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Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial Mask
Biossance

Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial Mask

Efficacy93/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging
Glycolic acid, Lactic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“An all-in-one peel, exfoliator, and mask to visibly reduce fine lines, discoloration, and pores for a glowing, smooth complexion.”
Source: Sephora New Zealand

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.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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~3.6–5.4%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn 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)~0.45–1.05%
Exfoliation
Glycolic acid, Tartaric acid + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“An all-in-one peel, exfoliator, and mask to visibly reduce fine lines, discoloration, and pores for a glowing, smooth complexion.”
Source: Sephora New Zealand

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.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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~3.6–5.4%
Tartaric acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels~0.1–0.45%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn 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)~0.45–1.05%
Evens skin tone
Glycolic acid, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“An all-in-one peel, exfoliator, and mask to visibly reduce fine lines, discoloration, and pores for a glowing, smooth complexion.”
Source: Sephora New Zealand

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic 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: glycyrrhiza glabra root 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.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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~3.6–5.4%
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~0.1–0.4%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn 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)~0.45–1.05%
Moisturizing
Glycerin, Squalane + 11 more
Works
What the product description says
“Glycolic acid and other alpha-hydroxy acids visibly brighten; aquatic-safe, fine mineral spheres gently polish and smooth; and squalane and hyaluronic acid leave skin looking hydrated and plump.”
Source: Sephora New Zealand

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: biosaccharide gum-1, 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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, squalane.

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.2–6.3%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~2.8–4.2%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~2.1–3.1%
Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymerKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.85%
Saccharum officinarum extractKey activeEffect: HighSugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.75%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.65%
Diheptyl succinateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product finish on the skin~0.15–0.6%
Biosaccharide gum-1Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin~0.1–0.35%
Tartaric acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels~0.1–0.45%
Arachidyl alcohol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency~1.4–2.1%
Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~1.1–1.6%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn 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)~0.45–1.05%
Pyrus malus fruit extractUnder-dosedCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content~0.4–0.9%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · Tartaric acid, Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract + 2 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (tartaric acid) 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.

Tartaric acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels~0.1–0.45%
Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its efficacy in skin is lacking~0.3–0.7%
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~0.1–0.4%
Pyrus malus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content~0.4–0.9%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Citrus limon fruit extract + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 15 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Glycolic acidAn 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 acidHigh~3.6–5.4%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extractA plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.15–0.5%est.
Citrus limon fruit extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~0.15–0.5%est.
Citrus limon peel oilA highly irritating fragranceHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~2.1–3.1%est.
Lactic acidAn 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)Medium~0.45–1.05%est.
Pyrus malus fruit extractCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar contentMedium~0.4–0.9%est.
Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its efficacy in skin is lackingMedium~0.3–0.7%est.
Acer saccharum extractA plant extract that contains small percentage of AHAs. Is unlikely to have any skin benefit due the small concentration of the active compoundsMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Tartaric acidAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levelsMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Acacia senegal gumHelps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product textureMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Doctor's Visit Instant Resurfacing Mask
Versed Skin Doctor's Visit Instant Resurfacing Mask
Cheaper60% match
$16.85
Coffret Masque Pores Dilatés et Points Noirs — AHA 10 % + PHA 10 %
Typology Coffret Masque Pores Dilatés et Points Noirs — AHA 10 % + PHA 10 %
Cheaper60% match
$32.50
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~4.2–6.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Glycerin
Glycolic acid~3.6–5.4%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-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

More about Glycolic acid
Squalane~2.8–4.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~2.1–3.1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Stearyl alcohol~1.7–2.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Stearyl alcohol
Arachidyl alcohol~1.4–2.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency

More about Arachidyl alcohol
Clay mineral oxides~1.2–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Clay mineral oxides
Behenyl alcohol~1.1–1.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient

More about Behenyl alcohol
Sodium hydroxide~0.6–1.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Lactic acid~0.45–1.05%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

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)

More about Lactic acid
Pyrus malus fruit extract~0.4–0.9%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Can have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content

More about Pyrus malus fruit extract
Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer~0.35–0.85%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer
Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract~0.3–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its efficacy in skin is lacking

More about Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract
Saccharum officinarum extract~0.2–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Sugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharum officinarum extract
Acer saccharum extract~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A plant extract that contains small percentage of AHAs. Is unlikely to have any skin benefit due the small concentration of the active compounds

More about Acer saccharum extract
Kaolin~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MattifyingAnti-blemish

A type of clay that consists mainly of aluminum silicate. Helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product consistency. Can be used to add a white color

More about Kaolin
Sodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Xanthan gum~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Diheptyl succinate~0.15–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product finish on the skin

More about Diheptyl succinate
Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract
Citrus limon fruit extract~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivity

More about Citrus limon fruit extract
Citric acid~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Tartaric acid~0.1–0.45%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationExfoliation

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

More about Tartaric acid
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationReduces rednessEvens skin toneAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterial

A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals

More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract
Citrus limon peel oil~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A highly irritating fragrance

More about Citrus limon peel oil
Montmorillonite~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A clay mineral. Can absorb oil from the surface of the skin

More about Montmorillonite
Illite~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Illite
Acacia senegal gum~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture

More about Acacia senegal gum
Biosaccharide gum-1~0.1–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

More about Biosaccharide gum-1
Arachidyl glucoside~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Arachidyl glucoside
Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6~0.1–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Sodium phytate~0.01–0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate
Limonene~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Glycolic acid, Squalane, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Stearyl alcohol, Arachidyl alcohol, Clay mineral oxides, Behenyl alcohol, Sodium hydroxide, Lactic acid, Pyrus malus fruit extract, Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract, Saccharum officinarum extract, Acer saccharum extract, Kaolin, Sodium hyaluronate, Xanthan gum, Diheptyl succinate, Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Citrus limon fruit extract, Citric acid, Tartaric acid, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Citrus limon peel oil, Montmorillonite, Illite, Acacia senegal gum, Biosaccharide gum-1, Arachidyl glucoside, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium phytate, Limonene

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

🌐 Sephora New Zealand (NZ)
≈ $48.78
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🇦🇺 Sephora AU (AU)
≈ $52.90
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🇬🇧 Amazon UK (UK)
Price unavailable Out of stock
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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
BiossanceSqualane + Glycolic Renewal Facial MaskYOUR PRODUCTVersed SkinDoctor's Visit Instant Resurfacing MaskTypologyCoffret Masque Pores Dilatés et Points Noirs — AHA 10 % + PHA 10 %REVOLUTION SKINCAREx Sali Hughes Better in 5 Express Exfoliating Mask
Match—60%60%60%
Price—$16.85$32.50$13.39
Shared key ingredients—3 of 104 of 104 of 10
Key difference—Salicylic AcidGluconolactoneGluconolactone
Irritancy High High Low Low
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinmdpi.com
  5. 5
    Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial Mask
BiossanceSqualane + Glycolic Renewal Facial Mask
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Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.