Cheer Up

Skin types

• Normal Skin
• Combination Skin
• Oily Skin
• Sensitive Skin, if used for problem-prone or redness-prone skin support rather than treatment

Concerns

• Large Pores, if used for enlarged pore appearance support rather than shrinking pores
• Congested Skin, if used for pore congestion and extra oil production support rather than congestion treatment
• Blackheads & Whiteheads, if used for blackhead-prone skin support rather than blackhead removal
• Acne & Reactive Skin, if used for blemish-prone skin support rather than acne treatment
• Hyperpigmentation & Sun Damage, if used for post-blemish marks and uneven tone support rather than pigmentation treatment
• Uneven Texture

Routine step

First step after cleansing, before serum and moisturiser.

Cheer Up is a lightweight AHA + BHA exfoliating toner designed to work on both surface texture and pore congestion, making it especially useful for combination, oily and problem-prone skin.

Dual exfoliation

Mandelic acid (AHA) works mainly on the skin surface, while salicylic acid (BHA) works inside pores. Together, they help skin look smoother, clearer and more balanced.

Pore and oil support

Salicylic acid and sarcosine support clogged pores, blackheads and excess oiliness. This helps pores look clearer and less enlarged.

Hydration support

Xylitylglucoside, anhydroxylitol and xylitol help support water-binding in the skin. This helps the exfoliating formula feel less drying and more comfortable.

Mandelic Acid

A gentler-feeling AHA with a larger molecular size than glycolic acid. It helps exfoliate the skin surface, improve the look of uneven texture and support the appearance of post-blemish marks.

Salicylic Acid / BHA

An oil-soluble exfoliating acid that can work inside pores. It helps reduce the look of blackheads, clogged pores and enlarged-looking pores.

Sarcosine

An amino-acid derived ingredient used for oil and pore appearance support. It helps skin look less shiny and more balanced.

Aquaxyl / Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol & Xylitol

A sugar-based humectant complex that supports hydration in an exfoliating toner. It helps skin feel more comfortable and less dry.

Use after cleansing, morning or evening, before serum and moisturiser. Apply with a cotton pad or pour into hands and pat onto skin, avoiding the eye area.

Start every other day if you are new to acids, then increase based on your skin’s tolerance.

Use SPF in the morning, and do not use if you are allergic to aspirin.

What does Cheer Up do?

Cheer Up is an AHA + BHA exfoliating toner designed for combination, oily and problem-prone skin. Mandelic acid works on the skin surface to smooth texture and support the look of post-blemish marks, while salicylic acid works inside pores to help reduce blackheads, clogged pores and enlarged-looking pores. This makes Cheer Up useful when skin feels uneven, congested or imbalanced.

How does mandelic acid work in the skin?

Mandelic acid is an AHA, which means it exfoliates mainly on the skin surface. It has a larger molecular size than glycolic acid, so it is often considered a gentler-feeling AHA. In Cheer Up, it helps loosen dead skin cell buildup, supporting smoother texture, better glow and a more even-looking tone.

How does BHA help with blackheads and pores?

BHA, or salicylic acid, is oil-soluble. This means it can work through oil inside the pore lining, where dead skin cells and sebum can build up. By helping loosen this buildup, it supports clearer-looking pores, fewer-looking blackheads and a smoother skin surface.

Who is Cheer Up best for?

Cheer Up is best for combination, oily and problem-prone skin dealing with blackheads, excess oil, enlarged-looking pores, uneven texture or post-blemish marks. It can also be suitable for sensitive or redness-prone skin, but should still be introduced gradually if your skin is new to exfoliating acids.

How often should I use Cheer Up?

Start every other day if you are new to acids or your skin is easily sensitised. If your skin tolerates it well, once daily is ideal for most skin types. More frequent use should only be considered if your skin is already comfortable with exfoliating acids.

Can I use Cheer Up with retinoids or other exfoliating acids?

Avoid using Cheer Up in the same routine as other exfoliating acids, scrubs, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide or strong vitamin C if your skin is easily sensitised. Since Cheer Up is already an exfoliating AHA + BHA toner, keeping strong actives separate helps reduce the risk of dryness, stinging or barrier discomfort.

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 Cheer Up pregnancy-safe?

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