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— FEATURED
— Not sure which?

Find a kinder formula for reactive skin — five questions plus a face scan.

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the universal starter

Add the double cleansing system

The Universal Starter is our two-step Double Cleansing System — Erase Cleansing Balm followed by Renew Gel Cleanser. Together, they thoroughly cleanse the skin, removing makeup, SPF, impurities and daily build-up to leave skin fresh, balanced and ready for the rest of your routine.

Problem Skin
The Clear-Skin Reset System

Problem Skin

€77€61.60

Double Cleansing System
Universal starter

Double cleansing system

€90€63

— INSIDE THE BOTTLE

Chosen with intention.

Everything inside is there for a reason, and nothing goes into the bottle that we wouldn’t put on our own skin.

01
Salicylic Acid (BHA) — Pore Reset Pads & Spot Dots
  • Oil-soluble, works inside the pore to dissolve the plug of oil and dead cells that starts a breakout
  • Decongests and refines
02
Glycolic + Lactic Acids (AHA) — Pore Reset Pads
  • Lift dulling surface cells to smooth texture
  • Fade post-blemish marks
  • Keep pores from re-clogging
03
Magnesium + Red Bush Tea + Aloe — Balance
  • Rebalances and hydrates
  • Calms visible redness
  • Takes the reactive edge off stressed skin
04
Centella Asiatica Complex — Pore Reset Pads
  • Asiaticoside and madecassic/asiatic acids calm and soothe
  • Support the barrier so exfoliation doesn't tip into irritation
05
Tea Tree Oil — Spot Dots
  • Targets blemish-causing bacteria on active spots
  • Works with the hydrocolloid to draw out impurities overnight
— THE RITUAL

How to use.

Follow these simple steps to get the best results from your skincare routine.

  1. 01

    Pore Reset Pad

    Sweep one pad over clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Let it absorb; don't rinse. Start 2–3 nights a week and build up as tolerated.

  2. 02

    Balance

    Mist over the face to rebalance and calm. Let it settle.

  3. 03

    Spot Dots

    On any active spot, apply a dot to clean, dry skin and leave on for at least 6 hours or overnight. Follow with your usual moisturiser.

60 SECONDS · 6 QUESTIONS

Not sure where to start? Build your routine.

Take the skin quiz
— REVIEWS

What our customers say.

5.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Based on 5 verified reviews
+ Earn points Earn 250–500 points when you review this product.
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 5 reviews
100%would recommend this product
Rating
Ratings
5 reviews
  • C
    Caitlin
    Flag of Ireland
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    9 hours ago
    Balance

    Holy grail product! I've been using this product since it launched and absolutely cannot be without it. Balance is an absolute life saver!!

  • L
    Lauren
    Flag of Ireland
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    4 days ago
    Pore Reset Pads

    Pore Reset Pads completely transformed my skin. My breakouts are gone, my pores look smaller, and my skin feels so much smoother

  • E
    Erin
    Flag of Ireland
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    5 days ago
    Pore Reset Pads - Finally, acids that don't wreck my skin

    These didn't irritate me at all. My skin looked brighter and smoother after first use, and it didn't feel tight or dry

  • HM
    Hanna M.
    Flag of Ireland
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 week ago
    Spot Dots

    They're lightweight and barely noticeable, and it reduces the redness and inflammation around the problem area too. Already planning to repurchas

  • M
    Mary
    Flag of Ireland
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 week ago
    Spot Dots

    After 6+ hours I noticed they made my acne flatter and smaller in size. Great handy for evening / overnight and take off in morning

— THE COMMUNITY

From #PestleAndMortar.

— THE DETAILS

Questions, answered.

Can't find what you're looking for? Email us at customercare@pestleandmortar.com — a real person will reply within 24 hours.

01
Is this a full skincare routine?

No — it's a targeted breakout-and-congestion trio designed to layer onto the cleanser you already use. There's no cleanser or SPF in the bundle.

02
Will the acids irritate my skin?

They're buffered with Centella, allantoin and panthenol to soothe as they exfoliate. Start 2–3 nights a week and build up as your skin adjusts.

03
How often should I use the pads?

Begin every 2–3 nights. If your skin stays comfortable, you can increase gradually. More is not better with exfoliating acids.

04
Can I use the spot dots every day?

Yes — use them on active spots as needed, day or night. They also stop you picking, which is what causes marks and scars.

05
My skin is oily — do I still need to hydrate?

Yes. Oily, congested skin is often dehydrated, which drives more oil. Balance hydrates without heaviness; follow with a light moisturiser.

06
Is it fragranced?

Balance and Spot Dots are fragrance-free. The pads carry a light natural botanical scent (geranium).

07
Can I use this with a prescription acne treatment?

Check with your prescriber before combining exfoliating acids with prescription retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, and don't use them on the same nights unless advised.

08
Do I still need SPF?

Yes, daily — exfoliating acids make skin more sun-sensitive. Finish every morning with an SPF (not included).

09
When will I see results?

Spots respond to the dots overnight; clearer, less congested skin and fewer breakouts build over a few weeks of consistent use.

10
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

The formulas are buffered to be gentle, but if you're highly reactive, patch-test and start slowly.

11
Is it vegan and cruelty-free?

Yes — all three.

12
Can I buy the products separately?

Yes — the bundle pairs all three at €52 versus €77 bought individually, a saving of €25.

FULL TRANSPARENCY
SKIN CONCERN
  • Acne & breakouts
  • Congestion / clogged pores
  • Enlarged pores
  • Oily & shiny skin
  • Redness & reactive skin
  • Post-blemish marks
  • Uneven texture
WHY IT WORKS

Breakouts are a cycle, not a single event: pores clog, oil builds, a spot forms, you attack it, the barrier breaks, and the skin over-produces oil to compensate — so the next breakout is already loading. The Clear-Skin Reset System interrupts the cycle at three points instead of one. Pre-soaked exfoliating pads clear the congestion that starts it (AHA + BHA Zero-Pore Complex — salicylic acid dissolves oil inside the pore, glycolic and lactic lift dead surface cells); a magnesium mineral mist calms the redness and rebalances the barrier that harsh actives leave raw (Mg+ Mineral Mist); and hydrocolloid dots flatten the spots that do break through, overnight, without picking (Hydrocolloid Spot Technology). Unclog, calm, spot-treat — the cycle broken at each stage.

WHAT IT DOES
  • Clears & decongests pores
  • Calms redness & rebalances
  • Treats & protects active spots
  • Refines texture over time
FULL INGREDIENTS (INCI)

Pore Reset Pads 70

Water, Propanediol, Methylpropanediol, Lactic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Potassium Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Zea Mays (Corn) Leaf Extract, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool.

Balance 80ml

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Sea Water Extract, Gentiana Lutea (Gentian) Root Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Aspalathus Linearis (Red Bush Tea) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder, Ascorbic Acid, Leucine, Valine, Tyrosine, Arginine, Lysine, Cysteine, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Lactate, Phenoxyethanol.

Spot Dots 48

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Salicylic Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Limonene, Poloxamer 407.

Pestle & Mortar founder

— OUR STORY

"Less is more, and consistency is key."

Founded by Sonia Deasy, Pestle & Mortar began with one simple belief. Skincare should work beautifully without being complicated. Inspired by generations of Indian natural-healing wisdom, we create effective, kind-to-skin formulas made for real routines and visible results.