
Beautycounter Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel
Benefits
Promise: Exfoliation
What does the product description say?
Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel
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: gluconic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid.
Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
---|---|---|---|
salicylic acid | HIGH | ||
gluconic acid | HIGH | ||
glycolic acid | HIGH |
Other benefit: Anti-blemish
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
In addition, this product contains gluconic acid. It can help in reducing blemishes, even though it is less effective.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: glycolic acid, linoleic acid
Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
---|---|---|---|
salicylic acid | HIGH | ||
gluconic acid | HIGH | ||
glycolic acid | MEDIUM |
Other benefit: Anti-aging
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains gluconic acid, glycolic acid.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: lactic 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.
Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
---|---|---|---|
glycolic acid | HIGH | ||
gluconic acid | HIGH | ||
lactic acid | MEDIUM |
Other benefit: Evens skin tone
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: gluconic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic 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.
Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
---|---|---|---|
lactic acid | HIGH | ||
gluconic acid | HIGH | ||
glycolic acid | HIGH |
Other benefit: Moisturizing
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:
arginine, glycerin.
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: arginine, linolenic acid.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: linoleic acid
Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
---|---|---|---|
triheptanoin | HIGH | ||
glycerin | HIGH | ||
lactic acid | HIGH |
Other benefit: Anti-oxidation
This product contains antioxidants (gluconic acid) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredients - rubus idaeus seed oil, tartaric acid also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
Ingredient | Effectiveness | Concentration | Irritancy |
---|---|---|---|
gluconic acid | HIGH | ||
rubus idaeus seed oil | MEDIUM | ||
tartaric acid | MEDIUM |
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
Promise | Can it deliver? |
---|---|
Exfoliation |
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Potential irritants

Ingredient | Irritancy | Skin Benefit |
---|---|---|
glycolic acid | ||
salicylic acid | ||
ascorbic acid |
Similar products & dupes
Beautycounter - Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel | Paula's choice - Skin Perfecting 25% AHA and 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel | Olay - Scrubs Pore Perfecting | Beauty Drops - AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling | Clinique - Clarifying Do-Over Peel | CeraVe - Blemish Control Gel Moisturiser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin | EmerginC - Triple-Threat Peel | StackedSkincare - Overnight Exfoliation Stack | MDO - The Exfoliant | BABOR - REFINE RX AHA 10+ 10 Peeling Gel | REVOLUTION SKINCARE - AHA & BHA Moderate Multi Acid Peeling Solution | |
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WIMJ similarity score | 60% | 60% | 58% | 58% | 58% | 57% | 57% | 57% | 57% | 57% | |
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Irritancy | ![]() IRRITANCY
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Ingredients & concentrations
- salicylic acid
- Vitamin C
- lactic acid
- tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
- glycolic acid
- linoleic acid
- tartaric acid
- Vitamin E
- arginine
- triheptanoin
- gluconic acid
- glycerin
- linolenic acid
- rubus idaeus seed oil
- sodium hyaluronate
- +11 more
Ingredient | Estimated concentration |
---|---|
45% - 55% | |
Plain old water | |
7.7% - 9.4% | |
A synthetic triglyceride. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin | |
4.5% - 5.5% | |
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant | |
3.4% - 4.2% | |
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) | |
2.6% - 3.2% | |
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 | |
2.3% - 2.8% | |
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture | |
2% - 2.4% | |
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin | |
1.7% - 2% | |
Used to adjust the product's pH | |
1.4% - 1.7% | |
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product finish on the skin | |
1.2% - 1.4% | |
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging. | |
0.95% - 1.15% | |
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH | |
0.95% - 1.15% | |
An excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores | |
0.7% - 1% | |
Helps adjust the product pH | |
0.6% - 0.9% | |
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) | |
0.7% - 1.05% | |
0.65% - 1% | |
An emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammation | |
0.6% - 0.9% | |
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmetics | |
0.55% - 0.85% | |
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging | |
0.5% - 0.75% | |
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in imporved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals | |
0.5% - 0.75% | |
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin | |
0.5% - 0.75% | |
An AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels | |
0.5% - 0.8% | |
A plant oil that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin | |
0.45% - 0.7% | |
0.5% - 0.75% | |
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture | |
0.5% - 0.75% | |
An emollient that softens the skin | |
0.45% - 0.7% | |
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 | |
0.5% - 0.75% | |
Used to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency | |
0.45% - 0.65% | |
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin | |
0.55% - 0.8% | |
Used as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating | |
0.5% - 0.75% | |
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient | |
0.4% - 0.65% | |
An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating | |
0.3% - 0.6% | |
A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity | |
0.35% - 0.65% | |
Helps oil and water mix together | |
0.35% - 0.6% | |
Used to create a thicker product consistency | |
0.3% - 0.55% | |
Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture | |
0.2% - 0.4% | |
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products | |
0.2% - 0.35% | |
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat | |
0.15% - 0.3% | |
A fragrance. Can be irritating | |
0.15% - 0.25% | |
A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant | |
0.1% - 0.2% | |
A fragrance. Can be irritating | |
0.1% - 0.2% | |
A fragrance. Can be irritating | |
Show more |
Sources
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acid
- Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage
- Application of tetra-isopalmitoyl ascorbic acid in cosmetic formulations: Stability studies and in vivo efficacy
- The Permeability Barrier in Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency: Evidence for a Direct Role for Linoleic Acid in Barrier Function
- Digital image analysis of the effect of topically applied linoleic acid on acne microcomedones.
- Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review
- Beta Hydroxy Acids
- A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations
- Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Study
- Cosmetic and dermatologic use of alpha hydroxy acids
- Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Mandelic Acid, and Phytic Acid Combination Peels in Melasma
- Alpha-hydroxyacids and carboxylic acids
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- Control of keratinization with á-hydroxy acids and related compounds: I. Topical treatment of ichthyotic disorders
- Method of treating wrinkles using tartaric acid
- Impact of the condition of storage of tartaric acid solutions on the production and stability of glyoxylic acid
- Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils
- Vitamin E in dermatology
- Vitamin E and Skin Health
- In Vitro Assessment of Skin Irritation Potential of Surfactant-based Formulations by Using a 3-D Skin Reconstructed Tissue Model and Cytokine Response
- Allergen of the Year—Alkyl Glucoside
- Safety Assessment of Citrus-Derived Peel Oils as Used in Cosmetics
- Oxidized citrus oil (R-limonene): A frequent skin sensitizer in Europe
- Air oxidation increases skin irritation from fragrance terpenes