Go-To Skin Care

Go-To Skin Care Gentle Exfoliator

Name: Go-To Skin Care - Gentle Exfoliator
Brand: Go-To Skin Care

Efficacy91/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging

Lactic acid, Gluconolactone + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Designed with sensitive skin and those new to chemical exfoliants in mind, this toner will remove build up of dead skin cells and impurities, soften the appearance of fine lines, boost skin hydration, and pay your water bill (no).”

Source: Go-To

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains gluconolactone.

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.

Lactic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn 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)~4.6–6.9%

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: HighA 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 improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~2.7–4.1%

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~1.3–1.9%

Exfoliation

Lactic acid, Gluconolactone

Works well

What the product description says

“Gentle Exfoliator”

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: gluconolactone, lactic acid.

Lactic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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)~4.6–6.9%

Moisturizing

Lactic acid, Gluconolactone + 6 more

Works

What the product description says

“Designed with sensitive skin and those new to chemical exfoliants in mind, this toner will remove build up of dead skin cells and impurities, soften the appearance of fine lines, boost skin hydration, and pay your water bill (no).”

Source: Go-To

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, biosaccharide gum-1.

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, glyceryl caprylate.

Lactic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn 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)~4.6–6.9%

ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn 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~1.6–2.4%

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~1.1–1.7%

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~0.45–1.1%

Calcium gluconate· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product~0.4–0.9%

Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.1–0.35%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Lactic acid, Gluconolactone

Works well

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: gluconolactone, lactic 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-oxidation

Side benefit · Gluconolactone

May help

This product contains antioxidants (gluconolactone) 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.

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: MediumA 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 improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~2.7–4.1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium dulcis flower water, Sodium anisate + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 9 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Tasmannia lanceolata fruit/leaf extract—High~0.85–1.3%est.

Citrus aurantium dulcis flower water—High~0.55–1.25%est.

Sodium anisateUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.05–0.15%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.1%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~4.6–6.9%est.

GluconolactoneA 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 improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~2.7–4.1%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~1.3–1.9%est.

Sodium dehydroacetateA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.5%est.

Sodium levulinateA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Bliss Pro Liquid Exfoliant

Higher efficacy · 100/10061% match

$24.00

Herbivore Botanicals Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum

Higher efficacy · 100/10061% match

View all alternatives

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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

Lactic acid~4.6–6.9%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationMoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-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

Propanediol~3.5–5.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Gluconolactone~2.7–4.1%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

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 improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconolactone

Sodium hydroxide~2–3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Arginine~1.6–2.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Arginine

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~1.3–1.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice

Biosaccharide gum-1~1.1–1.7%

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

Tasmannia lanceolata fruit/leaf extract~0.85–1.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Tasmannia lanceolata fruit/leaf extract

Citrus aurantium dulcis flower water~0.55–1.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis flower water

Glycerin~0.45–1.1%

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

Calcium gluconate~0.4–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product

More about Calcium gluconate

Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Sodium dehydroacetate~0.1–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium dehydroacetate

Sodium levulinate~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium levulinate

Glyceryl caprylate~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate

Sodium anisate~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance

More about Sodium anisate

Linalool~0.01–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Ingredient list view

Water, Lactic acid, Propanediol, Gluconolactone, Sodium hydroxide, Arginine, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Biosaccharide gum-1, Tasmannia lanceolata fruit/leaf extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis flower water, Glycerin, Calcium gluconate, Sodium benzoate, Sodium dehydroacetate, Sodium levulinate, Glyceryl caprylate, Sodium anisate, Linalool

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$40.00

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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
	Go-To Skin CareGentle ExfoliatorYOUR PRODUCT	BlissPro Liquid Exfoliant	HerbivoreMilky Way Sérum Exfoliant 10% Acide Lactique	Herbivore BotanicalsMilky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum
Match	—	61%	61%	61%
Price	$40.00	$24.00−$16.00	—	—
Shared key ingredients	—	3 of 5	3 of 5	3 of 5
Key difference	—	Salicylic Acid	Glycolic Acid	Glycolic Acid
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Go-To Skin Care - Gentle Exfoliator" is effective for: Anti-aging, Evens skin tone and Exfoliation

This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

Exfoliating acids (lactic acid 4.60% - 6.90%). In this concentration, they will have a noticeable exfoliating effect. They can also have an anti-aging effect and stimulate collagen production in a long-run. PHAs (gluconolactone 2.70% - 4.10%) in this product also work for improving skin hydration. They might be even able to stimulate the production of skin's natural humectants and support the healthy skin microbiome.
Humectants (glycerin 0.45% - 1.10%, biosaccharide gum-1 1.10% - 1.70%, arginine 1.60% - 2.40% and lactic acid 4.60% - 6.90%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.