Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-blemish
- Exfoliation
- Evens skin tone
- Moisturizing
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: medium
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 0
Key actives
Product Summary
"Glow Recipe - Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Serum" is effective for: Anti-blemish, Exfoliation and Evens skin tone
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing and Anti-aging, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- This product contains acids (mandelic acid 1.50% - 1.80%). Their concentration is low, and they will not have a strong exfoliating effect. Instead, they work to support the skin natural acid mantle and to attract water (as humectants).
- Salicylic acid (1.70% - 2.10%). This is an oil-soluble exfoliating acid. Because of this property, it can work inside pores and help reduce the congestion. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and is used to treat acne. Because it is a quite strong exfoliator, be careful with using this product too often: it could result in over-exfoliation.
- Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.55% - 0.85%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
What our users say
Based on 1 review 100% recommend this product- When it comes to comedogenicity, the reviewer found that it does not clog pores.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Glow Recipe" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails for 38.00£ in the United Kingdom, for 53.00CA$ in Canada and for 40.00$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Anti-blemish
What does the product description say?
What it is A powerful yet soothing AHA and BHA acid serum that gently smooths, addresses the appearance of breakouts, and visibly refines pores for clear, hydrated skin.
Source: Sephora CA
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: azelaic acid, 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: mandelic acid
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)
Is produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals
Helps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid
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
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
Anti-oxidation
This product contains antioxidants (azelaic 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).
Is produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lacking
A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Skin Care Concerns Home Skin Ceuticals Medical Skincare Dermatologist approved Teen & Pre-Teen Acne & Blemishes Fine Lines & Wrinkles Visible Pores Dark Circles & Puffiness Dull Skin Dry Skin Oily Skin Combination Skin Redness Pigmentation Dehydrated Skin Sensitive Skin
Source: Cultbeauty
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: azelaic acid, mandelic 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.
Helps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid
Is produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals
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)
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
Exfoliation
What does the product description say?
Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Serum
Source: From product name
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: mandelic acid, salicylic acid.
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)
Helps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid
Is produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Skin Care Concerns Home Skin Ceuticals Medical Skincare Dermatologist approved Teen & Pre-Teen Acne & Blemishes Fine Lines & Wrinkles Visible Pores Dark Circles & Puffiness Dull Skin Dry Skin Oily Skin Combination Skin Redness Pigmentation Dehydrated Skin Sensitive Skin
Source: Cultbeauty
This product contains azelaic acid. This ingredient help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they might be able to prevent early signs of aging (like fine lines and wrinkles), at least to some extent. These ingredients will not be able to "reverse" signs of aging.
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
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Skin Care Concerns Home Skin Ceuticals Medical Skincare Dermatologist approved Teen & Pre-Teen Acne & Blemishes Fine Lines & Wrinkles Visible Pores Dark Circles & Puffiness Dull Skin Dry Skin Oily Skin Combination Skin Redness Pigmentation Dehydrated Skin Sensitive Skin
Source: Cultbeauty
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": sodium hyaluronate, butylene glycol.
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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
A product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product texture
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
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
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
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
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Exfoliation | |
| Evens skin tone | |
| Anti-blemish | |
| Anti-aging | |
| Moisturizing |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 90/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
No comedogenic ingredients detected
User reviews (1)
Averages from community submissions.
How well does it work for anti-aging?
How well does it work against blemishes?
How well does it work for exfoliation?
How well does it work for moisturization?
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How much does this product clog pores?
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| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Serum | Current | $38.00 | |
Honest Beauty In The Clear Acne Serum | 88% | - | |
Tula Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel | 85% | $36.00 | |
 skinmade Azelaic Acid + Salicylic Acid serum | 83% | - | |
Atache Postbiotic Salicylic Acid Serum | 83% | - | |
 Facetheory Porebright Serum N10 | 82% | $210.00 |
Key Actives
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
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
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)
Helps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid
Is produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
A product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Potential irritants
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)
Helps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid
A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lacking
Helps oil and water mix together and used to stabilize product formulations
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
Comedogenic ingredients
We couldn't find any comedogenic ingredients in this product
All ingredients
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lacking
Helps oil and water mix together and used to stabilize product formulations
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)
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
Helps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid
Is produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
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
A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking
A product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
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
A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product texture
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
Ingredient list view
Water, Methylpropanediol, C9-12 alkane, Fragaria vesca fruit extract, Hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, Salicylic acid, Pentylene glycol, Mandelic acid, Succinic acid, Fragaria vesca leaf extract, Azelaic acid, Allantoin, Sodium hyaluronate, Bisabolol, Opuntia ficus-indica flower extract, Niacinamide, Glucosamine, Zingiber officinale root extract, Saccharomyces ferment, Dextrin, Polydextrose, 1,2-hexanediol, Caprylyl glycol, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Amylopectin, Butylene glycol, Succinoglycan, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Lauroyl lysine, Sodium phytate, Lecithin, Aminomethyl propanol, Xanthan gum, Citric acid, Parfum, Unknown
- 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
- Summary of mandelic acid for the improvement of skin conditions
- Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Mandelic Acid, and Phytic Acid Combination Peels in Melasma
- Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoin
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- α-(-)-Bisabolol Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Ameliorates Skin Inflammation
- Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology
- Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x
- Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): A review of recent research
- The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediols
- Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics