For those who appreciate artisan-grade formulas, Votary is probably already on your radar. My first encounter with this aesthetically pleasing luxury brand from London remains a highlight of my beauty journey. If you’re new to Votary, here’s a key piece of information: the brand is perhaps best known for its Super Seed Range—a collection of products that cater to dry, sensitive, redness-prone, and reactive skin types. Recently, the Super Seed lineup expanded with the launch of the Sensitive Resurfacing Peel. As someone who’s perpetually on the hunt for the next great exfoliator, I couldn’t wait to give it a try. Below are my first impressions.
What is the new Votary formula?
The Sensitive Resurfacing Peel is a rinse-off treatment that gently exfoliates the top layers of your skin. Think of it as a weekly reset button that helps sweep away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. If you’re battling uneven tone or stubborn hyperpigmentation, this peel might just be your new best friend. Plus, it’s perfect for anyone who finds Glycolic or Mandelic Acid a little too intense.
How does the new Votary peel work?
Worried about acids? Don’t be. This Votary peel is powered by 10% Lactic Acid (the highest concentration allowed in the EU), which is a super gentle yet impressively effective form of Alpha Hydroxy Acid. Not only does it help fade post-acne marks and sun spots, but it also hydrates and repairs the skin. Votary has cleverly combined this key ingredient with soothing Horse Chestnut and their signature Super Seed medley (think Chia Seed, Quinoa, Camu Camu Extracts, and more). The result? A potent yet gentle peel that won’t leave you red-faced—literally.
How do you use the Super Seed Resurfacing Peel?
Votary recommends starting slow: leave the Sensitive Resurfacing Peel on for 3 minutes before rinsing it off. Over time, you can build up to 10-15 minutes, using it once a week. Even though the formula is designed for sensitive skin, it’s always wise to tread lightly, especially if you’re new to peels or have had less-than-pleasant experiences with other brands. Personally, I’m all about AHA formulas at bedtime, but you can totally slot this into your morning routine—just don’t forget to layer on that broad-spectrum sunscreen afterward.
If you’re already a Votary devotee and have embraced the Daily Apple Toner (for micro-exfoliation and hydration) and the Radiance Reveal Mask (a Lactic and Mandelic Acid combo), think of the new Sensitive Resurfacing Peel as the sweet spot in between. You can pair it with the toner, but I’d recommend alternating weeks with the mask to avoid over-exfoliation, which could leave you extra sensitive to the sun.
First Impressions on this Votary launch
As a seasoned pro when it comes to at-home exfoliation, I went all in—applying 2-3 droppers of the new treatment and setting the timer for a full 15 minutes. The viscous, liquid-gel consistency glides on smoothly without being drippy and sets softly after just a couple of minutes. Around the 7-minute mark, I felt a faint tingle—a gentle reminder that the peel was doing its thing, but it only lasted a few seconds. After 15 minutes, I neutralized the Lactic Acid with a Halo pad (saturated in warm water) and followed up with a peptide serum and night cream.
When I woke up, I was thrilled with how smooth and firm my skin felt. If I had to sum up my complexion in three words, they’d be: vibrant, healthy, and strong. After the absolutely decadent Cleansing Cream, this new peel is my second favorite in the Super Seed line. And if your skin tends to act up during travel but you’ve got an event on the horizon (hello, holiday season!), this peel is a must-have for your on-the-go beauty kit.
