisturizing mask. Skin is still stinging a bit, but not horribly, and has a few red patches. Will update on how it is tomorrow, since it seems a bit soon to tell if there is any change......

Day One update: Well, my skin was looking pretty good this morning - only one small dry patch on my chin. I think my skin is a bit brighter, but I think it will take a couple more peels to see any real changes. My skin did feel pretty dry today - like I'd used a light moisturizer instead of my usual rich one. On reflection, I'm pretty disappointed with the packaging - I expected it to be pretty minimalist after reading the reviews on here, but smudgy ink jet printed labels?! Also, as others have commented, the instructions are pretty minimalist - If I hadn't read the reviews on here I would have been a bit dubious about using this. I also think that opaque bottles would have been a better idea - considering how long this stuff is likely to last (you only need a tiny amount) I would have thought this would keep it more stable?

Day Two: Dry skin! I put on my normal (quite emollient) moisturizer, and my skin felt like a crispy critter by lunch time. Also had a small flaking patch on my chin.

Day Three: Much better... my skin feels like mine again, and the flaky patch is on the way out. My skin is looking more glow-ey and generally 'mine but better'

Peel Two: Left it on for three minutes this time - felt 'hot' but didn't sting nearly as much. Skin looks brighter. I have done the second peel three days after the first, as my skin recovered quickly, and the instructions suggest twice a week.

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Yvetteski on 9/29/2008 12:55:00 PM more reviews by Yvetteski

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I've been using this on and off for a little over a year and I'm quite pleased. While there has been no improvement in my hyperpigmentation, my skin is definitely smoother and clearer. I also bought the 30% glycolic peel from MUAC and was using it instead after 6 mos. on the LA. When I went back to the LA after being underwhelmed by the glycolic, I suffered several burns under my nose and upper lip and at the corners of my mouth after only a 7 minute contact time. I've read that glycolic acid is "stronger" that LA, but in my experience that is not the case.

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suzmquz on 9/17/2008 1:31:00 AM more reviews by suzmquz

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Olive   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This was my 1st purchase of MUAC's 40% lactic acid peel, but I've also used their Glycolic peels. I highly recommend doing a patch test in case you have a sensitivity issue. Whats nice is that you can buy their trial sizes which should last about 10 peels and they are relatively inexpensive. This way you can gradually move up in strength.

While my kids are in the bath, I'm doing my peels (I can keep an eye on them & do my peel, its that quick). I've noticed my sun spots getting lighter - I have no patience for using those brightening treatments. And my beginning crow's feet, slightly fading. Anything to take back some of the signs of time.

Some hints* If you're a face picker, do it BEFORE you do your peel otherwise you'll cause your face to develop a dark scab. When rinsing the peel, DON"T rinse your face with a nubby wash cloth, only use soap & your fingers/hands. Your face is sensitive at this point, be gentle. MUAC has some recommendations of what you should use.

I've also used the peel on my neck & hands, which makes them super soft. It certainly beats paying spa prices.

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NotABeautyJustRaving on 8/23/2008 2:45:00 PM more reviews by NotABeautyJustRaving

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

This is my first time using a chemical peel. I read a lot about them and decided to try the minimum 40%, as many people suggest working your way up to the higher concentrations. I left mine on for about 4 minutes, following the instructions to a tee. My skin didn't look red until I used the PH balanced toner, then holy hell! It stung! I am a bit red around the cheeks, and feel a bit burned. However, I applied some of my Kiehl's moisturizer and it stings less. My skin is shiny and taut. I will add to this review in a day or so to let you know what happens next.

A few hours after applying it, the redness faded but my skin felt sunburnt. I used a washcloth on my face thata evening and it hurt. That went away a few days later. I had very light peeling on the side of my nose, temple and one cheek. You couldn't see it, but it felt a bit rough. I sloughed it off with a nubby washcloth. So far there isn't a huge difference in my skin. Perhaps my skin is a bit brighter. I really noticed my pores look smaller. I am guessing after another application, I will notice more dramatic results.

The 2nd and 3rd times I used it my face stung less. I went up one minute each time. The 3rd time I got 2 small burn marks on my face. My pores are a lot smaller, and a brown patch on my forehead is almost gone. It doesn't turn a 40 year old into a 20 year old, but it does really make you look better.

It appears as though the sample I purchased will last through many applications. You don't need that much. So the price is actually quite reasonable. I think the bottles could be a bit better-i'd prefer a small hole in the top. The sample bottles are skinny and tippy. It would be very easy to knock one over.

I got this product in two days! They shipped it priority mail. I am very happy with MUAC service.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Hawko on 7/19/2008 6:18:00 AM more reviews by Hawko

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I have been using lactic acid/Vit. C/Kojic Acid from the Derm for 1 year now. Its helping my liver spots from using sunlamp burns back in the 80's. I had a Melasma peel at the Derm & once a week I apply a generous layer of 12% Glycolic cream before bedtime & left it all night.
I decided to give the 40% a try.

1st trial: prep as directed, I dropped the acid on my fingertip & applied on my T-zone, wait 1 minute, no tingle, no burn, I then do the rest of my face, wait 2 minutes, still no sensation, another 2 minutes, then rinsed well, followed with moisturizer & bedtime.
The next morning, skin seemed brighter, smoother.

5 days later: left it on a total of 10 minutes, no burning, skin felt tight & shiny after rinsing.
The next morning I noticed the darkest of the liver spots did lighten somewhat, this was exciting as my melasma has a purplish brown colour while the lighter spots has also faded quite significantly.

Another 5 days later: left it on a total of 13 minutes, no burning, felt tight & shiny for the next day. The melasma continued to look lighter, of course along with the even tone & smoothness. This time I "purged" 2 pimples on my chin, it sits there for 3 days & dried up by themselves. I don't remember the last I had a break-out, I just don't.
I also like the way the skin "drank" up the moisturizer afterwards, and I kept layering it on until the skin cannot absorbed anymore, I usually do this a couple hours before bedtime.
I may go to a higher concentration upon finishing this bottle; or I will stay with 40% but lengthen the processing time.
Update: Aug 23, using it faithfully every 5 days, up to 10 drops & left it for 15 minutes, HUGE improvement, from the colour of raw liver to about the colour of a taupe eyeshadow, with some fdn & concealer, its barely visible. Have already ordered the 65% percent.

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kimmie578 on 7/15/2008 6:59:00 PM more reviews by kimmie578

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I have used this peel twice, and my skin looks great. I also use their 40% glycolic peel for help with pimples, but wanted to try the lactic acid for fading marks. The lactic acid does exactly what they say it does: fade hyperpigmentation marks. I think that this, in conjunction with the glycolic acid, is making a huge difference in my skin. If you are new to peeling, try the lactic acid first, as it is much gentler than the glycolic (although I have put my skin through so many procedures and peels that I could probably put acid from a chemistry lab on my face and it would be just fine).

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*TOP REVIEWER* Missy on 6/15/2008 12:14:00 PM more reviews by Missy

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Warm   Hair: Red, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I will update this review as time goes by.

Peel #1, Day 1: I apply the PH Prep solution with a cotton ball and realize, as others have pointed out, this bottle will be empty really soon. I'll have to order the full-size on its own. I apply the lactic acid with my fingers. After 3 minutes, I rinse thoroughly and apply the PH prep again, then slather on some MUAC aloe jelly w/ lavender. About an hour after the peel, my skin feels dry and a little tight on the surface. No immediate improvement, but I didn't expect anything anyway.

Day 2: My skin looks no different at all. Nada.

Day 3 & 4: Major purging. Little whiteheads everywhere, but mostly on cheeks and forehead.

Peel #2: This time, I leave the acid on for 4 minutes. It stings just a little this time. My skin feels a bit irritated afterward, but nothing that bad. The next morning, my skin is noticeably smoother and a bit clearer, but it's still very minor improvement. Will update soon!

Peel #3: Okay, 5 minutes was a bit too much. I couldn't believe how much it stung. My eyes were watering and my skin felt like it was crawling! I couldn't wait to get it off. When I finally did, my face felt very tight and uncomfortable.

The days following this peel, my skin is uncomfortably dry and irritated. My pores are HUGE because of the irritation and small whiteheads have covered my entire face.

Peel #4: 5 minutes again and this time is a bit easier. No irritation at all. My skin looks smooth, but the drying effect has made my skin look awful. My flaws seems to be amplified. The texture of my skin is incredibly uneven, old blemish marks seem darker than usual (I'm guessing from the dryness) and my pores are still huge from the immense irritation of the product.

It's funny because it doesn't feel that irritating when it's on, but my skin is hating it. I've decided that this peel is doing more harm than good and have stopped using it. Since then, the appearance of my skin has GREATLY improved. All the whiteheads have gone, my pores have shrunk in size and old blemishes seem to be vanishing. Guess this product just isn't for me.

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dianadb on 6/6/2008 10:43:00 AM more reviews by dianadb

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I wanted to brighten and even out my skin without redness or peeling. This peel definitely delivered. On my first application it stung a little, but not for long and the stinging has reduced over time. I was surprised that there was a visible difference in the evenness of my skin tone and the smoothness after the first two minute peel. By the second peel, a dark spot that had been bugging me for years was gone. I now do a 7 minute peel once a week and wish I'd discovered this years ago. Its really helping my skin remain stable even with weather changes like the summer's increased humidity.

Definitely do a patch test first. Lactic acid is gentle, but no one wants a bad reaction on their face.

I may try other brands because I understand there are better prices out there, and I do wish that MUAC sold the acid on its own and not as a kit. But the product works great and being able to buy a sample size first is a super way to try it out.

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