A bottle of a full-sized (3.38 fl.oz./100ml) Cheer Up exfoliator on white background.
A photo of a bottle of a full sized Cheer Up, opened and laid on its side, while the product is dripping outwards, showing its waterlike texture. The text on the image explains why it's geek: contains 5% Mandelic acid + 1% BHA, works both on the surface of the skin and inside the pores, helps wth eblarged pores, oiliness, acne and post-acne marks. 
A different section of text explains why it's gorgeous:  weightless liquid texture, medium-strenght, gentle for sensitive skin, vegan, Malassezia-safe
A bottle of the travel-sized (1 fl.oz. /30 ml) version of Cheer Up exfoliator, on white background.
A bottle of a full-sized (3.38 fl.oz./100ml) Cheer Up exfoliator on white background.
A photo of a bottle of a full sized Cheer Up, opened and laid on its side, while the product is dripping outwards, showing its waterlike texture. The text on the image explains why it's geek: contains 5% Mandelic acid + 1% BHA, works both on the surface of the skin and inside the pores, helps wth eblarged pores, oiliness, acne and post-acne marks. 
A different section of text explains why it's gorgeous:  weightless liquid texture, medium-strenght, gentle for sensitive skin, vegan, Malassezia-safe
A bottle of the travel-sized (1 fl.oz. /30 ml) version of Cheer Up exfoliator, on white background.

Cheer Up

Regular price $30.00
Sale price $30.00 Regular price
Unit price

Our medium-strong, combination skin focused exfoliant with 6% Mandelic Acid + BHA works both on the surface of the skin and inside the pores to clear and balance the complexion.

Skin type: combination, oily skin, suitable for sensitive skin

Skin concern: enlarged pores, oiliness, acne and post-acne marks

Cruelty-free | Vegan | Fragrance & Essential oil free | Gluten-free | Malassezia-safe | Pregnancy-safe

A bottle of a full-sized (3.38 fl.oz./100ml) Cheer Up exfoliator on white background.

Cheer Up

description

A lightweight, fast absorbing exfoliating liquid that is designed to treat combination skin gently, but effectively. The duo of mandelic and salicylic acid exfoliates both the surface of the skin as well as inside the pores, it’s both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. 
3.2-3.6
pH
5%
Mandelic Acid
1%
Salicylic Acid
The acid duo is joined by Sarcosine, an amino-acid derivative that further helps to tighten up enlarged pores and balance oil production. With regular use, Cheer Up fights several of the typical problems of combination skin including enlarged pores, extra oil production, blackheads, acne, and post-acne marks. Cheer Up is non-irritating and non-drying, and it's the best friend for combination and/or problem-prone skin. It is our bestseller, award-winning formula that won the Cosmopolitan Beauty Award for best exfoliant in 2018 in our home market.

who is it for?

Pretty much everyone, but it is especially recommended for combination skin that struggles with acne, blackheads, too much oil production and enlarged pores. It is also gentle enough to be used on sensitive, redness-prone skin.
Skin type
combination, oily skin, suitable for sensitive skin
Skin problem
enlarged pores, oiliness, acne and post-acne marks
Texture
water-like, weightless liquid, like a toner

how to use

It’s an ideal first step after cleansing your skin. Use it as a toner, either with a cotton pad or pour it into your hands and pat it on as men do with after-shave. Avoid the area around the eyes!

You can use Cheer Up from every other day to twice a day depending on your skin’s level of tolerance. For most skin types, once a day use is ideal. Wait until it is absorbed (brush your teeth in the meantime :)) and you can follow it up with your favourite serums and moisturizers.

IMPORTANT: Mandelic acid might make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Use a good SPF in the morning! The product contains BHA, do not use it if you are allergic to Aspirin.

Shelf life: 2 years from production (unopened), 8 months PAO (period after opening)

ingredients & research

key ingredients:

Mandelic Acid – An AHA that comes from bitter almond and is known for its gentleness and antibacterial properties. It not only exfoliates the surface of the skin, but also helps to fight acne (especially good for pustules, but also helps with inflammatory nodules) as well as post-acne marks.

Salicylic Acid (BHA) – Super well-known oil-soluble acid that is the gold standard in treating blackheads and enlarged pores. It works inside the pores to clear out dead skin cells that clog them.

Sarcosine – An amino-acid derived ingredient that helps to normalize oil production (not by drying the skin, it is a so-called 5α-Reductase inhibitor), tightens up enlarged pores, and evens out the surface of the skin.

Xylitylglucoside + Anhydroxylitol + Xylitol – A sugar based humectant trio that increases the skin’s water-binding capacity and strengthens the skin’s barrier.

full inci list:

Aqua (Water), Propanediol, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Sarcosine, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Glucose, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol

research:

Przegląd Dermatologiczny 2015/4, Evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of mandelic acid-containing cosmetic formulations for acne skin care

MB Taylor, Cosmetic Dermatology, 1999, Summary of mandelic acid for the improvement of skin conditions

Dermatologic Surgery, Jan 1, 2009, Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Study

 

Customer Reviews

Based on 55 reviews
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(51)
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N
Natalie M
Only exfoliant I trust

I found this product off a review on TikTok, which I typically won’t trust. However I am beyond pleased with this product and the result. It’s gentle enough for my sensitive acne prone skin. I use it twice a week and my skin is improving drastically (redness, scars, hyperpigmentation, reduced acne). As a Canadian shopper I will most definitely be repurchasing and paying for shipping cost. So happy I found this!! And not to mention the liquid hydration spray and hydration moisturizer!! Godsend

H
HappyLady
It works to clear my skin!

I have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) that I self diagnosed because all 7 dermatologist, 2 estheticians, and 1 NP derm I’ve seen for it over the last 10yrs have all said it was regular acne (bacteria). After using Retin-A and taking antibiotics and other prescription based products for years, I saw little to no change or worst symptoms (i’ve also used every product in Walmart and Ulta Beauty with same results). Frantic for answers I stumbled upon fungal acne and started researching about it online. I decided to start trying products catered to fungal acne and my skin changed dramatically, almost instantly. The products I initially tried were very expensive, switched to a small business brand that wasn’t as expensive but still worked, then the cost just didn’t seem to justify the use of the products. I kept searching for products that I could use and would be just as effective but not as expensive, I found Geek & Gorgeous. I use an app that tells if a product is fungal acne safe to use, Geek and Gorgeous just so happened to come up in the app a few times. I ordered every product that was fungal acne safe. I started seeing even bigger results the 1st day I used the products. My husband even noticed and complimented my skin (which he usually just says “baby, I wish you could find some help for your skin). As long as the formula and price doesn’t change, G&G has a customer for life!!! I HIGHLY recommend.

M
MNM
First time using and already seeing results.

I have been using the APAD serum for a month now, but I recently woke up with some hormonal acne. I decided it was time to try Cheer Up. Honestly, after just five hours, I noticed a difference in my closed comedones and whiteheads. Since I have seborrheic dermatitis, I appreciate that the skincare brand Geek and Gorgeous offers a transparent ingredients list and detailed descriptions for each product. Additionally, they indicate which products are Malassezia-safe. Very few companies provide ingredients that don't feed the fungus on your skin. I plan to incorporate this product into my skincare routine once or twice a week or use it for spot treatment.

O
Ondrej Danko

perfect

M
Miss G
Soft Refreshed

This has been a welcomed addition and change to my Paula's Choice solution. This makes my skin feel very soft and hydrated. It also has some clarifying aspects. I did have to stop using it everyday because of the glycolic wash I use at night. will purchase again.