Priori Q+SOD fx210 Active Cleanser: A Step-Up AHA/BHA Cleanser
The Verdict
Priori Q+SOD fx210 Active Cleanser is the step-up formula in Priori's cleanser ladder: 12% lactic acid and 0.5% salicylic acid alongside CoQ10 and SOD antioxidants, in a lotion-like wash designed to deep-cleanse pores and support smoother-looking texture. It suits congestion-prone or combination skin that has already built tolerance to daily acid exfoliation — it isn't the place to start. Anyone with an aspirin allergy or salicylate sensitivity should check with a pharmacist or GP first, pregnant or breastfeeding users should contact our team for advice, and it shouldn't be stacked with other leave-on exfoliants. If your skin hasn't used acids before, start with Priori's LCA fx110 Gentle Cleanser instead.
Priori Q+SOD fx210 Active Cleanser | Exfoliating AHA/BHA Cleanser | 180ml
£53.75
Priori Q+SOD fx210 Active Cleanser is a step-up daily cleanser combining 12% lactic acid and 0.5% salicylic acid with CoQ10 and SOD antioxidants, built for congestion-prone or texture-prone skin that has already adjusted to gentler exfoliation. It isn't a first cleanser: if you have an aspirin allergy, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or already use other exfoliating products, read the cautions below before adding it to your routine.
What is Priori Q+SOD fx210 Active Cleanser?
It's the step-up cleanser in Priori's Q+SOD line, formulated around 12% lactic acid (an AHA) and 0.5% salicylic acid (a BHA), paired with CoQ10 and SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) — Priori's antioxidant technology carried across the Q+SOD range. According to Priori's product description, the dual-acid combination is designed to help deep-cleanse pores and support smoother-looking texture, while the antioxidant content helps shield skin from environmental stressors during cleansing. It comes as a lotion-like formula in a 180ml bottle, and lathers gently with water; Priori note you may feel a mild, brief tingle on application.
Who this cleanser suits
Priori describes it as suitable for all skin types, introduced gradually if your skin is sensitive. In practice, it's best suited to people who already tolerate daily AHA/BHA exfoliation and want a step up from a gentler formula — congestion-prone, combination or dull-looking skin dealing with enlarged-looking pores or uneven texture, rather than a first introduction to chemical exfoliation.
Cautions to check before you buy
- Aspirin allergy or salicylate sensitivity. Salicylic acid is chemically related to aspirin. If you have a known aspirin allergy or salicylate sensitivity, check with a pharmacist or your GP before using a salicylic acid cleanser.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact our team for advice before use.
- Stacking with other exfoliants. This cleanser already combines two acids at active-use strengths. Layering it with additional leave-on AHA/BHA serums, retinoids or physical scrubs in the same routine raises the risk of irritation and a compromised skin barrier — introduce one exfoliating step at a time and watch how your skin responds before adding another.
How to introduce it
Because this is a step-up formula, ease in rather than using it twice daily from the outset. Priori's guidance points to a lighter morning lather and a more thorough evening cleanse once skin has adjusted; if you're newer to leave-on-strength cleansing acids, start every other day and build up as tolerated. As with any AHA/BHA product, follow with SPF the next morning, since acid exfoliation can increase sun sensitivity.
Priori Q+SOD fx210 vs LCA fx110 Gentle Cleanser
Priori's cleanser range is built as a ladder. LCA fx110 Gentle Cleanser is the lower-strength lactic acid formula without added salicylic acid, and is the usual starting point for sensitive or first-time acid users. Q+SOD fx210 is the step up: a stronger dual-acid formula for skin that has already built tolerance. If in doubt, start with fx110 and move up once your skin is used to daily acid exposure.
| Product | Key acid content | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| LCA fx110 Gentle Cleanser | Lactic acid, lower strength, no salicylic acid | Sensitive, reactive or first-time acid users |
| Q+SOD fx210 Active Cleanser | 12% lactic acid + 0.5% salicylic acid | Congestion-prone skin that's already acid-tolerant |
Is fx210 too strong for you?
If your skin is reactive, currently compromised, or new to chemical exfoliation altogether, fx210 is likely more than you need to start with. Our best products for sensitive skin guide covers gentler options that won't risk over-exfoliation.
Building it into a Priori routine
Q+SOD fx210 sits within Priori's Q+SOD line alongside LCA fx120 Gel Perfector, which can be used as a targeted follow-up on congested areas — though see the stacking caution above before combining exfoliating steps in the same routine. For the full Priori range and how the collections fit together, see our Priori brand overview.