Alpha Skin Care Enhanced Renewal Cream
Works for
2 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Anti-agingGlycolic acid, TocopherolStrong evidence
“Antioxidants, vitamins and green tea help prevent signs of aging leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.”
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.
ExfoliationGlycolic acidStrong evidence
“Alpha Skin Care's Enhanced Revitalizing Cream is formulated with 12% Glycolic AHA which works by gently releasing dead skin cells allowing new, fresh, healthier skin to come to the surface.”
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.
MoisturizingCetyl alcohol, Dicaprylyl carbonate + 4 moreLimited evidence
“Enhanced Renewal Cream”
Does not contain the most effective ingredients for moisturization. The emollients (cetyl alcohol, dicaprylyl carbonate) can help soften the upper layer of the skin. Keep in mind though that this product lacks humectants that attract water. You might want to use a separate product with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin in addition (use before this product for the best results).
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · Glycolic acidStrong evidence
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.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Camellia sinensis extract, Avena sativa kernel extract + 2 moreModerate evidence
This product contains antioxidants (camellia sinensis 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Diazolidinyl urea, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamateMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Glycolic acid~5–7.6%
- 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 acidAmmonium hydroxide~3.8–5.7%
Cetyl alcohol~2.2–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholPropylene glycol~2–3.1%
- 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 glycolDicaprylyl carbonate~1.7–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonateStearic acid~1.7–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidPeg-40 stearate~1.3–1.9%
Avena sativa kernel extract~1–1.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties
More about Avena sativa kernel extractPolysorbate 60~0.85–1.25%
Steareth-2~0.5–1.2%
Hydrolyzed lupine protein~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Camellia sinensis extract~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tea extract. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin
More about Camellia sinensis extractPanthenol~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolTocopheryl acetate~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateTocopherol~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolXanthan gum~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPvm/ma decadiene crosspolymer~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Diazolidinyl urea~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Works by releasing formaldehyde. Can be irritating
More about Diazolidinyl ureaIodopropynyl butylcarbamate~0.01–0.02%
Bht~0.01–0.05%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycolic acid, Ammonium hydroxide, Cetyl alcohol, Propylene glycol, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Stearic acid, Peg-40 stearate, Unknown, Avena sativa kernel extract, Polysorbate 60, Steareth-2, Hydrolyzed lupine protein, Camellia sinensis extract, Panthenol, Tocopheryl acetate, Tocopherol, Xanthan gum, Pvm/ma decadiene crosspolymer, Diazolidinyl urea, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, Bht
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Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 12 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.