Introduction
PSA might not yet enjoy the household familiarity of some legacy titans, but among skincare enthusiasts the Singapore born label is quietly building a reputation for formulas that punch well above their price tag. I have long admired the brand’s unpretentious science first approach and its knack for pairing buzzy actives with sensible supporting ingredients.
Enter the rather ambitiously titled Goals Multi Acids & Probiotics Perfecting Night Serum. The name is a mouthful and sounds like something a marketer yelled after one too many cold brews yet it does telegraph exactly what the bottle promises: to set you on a fast track toward smoother brighter skin while you sleep.
PSA says this overnight treatment refines pores zaps blemishes and softens discoloration using a 12 percent cocktail of glycolic lactic and pyruvic acids alongside BHA PHA probiotics plus tamanu white tea and green tea. In short they pledge that you will rise looking like you just stepped out of a facial studio.
I spent a solid two weeks putting that pledge to the test using the serum on alternate nights at first then nightly to see whether it truly earns a coveted spot in a diligent routine or merely makes lofty promises.
What is Goals Multi Acids & Probiotics Perfecting Night Serum?
This serum sits firmly in the overnight treatment category, which means it is designed to do its heaviest lifting while the skin goes through its natural repair cycle during sleep. Overnight treatments are useful because they give exfoliating acids and reparative ingredients several uninterrupted hours to work without competing with daytime sunscreen, makeup or environmental stressors.
Goals combines a 12 percent blend of glycolic, lactic and pyruvic acids with salicylic acid (BHA) and gluconolactone (PHA). Each acid targets the bond between dead surface cells, encouraging them to shed more evenly so newer cells can surface. In theory this translates to a smoother feel, lighter discoloration and fewer clogged pores over time.
To temper the potential sting of that acid mix the formula includes probiotics, tamanu oil and a white and green tea complex. These ingredients supply lipids, antioxidants and soothing compounds that aim to keep the skin barrier comfortable while the exfoliation happens. Niacinamide and centella asiatica also appear on the roster adding further support for redness and uneven tone.
Psa positions the serum as suitable for all skin types though it seems especially targeted at those dealing with post breakout marks, blackheads, fine texture and the first signs of sun induced discoloration. The brand suggests starting with a few nights per week before moving to nightly use and stresses daily SPF as non negotiable since fresh skin is more vulnerable to UV exposure.
Did it work?
I paused my usual overnight acid treatment for three full days before the test began, which felt extremely scientific of me, and then slotted Goals in every other night for the first week followed by nightly use in the second. Fourteen days strikes me as a reasonable window to judge an exfoliating serum: long enough to complete at least one full skin cell turnover yet short enough that any irritation quickly reveals itself.
Night one delivered the predictable tingle associated with stronger glycolic blends. It subsided within a minute and I woke to skin that looked marginally brighter but also slightly tight around the corners of my mouth. A richer moisturizer the following evening solved the dryness though the tingle never fully disappeared on subsequent applications.
By the fifth use I noticed texture along my forehead beginning to feel smoother when I ran fingers across it and the blotchy patch on my right cheek appeared a touch lighter. Breakouts did not vanish overnight but emerging spots seemed to come to a head faster and clear without leaving as much pigment behind. So far so good.
The second week is where the results plateaued. Pores around my nose looked a bit cleaner yet still quite visible under direct light and the proclaimed post facial glow read more as a polite radiance rather than the glassy sheen implied by PSA’s marketing. I also experienced a tiny cluster of purging bumps on my chin midway through week two, hardly tragic but notable for anyone prone to sensitivity.
At the fourteen day mark my verdict is that Goals delivers competent, steady exfoliation with a side order of brightness. It partially lives up to claims of refining pores and lifting discoloration though the transformation stops shy of dramatic. I would reach for it when my skin feels sluggish but I am not rushing to retire my long standing acid favorite. Still, for someone seeking a balanced multi acid option that rarely tips into full blown irritation, this is a worthy contender.
Goals multi acids & probiotics perfecting night serum’s main ingredients explained
The workhorse blend is the 12% trio of glycolic, lactic and pyruvic acids. Glycolic carries the smallest molecular weight so it dives deepest to loosen dull surface cells and stimulate fresher ones. Lactic follows close behind adding gentle exfoliation plus a humectant effect that helps skin hold water. Pyruvic is less common but prized for combining keratolytic talent with a subtle ability to target excess sebum, making it useful for both texture and minor breakouts.
Salicylic acid (BHA) tags in to dissolve oil inside pores while gluconolactone (a PHA) offers a larger, slower-moving molecule that polishes without the sting. The pairing spreads the exfoliation spectrum: fast acting acids for quick brightening and slower PHAs for continued smoothness.
PSA tempers all that action with barrier-friendly helpers. Probiotics, specifically lactobacillus ferment and radish root ferment filtrate, supply postbiotic compounds that encourage a balanced microbiome and calm potential redness. Tamanu oil provides fatty acids and antioxidants that cushion the skin during overnight acidity, though its richness means those extremely prone to clogged pores should patch test; tamanu hovers around a 2 on the comedogenic scale which rates how likely an ingredient is to trap oil and debris.
Niacinamide backs up the formula by regulating excess sebum and nudging pigment production toward an even keel. White and green tea extracts contribute catechins that scavenge free radicals, while centella asiatica serves its usual soothing, reparative role. A duo of hyaluronic acid and its cross-polymer version grabs moisture so skin does not wake up feeling stripped.
The ingredient list is free of obvious animal derivatives so vegans and vegetarians can use it with confidence. It also skips added fragrance, relying instead on a subtle fermented scent that vanishes quickly. Those sensitive to essential oils or drying alcohols will be pleased to find neither present.
Pregnancy considerations: the serum contains salicylic acid and a relatively high glycolic percentage. Although topical use in moderation is often deemed low risk, medical guidance varies, so anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should clear this product with their healthcare provider before introducing it.
Finally, preservative choices lean on phenoxyethanol and potassium sorbate which keep the formula stable without formaldehyde releasers. All told you get a thoughtfully layered cocktail that chases glow yet remembers the skin barrier needs to stay intact for real progress.
What I liked/didn’t like
Here is the quick tally after two weeks of nightly use.
What works well:
- Acid blend brightens and smooths without tipping into lasting redness or flaking
- Soothing extras like tamanu, probiotics and centella keep the barrier comfortable even on consecutive nights
- No added fragrance so it plays nicely with sensitive skin and layered routines
What to consider:
- Persistent tingle on application may deter those who prefer a completely gentle feel
- Glow plateaus after the first week so expectations for dramatic pore reduction or spot fading should be modest
- Cost sits in the mid tier which could feel steep given the incremental rather than transformative results
My final thoughts
Goals Multi Acids & Probiotics Perfecting Night Serum lands in the respectable seven out of ten zone for me. It delivered reliable overnight exfoliation and a measurable uptick in clarity without sending my skin into defensive mode, yet it never quite pushed past “good” into “wow.” If you are already comfortable with acids and want a balanced formula that plays nicely with most moisturisers this is an easy addition. If you are hunting for a transformative fade on stubborn hyperpigmentation or a dramatic pore overhaul you may feel underwhelmed.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, with caveats. I would steer a beginner toward gentler territory first and I would point anyone on prescription actives or with a very reactive barrier to something milder. For combination or early ageing skins that need a maintenance level polish, Goals earns a nod.
Because no product exists in a vacuum, a quick word on alternatives I have rotated through and rate highly. Deascal’s Nocturnal Revive Cream is the definition of a one and done night step, folding exfoliation, barrier repair and a cushion of moisture into a single application at a wallet friendly price. The Elements Renewing Overnight Serum offers a similarly acid focused approach but layers in peptides for those chasing firmness as well as glow. If retinol is more your style, Pestle & Mortar’s Superstar Retinol Night Oil pairs gentle retinal with nourishing oils for nights when you crave resurfacing minus any sting. Finally, Pixi’s Overnight Glow Serum provides a budget friendly glycolic hit that brightens efficiently though its simplicity means you will still need a separate soothing step if you run sensitive.
Before you dive headfirst into any overnight treatment a few housekeeping notes (forgive me for sounding like an over protective parent). Patch test behind the ear or along the jaw for a couple of nights, introduce slowly and always respect your skin’s feedback. Remember that the radiance you earn today will fade if you slack on consistent use so keep the SPF and nightly routine steady. Your future face will thank you.