The fluorescent glow of the derm lab hummed, reflecting off the gleaming stainless steel. Across the sterile expanse, I watched a patient—let’s call her Sarah—wincing slightly as I applied a low-concentration glycolic acid peel. “So,” I said, “You’re ready for the big guns, are you?” Sarah, eyes crinkling at the corners—those fine lines, that persistent dullness—nodded vigorously. And right then, I knew. She was ready for Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Framboos.

Forget the hype, the pretty packaging. This isn’t about Instagrammability; this is potent, real-deal skincare. The 10% AHA (glycolic, primarily) and 1% BHA (salicylic) blend is a carefully calibrated dance of chemical exfoliation. Think of it as a nightly spring cleaning for your skin. The AHAs lift away dead cells, revealing fresher, brighter skin. The BHA dives deeper, unclogging pores and addressing congestion. Unlike some harsher peel options, Framboos uses a blend that’s formulated to be gentle enough for nightly use.

I’ve tested countless formulas, from expensive salon treatments to DIY concoctions that… well, let’s just say, some experiments ended poorly. The beauty of Framboos is its simplicity and efficacy. It’s a workhorse serum. The fact that it’s fragrance-free is also a major win. Fragrances can irritate sensitive skin, which is often the target demographic for this kind of product.

Now, a couple of things to keep in mind, especially for the skincare rookies out there. First: Start slow. Begin with once or twice a week, working your way up to nightly use if your skin tolerates it. Second, and this is crucial, it’s not magic. Be realistic. You won’t see dramatic changes overnight. Consistency is key. You must pair this, religiously, with sunscreen the next day. Seriously. Otherwise, you’re just inviting sun damage to crash the party.

If you’re comparing this to a product like Paula’s Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant, which is also a popular pick, note that Framboos is gentler but more comprehensive. It offers both AHA and BHA benefits.

One minor, almost imperceptible snag? The gel texture, while generally well-absorbed, can sometimes leave a very slight tacky feeling. But here’s an easy workaround: Follow with a lightweight moisturizer, and boom — problem solved.

So, who’s this for? Honestly, anyone looking to address dullness, uneven texture, and those pesky early signs of aging. If you’re a skincare enthusiast ready to level up your routine, or someone like Sarah — finally ready to take the next step — give the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos a shot. Just remember: start slow. And always, always, wear your sunscreen.