For years, our founder Saya has been quietly developing what would become one of the most refined formulas in our collection — the AHA Micro Exfoliant.
A product born from experience, research, and Saya’s lifelong dedication to restoring balance to the skin.
This story takes you behind the formulation — the inspiration, the science, and the care that shaped a gentle yet transformative exfoliant designed to renew and reveal radiant skin.
What first inspired your journey into skincare?
My journey with skincare began more than 20 years ago, long before Saya became a brand. At that time, I was simply a young woman trying to cope with my own skin issues. I suffered with eczema, psoriasis and constant breakouts that left my skin angry, inflamed and unpredictable. It was an incredibly emotional time for me. I can still remember the shame of looking in the mirror and feeling like my skin didn’t belong to me. It deformed me in a way, my confidence was shattered, and there were times I didn’t even want to leave the house.
Like many people struggling with their skin, I tried everything. I went from dermatologist appointments to countless treatments, from product after product to rounds of medication. Nothing worked, and many of these so-called solutions left my skin even more sensitised and out of balance. I felt let down over and over again. Eventually, something in me shifted. Instead of relying on products that weren’t working for me, I decided I had to take control. That was the beginning of my mission — to learn as much as I could about skin, how it functions, and the ingredients that could either harm or heal. It became a journey of empowerment.
What did you discover along the way?
Through that journey, I discovered something truly incredible: the power of nature to work with our bodies in such a complex yet balanced way. I realised that when skin is supported with high-performing, high-quality ingredients, it can heal, strengthen, and return to its optimal health. I also learnt that skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t require ten different products or a ten-step routine. What matters most is consistency, and products that are formulated with intention and designed to truly support the skin.
Why did exfoliation become so important to you?
For me, three products became the backbone of healthy, vibrant skin: a cleanser, a moisturiser and an exfoliant. These three changed everything for me. Exfoliation in particular became one of the most powerful steps in my routine, but it wasn’t always that way. In the beginning, I was reluctant to exfoliate because of how reactive my skin was. I thought exfoliation would only make things worse. But as I researched and experimented, I realised that exfoliation didn’t have to mean harsh scrubbing or irritation.
There are different ways to exfoliate, each working in their own unique way. Chemical exfoliation uses acids such as AHAs and BHAs to dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells to the surface. Enzymatic exfoliation works more like a digestive process, using natural fruit enzymes to gently “eat away” the dead cells on the outer layer of skin. Physical exfoliation can also play a role, but it has to be done carefully. The granules must be perfectly spherical so they don’t scratch the surface or cause micro-tears. Once I understood all of this, exfoliation became not just an option but a vital step in keeping my skin healthy, clear and strong.
Why is exfoliation essential for every skin type?
Exfoliation isn’t just important for me personally, it’s one of the most valuable steps for almost every skin. Our skin naturally renews itself, but as we get older that process slows down, and dead skin cells begin to linger on the surface. When that happens, skin can look dull and uneven, pores can become clogged, and even the best serums and moisturisers can’t sink in and do their job properly. By exfoliating, you’re giving the skin a clean slate, lifting away buildup so it looks brighter, feels smoother, and is more receptive to the products that follow. Regular exfoliation also helps to even out tone, refine texture, and keep the skin clear and strong. It’s one of those steps that gives you both instant radiance and long-term skin health, which is why I believe it deserves a permanent place in almost everyone’s ritual.
How did the idea for the AHA Micro Exfoliant begin?
When I began creating products for Saya, an exfoliant was always part of my humble range. In the very early days I made exfoliants that combined clay, granules, enzymes and AHAs. They were multifunctional, just as I believed skincare should be. Over the years, as ingredient technology evolved and availability improved, I knew I wanted to take this further and create something that would truly deliver the best of everything I had learnt.
What makes the new formula so unique?
For the past two years I have been working on perfecting a new formula, one inspired by my earliest exfoliants but elevated with the best ingredients now available. The result is our new AHA Micro Exfoliant, a product that brings together three methods of exfoliation in one treatment. This isn’t just another scrub or another acid-based product. It’s a carefully balanced formula that combines chemical exfoliation with AHAs, enzymatic exfoliation with fruit enzymes, and physical exfoliation with finely milled jojoba beads. Each of these works differently on the surface of the skin, and when combined, they create a powerful, multi-action product that gives instant results while also supporting long-term skin health.
Why did you choose lactic acid as the hero ingredient?
Lactic acid plays a central role in this formula. It’s one of the most effective yet skin-compatible AHAs, gently dissolving the bonds that hold dead cells on the surface of the skin so they can shed more easily and reveal a smoother, brighter complexion. Unlike glycolic acid, which is smaller and can be harsher, lactic acid has a larger molecular size. It penetrates more slowly, which makes it less irritating, while still delivering incredible results. Lactic acid also has the added benefit of being naturally hydrating, helping the skin draw in and retain moisture so it feels plump and soft while becoming more receptive to the products you use afterwards.
What other ingredients play a role in the formula?
Alongside lactic acid, I included a phyto fruit complex made from bilberry, sugarcane, orange, lemon and sugar maple extracts. Together, these extracts provide a cocktail of natural AHAs including glycolic, lactic, citric, malic and tartaric acids. They work together to gently dissolve surface dead cells while also delivering antioxidant protection, defending the skin from environmental stressors. The result is brighter, smoother, more even-toned skin that looks healthier and more radiant.
Another layer of this exfoliant comes from papaya, pineapple and mango enzymes. I love enzymes because they work so differently to acids. Instead of breaking bonds between cells, they act almost like a digestive process, breaking down the proteins and keratin in the dead cells sitting on the skin’s surface. Papaya and pineapple enzymes are especially known for their brightening effects, while mango enzymes add a skin-softening benefit. Enzymatic exfoliation is incredibly effective, yet gentle enough to instantly polish and refine without risk of over-stripping.
The physical component of this formula, I chose only finely milled jojoba beads. These are completely different from the harsh scrubs many of us grew up with. Unlike walnut shell or apricot kernel, jojoba beads are perfectly spherical and uniform in size, so they roll smoothly across the skin without causing micro-tears. They give the skin that polished, silky-smooth finish we all love. They’re also fully biodegradable and derived from jojoba oil, making them not only skin-kind but also environmentally responsible. For me, this balance between performance and sustainability is essential.
How do you recommend using it?
The AHA Micro Exfoliant can be used up to three times a week as part of your ritual. Massage a small amount into dry skin for about a minute to smooth and polish, or for a more intensive treatment, leave it on for up to ten minutes as a mask to enhance the activity of AHAs and enzymes for more thorough surface exfoliation.
Where the AHA Micro Exfoliant Fits Into My Ritual
I always start with a double cleanse using the Cleansing Balm. It’s so important to double cleanse in the evening to remove makeup, sunscreen, and any dirt or pollutants that have built up throughout the day. The Cleansing Balm is rich, nourishing and really breaks down makeup and sunscreen without stripping the skin.
Following this, I apply the AHA Micro Exfoliant directly onto dry skin. Using circular motions, I gently massage it over my face, neck and chest, then add a little water to create more slip before rinsing.
After rinsing, I mist my skin with the Rose Hydrating Mist, followed by my favourite Super Serum, then Intense Night Repair with a few drops of Renew Serum to finish.
How I Use It
- Double cleanse with the Cleansing Balm.
- On dry skin, apply the AHA Micro Exfoliant and gently massage over the face, neck and chest.
- Add a little water to create slip, continue massaging, then rinse.
- For a deeper treatment, reapply to dry skin and leave on for 5–10 minutes before rinsing.
- Mist with the Rose Hydrating Mist.
- Apply the Super Serum.
- Follow with Intense Night Repair and a few drops of Renew Serum.
- Finish with Eye Cream.
What does this product represent to you and to Saya?
I am so excited to finally have this product in my range. It captures everything Saya stands for — multifunctional, high-performing, and made with ingredients that deliver real results. It also reflects my own story, the challenges, the lessons, and the drive to create products that actually make a difference to your skin. I’m so proud to finally share the AHA Micro Exfoliant. It’s become one of my everyday essentials, and I hope it becomes one of yours too.
— Saya