PRODUCT REVIEW
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Product summary
What can the product work for?
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Glycolic AHA helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while boosting the effectiveness of hydroquinone.
glycolic acid
4.6% -
6.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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
tocopherol
0.45% -
1.05%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Helps to fade dark spots caused by aging, sun damage and blemishes.
glycolic acid
4.6% -
6.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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
hydroquinone
22% -
33%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A potent anti-pigmentation active. It can have serious side-effects though and ideally is used under supervision of a doctor. It should not be used over a long period of time (over a year).
Exfoliation
What does the product description say?
Alpha Skin Care's Dual Action Skin Lightener formula provides the optimal balance of 2% hydroquinone and 10% Glycolic AHA.
glycolic acid
4.6% -
6.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Hydroquinone is a proven skin lightener.
paraffinum liquidum
2% -
3%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Mineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function
dimethicone
0.45% -
1.05%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
cetyl alcohol
1.4% -
2.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
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Anti-blemish
What does the product description say?
Helps to fade dark spots caused by aging, sun damage and blemishes.
glycolic acid
4.6% -
6.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
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
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Exfoliation | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Evens skin tone | |
| Anti-blemish |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
90/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 2
Potential irritants
hydroquinone
22% -
33%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone
A potent anti-pigmentation active. It can have serious side-effects though and ideally is used under supervision of a doctor. It should not be used over a long period of time (over a year).
glycolic acid
4.6% -
6.9%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-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
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
isopropyl palmitate
2.5% -
3.7%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
laureth-23
0.6% -
1.35%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps oil and water mix together
Similar products & dupes
 Alpha Skin Care - Dual Action Skin Lightener |  Exuviance - Professional Pedi-Peel |  Institut - Glycolic Scrub 14% |  NEOSTRATA - Resurface High Potency Cream for Dull Skin |  Skinstitut - Glycolic Scrub 9% |  DermExcel - Dermalytic |  ZO Skin Health - Enzymatic Peel |  Dermadoctor - Physical Chemistry Facial Microdermabrasion and Multi-Acid Peel |  Skin Authority - Night Revitaliser |  Derma E - Overnight Peel |  Obagi - Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte | |
| Price | |||||||||||
| WIMJ similarity score |
42%
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42%
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42%
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41%
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40%
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40%
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40%
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40%
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39%
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38%
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| Key ingredients |
| Common:
Other:
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Other:
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Other: | Common: Other: | Common: Other: | Common: Other: | Common: Other: |
| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
glycolic acid
4.6% -
6.9%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-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
tocopherol
0.45% -
1.05%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Moisturizing,
Anti-inflammatory,
Anti-aging
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
Show more
Potential irritants
hydroquinone
22% -
33%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone
A potent anti-pigmentation active. It can have serious side-effects though and ideally is used under supervision of a doctor. It should not be used over a long period of time (over a year).
glycolic acid
4.6% -
6.9%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-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
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
isopropyl palmitate
2.5% -
3.7%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
laureth-23
0.6% -
1.35%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps oil and water mix together
All ingredients
hydroquinone
22% -
33%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone
A potent anti-pigmentation active. It can have serious side-effects though and ideally is used under supervision of a doctor. It should not be used over a long period of time (over a year).
glycolic acid
4.6% -
6.9%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-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
Show more
Ingredient list view
Hydroquinone, Water, Glycolic acid, Propylene glycol, Isopropyl palmitate, Paraffinum liquidum, Glyceryl stearate, Cetyl alcohol, Ozokerite, Sodium hydroxide, Steareth-20, Laureth-23, Tocopherol, Dimethicone, Xanthan gum, Sodium pvm/ma/decadiene crosspolymer, Sorbic acid, Sodium metabisulfite, Imidazolidinyl urea, Tetrasodium edta, Parfum, Bht
Sources
- Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acid
- Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitis
- Propylene Glycol
- Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycol
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isopropyl Isostearate