Works for
ExfoliationGlycolic acidWorks well
“Instant Facial is a unique resurfacing and hydrating solution which absorbs immediately, working at a cellular level, to help reinvigorate the complexion: refining pore size, reducing dead skin buildup, softening wrinkles, and mattifying the T-zone; to leave the skin instantly fresher, smoother, firmer and more radiant.”
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.
Anti-agingGlycolic acid, Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceWorks well
“Alpha-H Instant Facial will ensure your skin is revitalised and brightened, giving you a healthy, youthful appearance.”
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.
MoisturizingGlycerin, Plankton extract + 3 moreWorks
“Instant Facial is a unique resurfacing and hydrating solution which absorbs immediately, working at a cellular level, to help reinvigorate the complexion: refining pore size, reducing dead skin buildup, softening wrinkles, and mattifying the T-zone; to leave the skin instantly fresher, smoother, firmer and more radiant.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, caprylyl glycol.
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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
Evens skin toneSide benefit the brand mentions · Glycolic acidWorks well
“Instantly absorbed, this weightless solution grants enduring hydration your face will feel silky as satin (believe us this stuff is incredible) while the cocktail of potent botanical extracts combine to soothe inflammation, even out skin tone, blur imperfections and quickly reduce redness.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Hamamelis virginiana water, Thymus vulgaris leaf extract + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Hamamelis virginiana water~5.2–7.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
More about Hamamelis virginiana waterGlycerin~3.5–5.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinGlycolic acid~2.7–4%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acidPlankton extract~2–3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Plankton extractChamomilla recutita extract~1.6–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Chamomilla recutita extractThymus vulgaris leaf extract~1.3–2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that has some anti-bacterial properties. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating
More about Thymus vulgaris leaf extractPotassium hydroxide~1.1–1.7%
Polysorbate 20~0.95–1.45%
Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate~0.85–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oils and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent
More about Peg-7 glyceryl cocoateArnica montana flower extract~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can be irritating. It can have some anti-bacterial properties, but there are no evidence of a beneficial effect for skin
More about Arnica montana flower extractAmmonium glycyrrhizate~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolAloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 juiceCucumis sativus extract~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Propylene glycol~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolCaprylyl glycol~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolCupressus sempervirens seed extract~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polygonatum officinale rhizome/root extract~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hordeum vulgare root extract~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ingredient list view
Water, Hamamelis virginiana water, Glycerin, Glycolic acid, Plankton extract, Chamomilla recutita extract, Thymus vulgaris leaf extract, Potassium hydroxide, Polysorbate 20, Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate, Arnica montana flower extract, Ammonium glycyrrhizate, Phenoxyethanol, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Cucumis sativus extract, Propylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, Cupressus sempervirens seed extract, Polygonatum officinale rhizome/root extract, Hordeum vulgare root 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.
| Alpha-HInstant FacialYOUR PRODUCT | First Aid BeautyIngrown Hair Pads | e.l.f. Cosmeticse.f. SuperTone With Fruit Acid | Touch Skin Care20% Glycolic Acid Pads | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 67% | 66% | 65% |
| Price | — | $24.00 | — | $24.95 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Key difference | — | Salicylic Acid | Sodium Pca | Ammonium Glycolate |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: ZO Skin Health Exfoliation AcceleratorSkinn Non-Negotiables Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 11 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4
- 5Effects of Topical Arnica Gel on Post-Laser Treatment Bruisesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 6
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