ACURE Resurfacing Overnight Glycolic Treatment

ACURE Resurfacing Overnight Glycolic Treatment

Efficacy91/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Evens skin tone
Glycolic acid, Punica granatum extract + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Benefits Nighttime treatment to boost skin's glow Resurfaces and refines while offering lightweight hydration Improves skin's texture and tone for a more even appearance Key Ingredients Glycolic and lactic acids gently refine and resurface True unicorn root and moonstone boost skin's glow Hemp seed oil and jojoba seed oil provide lightweight hydration Avocado oil replenishes moisture and boosts skin's radiance Formulated Without Parabens Sulfates Petroleum Mineral Oil Formaldehyde Animal Products”
Source: Ulta

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: punica granatum extract.

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~0.1–0.5%
Punica granatum extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective~0.05–0.25%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.1–0.45%
Exfoliation
Glycolic acid, Lactic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“Resurfacing Overnight Glycolic Treatment”
From product name

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~0.1–0.5%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.1–0.45%
Moisturizing
Persea gratissima oil, Prunus armeniaca kernel oil + 13 more
Works
What the product description says
“Benefits Nighttime treatment to boost skin's glow Resurfaces and refines while offering lightweight hydration Improves skin's texture and tone for a more even appearance Key Ingredients Glycolic and lactic acids gently refine and resurface True unicorn root and moonstone boost skin's glow Hemp seed oil and jojoba seed oil provide lightweight hydration Avocado oil replenishes moisture and boosts skin's radiance Formulated Without Parabens Sulfates Petroleum Mineral Oil Formaldehyde Animal Products”
Source: Ulta

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: cannabis sativa seed oil, persea gratissima oil.

Persea gratissima oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function~4.1–6.1%
Prunus armeniaca kernel oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin~3.7–5.6%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2.1–3.2%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~1.7–2.6%
Prunus amygdalus dulcis oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that softens the skin~1.3–1.9%
Olea europaea fruit oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation~0.4–0.9%
Cannabis sativa seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA plant oil that due to its high linoleic acid content can help strengthen skin's barrier function and soften its upper layer~0.2–0.75%
Cetyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability~0.15–0.65%
Glyceryl stearate citrate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin~2.5–3.7%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~1.4–2.2%
Glyceryl undecylenate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulation~0.55–1.25%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.3–0.75%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilUnder-dosedSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~0.9–1.35%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.2–0.75%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.1–0.45%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Glycolic acid, Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil + 2 more
Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~0.1–0.5%
Prunus amygdalus dulcis oilEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin~1.3–1.9%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.3–0.75%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.1–0.45%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Punica granatum extract, Prunus armeniaca kernel oil + 7 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (punica granatum extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Punica granatum extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective~0.05–0.25%
Prunus armeniaca kernel oilEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin~3.7–5.6%
Prunus amygdalus dulcis oilEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin~1.3–1.9%
Rubus fruticosus fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.1–0.3%
Euterpe oleracea fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can have some anti-oxidant effect in skin~0.1–0.35%
Rosa canina fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence is lacking~0.05–0.25%
Calendula officinalis flower extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating~0.05–0.15%
Aspalathus linearis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective dosePlant extract that might have help to neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is skin is lacking~0.01–0.1%
TocopherolUnder-dosedPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.3–0.75%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Calendula officinalis flower extract
Medium risk
We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Glycolic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acidHigh~0.1–0.5%est.
Calendula officinalis flower extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Persea gratissima oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier functionMedium~4.1–6.1%est.
Prunus armeniaca kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the skinMedium~3.7–5.6%est.
Glyceryl laurateHelps water and oil mix together and has an anti-microbial effect helping to preserve product formulationsMedium~1.1–1.6%est.
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~0.9–1.35%est.
Glyceryl undecylenateHelps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulationMedium~0.55–1.25%est.
Sodium levulinateA preservativeMedium~0.45–1%est.
Olea europaea fruit oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammationMedium~0.4–0.9%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.35–0.8%est.
Cannabis sativa seed oilA plant oil that due to its high linoleic acid content can help strengthen skin's barrier function and soften its upper layerMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.1–0.45%est.
Euterpe oleracea fruit extractA plant extract that can have some anti-oxidant effect in skinMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Rubus fruticosus fruit extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
Punica granatum extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effectiveMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Rosa canina fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence is lackingMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Persea gratissima oil~4.1–6.1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function

More about Persea gratissima oil
Prunus armeniaca kernel oil~3.7–5.6%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Prunus armeniaca kernel oil
Glyceryl stearate citrate~2.5–3.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Glyceryl stearate citrate
Glycerin~2.1–3.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Cetyl alcohol~1.7–2.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Glyceryl stearate~1.4–2.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil~1.3–1.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

An emollient that softens the skin

More about Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil
Glyceryl laurate~1.1–1.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and has an anti-microbial effect helping to preserve product formulations

More about Glyceryl laurate
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.9–1.35%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil
Glyceryl undecylenate~0.55–1.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulation

More about Glyceryl undecylenate
Sodium levulinate~0.45–1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium levulinate
Xanthan gum~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Olea europaea fruit oil~0.4–0.9%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation

More about Olea europaea fruit oil
Potassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Citric acid~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Sodium phytate~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate
Tocopherol~0.3–0.75%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Aletris farinosa root extract~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Quartz~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A mineral. It does not have any confirmed benefit for the skin

More about Quartz
Cannabis sativa seed oil~0.2–0.75%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A plant oil that due to its high linoleic acid content can help strengthen skin's barrier function and soften its upper layer

More about Cannabis sativa seed oil
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.2–0.75%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Cetyl palmitate~0.15–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability

More about Cetyl palmitate
Sorbitan stearate~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Sorbitan stearate
Glycolic acid~0.1–0.5%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneExfoliationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid

More about Glycolic acid
Lactic acid~0.1–0.45%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid
Euterpe oleracea fruit extract~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can have some anti-oxidant effect in skin

More about Euterpe oleracea fruit extract
Rubus fruticosus fruit extract~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Rubus fruticosus fruit extract
Punica granatum extract~0.05–0.25%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin tone

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective

More about Punica granatum extract
Rosa canina fruit extract~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence is lacking

More about Rosa canina fruit extract
Calendula officinalis flower extract~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating

More about Calendula officinalis flower extract
Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract
Aspalathus linearis leaf extract~0.01–0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Plant extract that might have help to neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is skin is lacking

More about Aspalathus linearis leaf extract
Ingredient list view

Water, Persea gratissima oil, Prunus armeniaca kernel oil, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Glycerin, Cetyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil, Glyceryl laurate, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Glyceryl undecylenate, Sodium levulinate, Xanthan gum, Olea europaea fruit oil, Potassium sorbate, Citric acid, Sodium phytate, Tocopherol, Aletris farinosa root extract, Quartz, Cannabis sativa seed oil, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Cetyl palmitate, Sorbitan stearate, Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Euterpe oleracea fruit extract, Rubus fruticosus fruit extract, Punica granatum extract, Rosa canina fruit extract, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Aspalathus linearis leaf extract

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
ACUREResurfacing Overnight Glycolic TreatmentYOUR PRODUCTDerma EOvernight PeelObagiEXFODERM FORTETypologyResurfacing Serum — 10% Glycolic Acid + Mastic Tree Extract
Match—54%51%51%
Price—$13.50$101.87$19.00
Shared key ingredients—4 of 93 of 93 of 9
Key difference—Lactic AcidLactic AcidBisabolol
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

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Product summary

"ACURE - Resurfacing Overnight Glycolic Treatment" is effective for: Evens skin tone, Exfoliation and Anti-aging

This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Humectants (glycerin 2.10% - 3.20%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "ACURE" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 22 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
    Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
  6. 6
ACURE Resurfacing Overnight Glycolic Treatment
ACUREResurfacing Overnight Glycolic Treatment

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.