Clarify Collection

Clear skin starts below the surface.

Salicylic acid, AHAs, and NZ botanical extracts at active percentages. Targets congestion at the source — not the surface.

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Matilda Jane
Clarifying
BHA Serum
50ml e
Clarify Collection

Clarifying
BHA Serum

With Salicylic Acid & Kānuka
$62.00 NZD
Size

Salicylic Acid 1.5% at pH 3.5. Lipid-soluble, follicle-penetrating. Glycolic Acid 5% surface turnover. Kānuka antimicrobial support.

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Product Details

Acids only work at the right pH and percentage.

A targeted serum for congested, oily, and breakout-prone skin. Lipid-soluble salicylic acid penetrates into the follicle to clear blockages at their source — paired with glycolic acid for surface turnover and Kānuka extract for natural antimicrobial support.

Buffered to pH 3.5 — the only pH where salicylic acid is fully bioavailable. Bottled in an airless pump to preserve potency.

  • Salicylic Acid 1.5% at pH 3.5 — lipid-soluble, follicle-penetrating BHA.
  • Glycolic Acid 5% — fastest cell turnover of the AHAs for surface renewal.
  • Kānuka extract — NZ-native antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.
  • Sodium Phytate — chelator for stability and pH support.

Apply 2–3 drops to clean, dry skin in the evening. Avoid the eye area. Build up frequency gradually — start every other night, increase to nightly as tolerated.

Always finish with SPF in the morning. Acids increase sun sensitivity.

Aqua (Water), Glycolic Acid, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Kunzea Ericoides (Kānuka) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Allantoin, Sodium Phytate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

Fragrance-free. Buffered to pH 3.5.

We recommend evening use to give the acids time to work without UV interference. If you do use AM, apply SPF 50+ on top — non-negotiable.

Salicylic acid at this concentration is generally considered low-risk topically, but obstetric guidance varies. We recommend pausing during pregnancy and breastfeeding — try Calming Barrier Cream instead.

Buffered with niacinamide and panthenol to minimise dehydration. Layer with a barrier cream if you feel tightness — and reduce frequency if your skin is reactive.

Alternate nights. Acids on Mon/Wed/Fri; retinol on Tue/Thu/Sat. Vitamin C is best in the morning. Avoid stacking all three on the same evening.

Texture refinement at 2 weeks. Visible reduction in congestion at 4–6 weeks. A purge phase in the first 2 weeks is normal — stick with it.

Why pH Matters

Salicylic acid only works below pH 4.

Above pH 4, salicylic acid sits as an inactive salt. Below pH 4, it converts to its active acid form and can penetrate the lipid barrier of the follicle.

Buffered to pH 3.5 — the sweet spot for full bioavailability without unnecessary irritation.

Lipid-Soluble

BHAs go where AHAs can't.

Glycolic acid clears the surface — but congestion happens deeper, inside oil-filled follicles. Salicylic acid is lipid-soluble, so it dissolves into sebum and works on blockages from the inside out.

Made in Aotearoa

Kānuka — NZ's quiet antimicrobial.

The lesser-known cousin of mānuka, with comparable antimicrobial activity and a softer aromatic profile. Sustainably wild-harvested from the East Cape.

Pairs the science with provenance.

The Science

Acids only work at the right pH and percentage.

Salicylic Acid 1.5% at pH 3.5 — lipid-soluble and follicle-penetrating. Glycolic Acid 5% — fastest cell turnover of the AHAs. Kānuka extract — natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. Sodium Phytate — chelator and stability support. Properly buffered, properly dosed, properly bottled in airtight pump.