October 1, 2025 UPDATE: This article is a product review of Mad Hippie aHA Exfoliating Peel that was formerly named Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum. The ingredients remain the same, only the name and packaging changed.
Read our experience about flake-free exfoliation and our full ingredient analysis. We use both the new and old names in this review, ingredient analysis and FAQ.
Exfoliation enables proper absorption of actives and removes dull, bacteria-trapping dead skin. Exfoliation can also irritate the skin. How can you exfoliate without getting dry, peeling skin? Try Mad Hippie aHA Exfoliating Peel (formerly named Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum).
Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum is now called Mad Hippie aHA Exfoliating Peel
What is Mad Hippie aHA Exfoliating Peel (Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum)?
Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum | aHA Exfoliating Peel is an impressive exfoliative that doesn’t sting, irritate or burn. Yet it gently removes dead skin with ZERO itchy, red peeling.
And it is packed with all kinds of goodness to improve skin texture and clarity while fading discoloration.
Why Use Mad Hippie aHA Exfoliating Peel (Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum)?
Exfoliating sensitive skin is necessary but can be tricky.
Does Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum Mad Hippie aHA Exfoliating Peel really work?
Does Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum Mad Hippie aHA Exfoliating Peel really work? Yes, we think so.
- Our three test subjects used Mad Hippie Exfoliative Serum for one week.
- 2 of our 3 Style Chicks team testers have very sensitive skin. They cannot tolerate most traditional exfoliation scrubs or Glycolic peels higher than 10%.
- They had no problems with Mad Hippie aHA Exfoliating Peel
- All three experienced a major exfoliative impact with zero rubbing, scrubbing or skin irritation.
- I used aHA Exfoliating Peel for a full month. It made a big difference on improving my skin texture and fading dark spots.
- Apply it at night, and wake up to smoother skin!
Why Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum aHA Peel Works
It is not irritating. But it is powerful.
There are aHAs, peptides, antioxidants and buffers.
Don’t layer it with:
- Products with other actives like Alpha Lipoic Acid or Retinol
- products like Mad Hippie Vitamin A or Mad Hippie Triple C Night Cream
Because it does not sting or peel, it is easy to think this serum isn’t doing much at first.
But plenty is already happening in this formulation. There is no need to add more ingredients to this mix.
It contains 16 active ingredients! Let’s take a look:
What is in Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum aHA Peel?
The Ingredient Profile
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid (AHA) loosens the glue that adheres dry, dead skin to healthy skin, and then dissolves away the dead skin.
It is the best way to exfoliate mature skin. There is no rubbing or pulling the skin.
There is also little to no peeling and limited redness or irritation after use.
Skin is brighter, younger, softer, with few lines and wrinkles, and it glows like younger skin. Glycolic Acid reduces acne scars. [1] Glycolic Acid also promotes collagen production.
Malus Domestica
Malus Domestica
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract is Apple Stem Cells.
It is a Swiss Apple ideal for creating vegan-based stem cells. These stem cells:
- build new tissue
- delay aging
- fight wrinkles
Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate Acid)
Sodium Hyaluronate Acid is a non-synthesized form of Hyaluronic Acid.
It has a lower molecular size compared to other Hyaluronic Acids. This is good because it can absorb deeper into the skin.
It has Hyaluronic Acid benefits. It is found naturally and ample supply in young skin, but depletes with age.
Hyaluronic Acid retains moisture and increases the effectiveness of other ingredients. It holds so much moisture that it instantly plumps fine lines. This plumps the skin, making fine wrinkles and mild sagging temporarily disappear.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid exfoliates and brightens skin. It is gentler than glycolic acid.
It holds moisture while increasing firmness and skin thickness.
Glycerin
Glycerin a non-toxic natural humectant. It helps skin attract and maintain moisture.
Glycerin fills in gaps in dryer skin which makes skin look better and keeps the outer layer of the skin intact.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Vitamin E softens skin texture.
It makes rough, sunburned, scarred or otherwise damaged skin soft and pliable. Once the skin is pliable, other treating ingredients can work their magic.
Matrixyl Synthe’ 6
A polypeptide concoction that stimulates the production of collagen I and IV.
Matrixyl Synthe’ 6 in this formula is worth noting because it does the work of a heavy-duty nighttime serum.
This peptide cocktail contains Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38.
Palmitoyl tripeptide-38 is a vegan ingredient. It improves fine lines and wrinkles, most notably forehead lines and crow’s feet.
Goji Berries
Goji Berry Extract
Goji berry is an antioxidant. It softens the skin.
It is a superfruit.
Vitamin B5
B5 is Panthenol.
It is a humectant. It also fosters skin healing. [2]
Niacinamide
Niacinamide comes from Vitamin B3.
- It treats sallowness and blotchiness.
- It fades dark spots.
- Niacinamide treats a loss of elasticity and reduces redness.
- It also fades acne scars and brightens the skin.
White Tea Extract (Camelia Sinensis)
White tea is gentle yet powerful. It has similar benefits to Green Tea with phenols and EGCG.
As a topical ingredient:
- it evens the skin tone
- White tea is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
- It reduces redness and inflammation around the delicate eye area.
- White tea also contains EGCG. This helps the production of new skin cells [3].
- It also contains phenols to strengthen collagen and elastin. This gives skin a bouncy, younger look while delaying wrinkles.
Caffeine stimulates blood circulation
Caffeine
Caffeine has antioxidant properties and slows down photo-aging.
- It stimulates blood circulation and reduces puffiness.
- It is particularly effective on firmness, reducing fine lines and crow’s feet.
Biotin
Biotin is Vitamin H, AKA B7.
It is responsible for building blocks of protein and is involved in skin moisture levels.
Ceramide-3
Ceramides are fatty acids that hold cells together to protect the skin.
Ceramide-3 is an excellent moisturizing ingredient.
It creates a protective barrier layer, hold in moisture and plump the skin. But natural ceramides deplete with age.
Even younger skin loses ceramides when using harsh cleansers or drying skincare products. Ceramide-3 keeps skin hydrated without being greasy.
Vegan squalene comes from olives
Squalene (Vegan)
Vegan squalene comes from olives.
Squalene mimics the skin’s natural sebum and makes the skin barrier extra smooth and soft.
It is good for even highly sensitive or irritated skin. It is also helpful for acne.
Gigawhite
Gigawhite is a combination of natural herbs and flowering plants that promote skin brightening.
It contains:
Mallow
Mallow Malva Sylvestris (mallow) Extract
Mallow is a natural floral extract. It contains Vitamins A, C and E. It nourishes dry and damaged skin, restoring elasticity.
Mallow softens while being gentle enough for the most sensitive of skin.
Piperita Leaf Extract
Piperita Leaf Extract is a kind of Peppermint.
It has both cooling and anesthetic properties. Piperita Leaf extract can calm skin irritation.
It also soothes rough & dry skin.
Primula Veris Extract
Cowslip
Primula Veris Extract is an herb commonly known as cowslip.
It has cell-regenerating effects that help skin recover from topical actives.
It contains C and beta carotene to even out skin tone and can reduce acne scars.
Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract
Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract comes from the Ladys mantle flower. It is rich in tannins, flavonoids, and salicylic acid. Salicylic build collagen and treats acne.
Veronica Officinalis flower
Veronica Officinalis Extract
Veronica Officinalis Extract comes from a wildflower. It contains Vitamins C, E, and K to condition and heal the skin.
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract is lemon balm leaf. It contains caffeine & ferulic acid. It counteracts sun damage.
Achillea Millefolium Extract
Yarrow
Achillea Millefolium Extract is Yarrow. Yarrow is used in ancient and folk medicine practices. It reduces inflammation while promoting healing and circulation.
Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum (aHA Peel) FAQ
Some common questions about this serum:
How to Best Use Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum (aHA Peel)
- Use half a dropper of serum on the face and throat.
- It is okay to use around the eye area on the orbital bone. But keep it out of the eye!
- It is a leave-on, so don’t rinse it off.
- I wait about 10-15 minutes and apply a moisturizer on top.
- It is gentle enough to use nightly, I use it every other night. I find it effective to alternate off this serum and Mad Hippie Triple C Night Cream.
- Those with sensitive skin might try using Mad Hippie Exfoliative Serum 2 nights a week and the Vitamin C Serum daily.
What is the difference between Mad Hippie Exfoliative Serum and Mad Hippie aHA Exfoliating Peel?
Mostly the packaging and the name.
The ingredients list is the same.
A difference we detect is in the directions for use:
- Exfoliative Serum says use 1/2 dropper worth
- aHa Exfoliating Peel says only use 2-4 drops
The Exfoliating Serum as seen in the Maddie Hippie Serum Combo. Apply one-half dropper of the serum to face and throat.
My Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum (aHA Peel) Experience
- There is no stinging or burning.
- It exfoliates without itchy peeling.
- There is no telltale redness or peeling flakes.
- I can wear makeup without an obvious peeling or flaky skin layer visible.
What are the Results?
In the morning, the skin seems evener. There is no dryness.
Upon face washing, dead skin just gently melts off without rubbing and scrubbing.
Skin is just soft and smooth. Fine lines look better.
Product Directions and Ingredients
Where to Find Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum aHA Peel?
Mad Hippie Exfoliative Serum AHA Peel is sold at Mad Hippie as part of the Mad Hippie Serum Combo set and sold separately.
Mad Hippie is also available at Whole Foods and Ulta
Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum contains 16 actives for better skin
Summary of How to Best Use Mad Hippie Exfoliating aHA Peel (Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum)
Mad Hippie aHA Exfoliating Peel was formerly named Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum.
It exfoliates overnight without irritation or peeling.
But in the first few uses, it may not seem to be doing anything. You don’t need to use extra or additional products. Give it a week to start to work.
The benefits include:
- fading acne scars, discoloration and age spots
- better skin texture
- gentle exfoliation to reveal smoother, glowing skin WITHOUT itchy peeling
- soften wrinkles
- hydration boost
- Cruelty Free
- Vegan
- no nasty chemicals
QUESTIONS or Comments?
Have any comments or questions about Mad Hippie Exfoliating aHA Peel (Mad Hippie Exfoliative Serum)?
The Style Chicks are here to answer them.
Leave a comment or email us at questions@stylechicks.com
References
- J Cosmet Dermatol.2017 Dec;16(4):454-459. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12377. Epub 2017 Oct 26.
- The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, August 2016, pages 1-7; and December 2002, pages 173-178
- Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology, July 2001, pages 392-399
ABOUT THIS POST
Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum (now aHA Peel) was submitted to Style Chicks for consideration purposes. All opinions and experiences are 100% our own.