Top 5 Acids for Winter: Gentle Exfoliation Without Compromising Your Skin Barrier

Winter is not the season for aggressive exfoliation. Cold air, wind and indoor heating can weaken the skin barrier, making it more prone to dryness, sensitivity and irritation. That’s why winter-friendly acids should focus on brightening, calming and supporting skin health, rather than harsh peeling. 

Here are five acids that work especially well during winter, paired with gentle formulas that respect the skin barrier.

Ferulic Acid – Antioxidant Protection for Dull Winter Skin

Best for: dull skin, early signs of ageing, uneven tone 
Skin types: normal, dry, sensitive, combination 

Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant rather than a classic exfoliating acid. In winter, it helps protect the skin from environmental stress while enhancing the effects of vitamin C. 

Recommended product: APLB Ferulic Acid Vitamin C Ampoule Serum 

This serum combines ferulic acid with vitamin C, centella and panthenol, making it suitable even for sensitive skin. It helps brighten dull winter complexions while keeping the skin calm and hydrated. 

How to use: 
Use in the morning or evening after cleansing and toning. Always follow with moisturiser and SPF during the day. 

What to watch out for: 
Introduce slowly if your skin is sensitive to vitamin C.

Azelaic Acid – Calm, Clear and Balanced Skin in Cold Weather

Best for: redness, blemishes, uneven skin tone 
Skin types: sensitive, acne-prone, combination 

Azelaic acid is one of the most winter-friendly acids. It helps calm inflammation, reduce redness and improve clarity — without disrupting the skin barrier. 

Recommended product: NINELESS A-Control 10% Azelaic Acid Serum 

This formula combines azelaic acid with niacinamide and centella to support clearer, calmer skin during winter breakouts. 

How to use: 
Apply once daily in the evening, after cleansing and toning. 

What to watch out for: 
Mild tingling can occur at first — avoid layering with strong exfoliating acids.

Salicylic Acid – Pore Care Without Over-Drying

Best for: clogged pores, excess oil, blackheads 
Skin types: oily, combination, acne-prone 

Salicylic acid (BHA) works inside the pores, making it ideal for winter breakouts caused by heavier creams or temperature changes. In winter, it should be used sparingly and in well-balanced formulas. 

Recommended product: Medicube Zero Pore One Day Serum 

This serum blends salicylic acid with gluconolactone (PHA), centella and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, helping refine pores without excessive dryness. 

How to use: 
Use 2–3 times a week in the evening. 

What to watch out for: 
Avoid daily use if your skin feels tight or dry.

Kojic Acid – Brightening Winter Pigmentation

Best for: dark spots, post-acne marks, uneven tone 
Skin types: normal, combination, dull skin 

Kojic acid is well known for its brightening properties and works particularly well during winter when sun exposure is lower. 

Recommended product: NINELESS B-Boost 1% Kojic Acid Serum 

This multi-tasking serum combines kojic acid with tranexamic acid, niacinamide and peptides, targeting pigmentation while supporting skin comfort. 

How to use: 
Apply in the evening, 2–4 times per week. 

What to watch out for: 
Always use SPF during the day, even in winter. 

Tranexamic Acid – Winter Brightening Without Irritation

Best for: uneven tone, post-inflammatory pigmentation 
Skin types: sensitive, dry, normal 

Tranexamic acid is a gentle yet effective brightening ingredient that doesn’t exfoliate the skin aggressively, making it ideal for winter routines. 

Recommended product: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule 

With 77% centella extract, tranexamic acid and vitamin C derivatives, this ampoule brightens while calming sensitive winter skin. 

How to use: 
Suitable for daily use, morning or evening. 

What to watch out for: 
Layer with a moisturiser to prevent dehydration. 

Choosing the Right Winter Acid 

Winter acids should work with your skin, not against it. Whether you’re focusing on pore care, calming redness or brightening dull skin, the key is choosing gentle formulas and using them mindfully. 

With the right acid — and proper SPF — winter can be the perfect time to improve skin clarity and tone without compromising comfort.