Works for
4 of 4 advertised claims delivered
Anti-aging3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“This mild exfoliator helps remove dead skin cells, improve wrinkles and deeply moisturize skin. No need to rinse. Use 3-5 times a week.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, glycolic acid, niacinamide.
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.
Exfoliation4 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Containing 3% AHA (glycolic acid), 0.45% BHA (salicylic acid) and 30% birch extract, this mild exfoliator helps remove dead skin cells, improve wrinkles and deeply moisturize skin. No need to rinse. Use 3-5 times a week.”
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, salicylic acid.
Moisturizing16 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“It’s a unique acid treatment that doesn’t strip of skin moisture but leaves skin brighter and smoother, and ready for makeup application.”
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, pantolactone.
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: beeswax, dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide, panthenol
Anti-blemish4 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“If you’re struggling with dullness and breakouts, you need a moisturizer that combines AHAs and BHAs to keep skin smooth and clear.”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide, salicylic acid. These ingredients is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: glycolic acid
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · 4 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid, niacinamide, salicylic 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: lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Glycolic acid, Arnica montana flower extract + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Glycolic acid~22–33%
- 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 acidBetula alba juice0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Water~8.7–13%
Propanediol~5–7.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolTromethamine~4–6.1%
Glycolic acid~3–4.5%
- 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 acidCetearyl alcohol~2.3–3.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholGlycereth-26~1.7–2.6%
1,2-hexanediol~0.55–1.25%
Niacinamide~1.1–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 NiacinamideButylene glycol~0.9–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolGlycerin~0.6–1.35%
- 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 GlycerinCyclopentasiloxane~0.6–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneBeeswax~0.55–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Forms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen
More about BeeswaxDimethicone~0.55–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about DimethiconePolysorbate 60~0.5–1.1%
Cyclohexasiloxane~0.55–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels
More about CyclohexasiloxaneSorbitan stearate~0.45–1.05%
Peg-240/hdi copolymer bis-decyltetradeceth-20 ether~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a gel-like product texture
More about Peg-240/hdi copolymer bis-decyltetradeceth-20 etherGlyceryl stearate~0.45–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearatePanthenol~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolSalicylic acid3%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acidArtemisia princeps leaf extract~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Xanthan gum~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumHydroxyacetophenone~0.3–0.75%
Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerPeg-100 stearate~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateIsohexadecane~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent
More about IsohexadecanePeg-2m~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinAllantoin~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinSucrose distearate~0.35–0.75%
Polysorbate 80~0.2–0.7%
Adenosine~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosineSorbitan oleate~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan oleateDisodium edta~0.15–0.65%
Pantolactone~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about PantolactoneLactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extract~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An enzyme-based exfoliant
More about Lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extractPhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolAnanas sativus fruit extract~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 extractAlchemilla vulgaris extract~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that has astringent properties. In other words, it might be able to interact with keratin in the uppermost layer of the skin to reduce swelling and create a temporal tightening effect. It can be irritating
More about Alchemilla vulgaris extractArnica montana flower extract~0.1–0.45%
- 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 extractActinidia chinensis fruit extract~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking
More about Actinidia chinensis fruit extractPyrus malus fruit extract~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content
More about Pyrus malus fruit extractGaultheria procumbens leaf extract~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Ingredient list view
Glycolic acid, Betula alba juice, Water, Propanediol, Tromethamine, Glycolic acid, Cetearyl alcohol, Glycereth-26, 1,2-hexanediol, Niacinamide, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Beeswax, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 60, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sorbitan stearate, Peg-240/hdi copolymer bis-decyltetradeceth-20 ether, Glyceryl stearate, Panthenol, Salicylic acid, Artemisia princeps leaf extract, Xanthan gum, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Peg-100 stearate, Isohexadecane, Peg-2m, Hydrogenated lecithin, Allantoin, Sucrose distearate, Polysorbate 80, Adenosine, Sorbitan oleate, Disodium edta, Pantolactone, Lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ananas sativus fruit extract, Alchemilla vulgaris extract, Arnica montana flower extract, Actinidia chinensis fruit extract, Pyrus malus fruit extract, Gaultheria procumbens 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.
| A'PIEUGlycolic Acid CreamYOUR PRODUCT | Allies of SkinMulti Acids & Retinoid Brightening Sleeping Facial | YEOUTHDaytime Defense | PacificaGlow Baby Brightening Peel Pads | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 77% | 76% | 76% |
| Price | $12.30 | — | $54.85+$42.55 | $12.32 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 11 | 4 of 11 | 4 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate | Copper Tripeptide-1 | Lactic Acid |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
"A'PIEU - Glycolic Acid Cream" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-aging, Exfoliation, Moisturizing, Anti-blemish and Evens skin tone
Ingredient callouts
- Exfoliating acids in a high total concentration (glycolic acid 3.00% - 4.50% and glycolic acid 22.00% - 33.00%). This is a strong peel. It removes the top layer of the dead skin cells, revealing a "fresher" skin. It can also have an anti-aging effect and stimulate collagen production in a long-run. But we recommend to use this product with caution to avoid over-exfoliation (no more than 1-2x a week). Over-exfoliation can seriously damage your skin barrier and lead to sensitivity and even trigger pigmentation issues.
- Adenosine 0.15% - 0.70%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
- Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 0.35% - 0.85% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
Price
The product retails for 1199.99KSH in Kenya, from 17.00A$ up to 25.00A$ in Australia and from 12.30$ up to 17.00$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 26 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4Safety Assessment of Tromethamine as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 5
- 6
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