Works for
4 of 4 advertised claims delivered
Evens skin toneGlycolic acidStrong evidence
“Diminishes hyperpigmentation marks.”
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-agingGlycolic acidStrong evidence
“The 5% Glycolic Acid formulation softens fine lines and helps minimize the appearance of pigmentation irregularities, revealing smoother, more even skin.”
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
“Provides gentle exfoliation while promoting cell turnover.”
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.
MoisturizingDimethicone, Cetearyl alcohol + 2 moreGood evidence
“Diminishes hyperpigmentation marks.”
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: dimethicone, cetearyl alcohol.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Alcohol, Citrus limon fruit extractMedium 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.
Water~40–60%
Glycolic acid~5.3–8%
- 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~3.2–4.7%
- 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 alcoholPpg-11 stearyl ether~2.7–4.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolLinoleamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Isopropyl palmitate~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Isopropyl palmitateDimethicone~1–1.5%
- 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 DimethiconeAlcohol~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholCaprylyl glycol~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolEthylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.5%
Hexylene glycol~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolPeg-12 glyceryl distearate~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Citrus limon fruit extract~0.01–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivity
More about Citrus limon fruit extractIngredient list view
Water, Glycolic acid, Cetearyl alcohol, Ppg-11 stearyl ether, Phenoxyethanol, Linoleamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate, Isopropyl palmitate, Dimethicone, Alcohol, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene glycol, Peg-12 glyceryl distearate, Citrus limon fruit 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.
| GlyDermFace Lotion Lite 5YOUR PRODUCT | ObagiEXFODERM FORTE | Paula's choiceSkin Perfecting 8% AHA Lotion | NEOSTRATAGLYCOLIC RENEWAL™ Smoothing Lotion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 70% | 68% | 68% |
| Price | — | $102.69 | $34.00 | $32.15 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Key difference | — | Lactic Acid | Panthenol | Arginine |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 7 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isopropyl Isostearatejournals.sagepub.com
- 5
- 6Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
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