Calm Down

Skin types

• Sensitive Skin, if used for very gentle exfoliation and redness-prone skin support rather than redness treatment
• Normal Skin
• Combination Skin
• Oily Skin
• Dry Skin, if the skin tolerates gentle exfoliation

Concerns

• Irritation & Redness, if used for sensitivity and redness-prone skin support rather than redness treatment
• Hydration & Glow, if used for dullness, dehydration and glow support
• Uneven Texture, if used for mild texture support rather than strong resurfacing
• Barrier Damage, if used as a gentler exfoliation option in routines with strong actives rather than barrier repair

Routine step

First step after cleansing, before serums and moisturisers.

Calm Down is a gentle leave-on PHA + BHA exfoliating toner designed for skin that wants mild exfoliation, hydration and soothing support without a strong resurfacing feel.

Gentle surface exfoliation

Gluconolactone and lactobionic acid help remove dead skin cells from the skin surface. This supports smoother, fresher-looking skin while staying suitable for sensitive-feeling routines.

Hydration and antioxidant support

PHA acids are exfoliating acids with water-binding and antioxidant support. This helps the skin feel more hydrated and comfortable than with stronger-feeling exfoliants.

Soothing support

Panthenol, prickly pear, yeast extract, reed extract and poria cocos support skin comfort. This helps skin feel calmer, less stressed and better supported.

PHA / Polyhydroxy Acids

A gentler-feeling exfoliating acid group that works mainly on the skin surface. In Calm Down, gluconolactone and lactobionic acid support smoother, fresher-looking skin while also adding hydration support.

Salicylic Acid / BHA

An oil-soluble exfoliating acid included alongside PHAs. It supports clearer-looking pores and balanced skin without making the formula a strong BHA pore treatment.

Panthenol

A hydrating and soothing ingredient also known as provitamin B5. It supports skin comfort, moisture and a calmer feel.

Prickly Pear Extract

A botanical extract used for soothing and hydrating support. It helps the formula feel more comfortable for sensitive or redness-prone skin.

Use after cleansing, morning and/or evening, before serums and moisturisers. Apply with a cotton pad or pour into hands and pat onto skin, avoiding the eye area. Wait until absorbed, then continue with the rest of your routine.

Use SPF every morning, and do not use if you are allergic to aspirin because the formula contains BHA.

What does Calm Down do?

Calm Down is a gentle PHA + BHA exfoliating toner for skin that wants mild smoothing, hydration and soothing support. It helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, supports a healthier-looking glow and helps skin feel calmer and more comfortable. It is especially useful for sensitive, redness-prone or easily stressed skin that may not tolerate stronger exfoliating acids well.

How do PHAs work in the skin?

PHAs, or polyhydroxy acids, are exfoliating acids that work mainly on the skin surface. They help loosen dead skin cell buildup so the skin can look smoother and fresher. Compared with many AHAs, PHAs are larger molecules and are often used when a gentler-feeling exfoliation is preferred. They also support hydration, which helps the skin feel less dry or tight after exfoliation.

Who is Calm Down best for?

Calm Down is best for sensitive, redness-prone or dehydrated skin that wants gentle exfoliation without a strong resurfacing feel. It can also be useful in summer or when your routine already includes stronger actives, such as retinoids.

How often should I use Calm Down?

Exact frequency is not specified, but Calm Down can be used morning and/or evening depending on your skin’s tolerance. If your skin is new to exfoliating acids, start a few times per week and increase gradually if your skin feels comfortable.

Can I use Calm Down with retinoids or other active ingredients?

Calm Down is the gentlest option in the Geek & Gorgeous exfoliating toner range and can fit into routines that already include stronger actives. Still, avoid overloading the same routine if your skin is easily sensitised. Keep exfoliating acids and strong retinoids separate if your skin becomes dry, tight or irritated.

What is the difference between Cheer Up, Calm Down and Smooth Out?

All three are Geek & Gorgeous exfoliating toners, but they suit different skin needs. Calm Down is the gentlest option, with 4% PHA + BHA for sensitive or redness-prone skin that wants mild exfoliation with hydration and soothing support. Cheer Up is the combination-skin option, with 6% mandelic acid + BHA to work on both surface texture and inside the pores, making it better for blackheads, excess oil, enlarged-looking pores and post-blemish marks. Smooth Out is the strongest AHA option, with 12% glycolic and lactic acid for dullness, uneven texture, dark spots, fine lines and loss of glow.

Is Calm Down pregnancy-safe?

Yes, Calm Down is pregnancy-safe. If you are breastfeeding or unsure, check with your healthcare provider before use.