Ahava Apple of Sodom Enzyme Facial Peel

Ahava Apple of Sodom Enzyme Facial Peel

Efficacy75/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Cleansing
Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, Polyglyceryl-4 oleate
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Natural silica: its natural mineral granules allow gentle exfoliation and deeply cleanse the skin.”
Source: Cocoon Center

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, polyglyceryl-4 oleate) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silaneEffect: HighA type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~2.7–4%
Polyglyceryl-4 oleateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~1–1.5%
Exfoliation
Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract, Lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extract + 3 more
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Ahava Apple of Sodom Enzyme Facial Peel 100ml is a double enzymatic and mechanical scrub, which exfoliates your skin and boosts its cellular regeneration (thus improving its radiance and softness).”
Source: Cocoon Center

This product might help exfoliate the skin with lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extract, lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract, but these ingredients are not the most effective.

Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extractEffect: LowAn enzyme-based exfoliant~0.1–0.3%
Lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extractEffect: LowAn enzyme-based exfoliant~0.05–0.25%
AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.1–0.4%
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)~0.1–0.35%
Salicylic acidUnder-dosedUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.1–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Parfum, Carica papaya fruit extract
Medium risk
We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.4–0.9%est.
Carica papaya fruit extract—High~0.1–0.45%est.
Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~0.1–0.4%est.
Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extractAn enzyme-based exfoliantHigh~0.1–0.3%est.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~1.4–2.1%est.
Sodium acrylates copolymerUsed to create a thicker product consistencyMedium~1.2–1.8%est.
Polyglyceryl-4 oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1–1.5%est.
ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.16–0.32%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.2–0.8%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.15–0.7%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.6%est.
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateA preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determineMedium~0.15–0.5%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Ananas sativus fruit extractA fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skinMedium~0.1–0.45%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~0.1–0.35%est.
Lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extractAn enzyme-based exfoliantMedium~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
Glycerin~4–6%
Formula
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
Cetearyl ethylhexanoate~3.7–5.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Cetearyl ethylhexanoate
Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane~2.7–4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane
Silica~2.1–3.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Ethylhexyl olivate~1.6–2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Ethylhexyl olivate
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~1.4–2.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish

More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer
Sodium acrylates copolymer~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Sodium acrylates copolymer
Polyglyceryl-4 oleate~1–1.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-4 oleate
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Butylene glycol~0.5–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Parfum~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin
Ethyl lauroyl arginate hcl~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Sodium citrate~0.2–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Potassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Citric acid~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Disodium edta~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Spiraea ulmaria extract~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Calotropis procera callus extract~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine

More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate
Mucor miehei extract~0.1–0.5%
Formula
Niacinamide~0.1–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterial

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Ananas sativus fruit extract~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin

More about Ananas sativus fruit extract
Allantoin~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Carica papaya fruit extract~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Lactobacillus ferment~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationReduces irritation

A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative

More about Lactobacillus ferment
Salicylic acid~0.1–0.4%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishExfoliationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate
Lactic acid~0.1–0.35%
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
Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin tone

An enzyme-based exfoliant

More about Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract
Lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extract~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneExfoliation

An enzyme-based exfoliant

More about Lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extract
Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract~0.1–0.3%
Formula
Dunaliella salina extract~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A green micro-algae extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but solid evidence is lacking. It helps to soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Dunaliella salina extract
Maris aqua~0.05–0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Sea water. Helps dissolve other ingredients in a product

More about Maris aqua
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl ethylhexanoate, Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, Silica, Ethylhexyl olivate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Sodium acrylates copolymer, Polyglyceryl-4 oleate, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene glycol, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Ethyl lauroyl arginate hcl, Sodium citrate, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Citric acid, Disodium edta, Spiraea ulmaria extract, Calotropis procera callus extract, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Mucor miehei extract, Niacinamide, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Ananas sativus fruit extract, Allantoin, Carica papaya fruit extract, Lactobacillus ferment, Salicylic acid, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Lactic acid, Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract, Lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extract, Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract, Dunaliella salina extract, Maris aqua

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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
AhavaApple of Sodom Enzyme Facial PeelYOUR PRODUCTMarcelleMicellar Water - Dry SkinCeraVeBlemish Control Cleanser + Free Anti-Blemish ConcentrateBiodroga MDCleansing Fluid - NEW CLEAR +
Match—86%83%83%
Price—$13.99$12.18—
Shared key ingredients—2 of 62 of 62 of 6
Key difference—Sodium HyaluronateNiacinamideArginine
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

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Product summary

"Ahava - Apple of Sodom Enzyme Facial Peel" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Humectants (lactobacillus ferment 0.10% - 0.45% and glycerin 4.00% - 6.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails for 92.39A$ in Australia and for 48.76£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.

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Ahava Apple of Sodom Enzyme Facial Peel
AhavaApple of Sodom Enzyme Facial Peel

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