Works for
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, Gluconolactone + 2 moreWorks well
“Gently penetrates pores to clear stubborn blackheads from the inside out. No stripping required.”
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.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: gluconolactone, glycolic acid
MoisturizingGluconolactone, Arginine + 5 moreWorks
“Infused with aloe + lotus water in a peaceful, hydrating formula that leaves skin calm.”
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.
ExfoliationSide benefit · Gluconolactone, Glycolic acid + 1 moreWorks well
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, glycolic acid, salicylic acid.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Gluconolactone, Glycolic acid + 1 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains gluconolactone, 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.
Evens skin toneSide benefit · Gluconolactone, Glycolic acid + 1 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: gluconolactone, glycolic 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.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Gluconolactone, Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extractMay 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract, Sodium anisateMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Butylene glycol~6–9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about Butylene glycolGluconolactone~3.9–5.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 GluconolactoneArginine~2.8–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 ArginineSalicylic acid~0.95–1.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
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)
More about Salicylic acidGlycolic acid~1.6–2.4%
- 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 acidAloe barbadensis leaf juice~1.4–2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 juiceNelumbo nucifera root water~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glycerin~1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinHydrolyzed gardenia florida extract~0.55–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant properties
More about Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extractBiosaccharide gum-1~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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-1Sodium levulinate~0.4–0.9%
Glyceryl caprylate~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
More about Glyceryl caprylateMaltodextrin~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil
More about MaltodextrinSodium anisate~0.1–0.5%
Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.4%
Potassium sorbate~0.05–0.25%
Sodium benzoate~0.05–0.2%
Citric acid~0.01–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidIngredient list view
Water, Butylene glycol, Gluconolactone, Arginine, Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Nelumbo nucifera root water, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract, Biosaccharide gum-1, Sodium levulinate, Glyceryl caprylate, Maltodextrin, Sodium anisate, Sodium hydroxide, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Citric acid
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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.
| Hero CosmeticsPore ReleaseYOUR PRODUCT | Skin ControlPeel Pads | Kiehl'sTruly Targeted Acne-Clearing Pimple Patch with Salicylic Acid | BeautyBioSwipe & Glow Peel Pads | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 92% | 92% | 89% |
| Price | $19.97 | $7.55−$12.42 | $27.10+$7.13 | $53.17+$33.20 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 5 of 6 |
| Key difference | — | Panthenol | Niacinamide | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Deviant Skincare Gentle Resurfacing LiquidPEACH & LILY Acne Exfoliating Toner
Product summary
"Hero Cosmetics - Pore Release" is effective for: Exfoliation, Anti-aging, Anti-blemish and Evens skin tone
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- Exfoliating acids (glycolic acid 1.60% - 2.40%). In this concentration, they will have a noticeable exfoliating effect. They can also have an anti-aging effect and stimulate collagen production in a long-run. PHAs (gluconolactone 3.90% - 5.80%) in this product also work for improving skin hydration. They might be even able to stimulate the production of skin's natural humectants and support the healthy skin microbiome.
- Salicylic acid (0.95% - 1.45%). This is an oil-soluble exfoliating acid. Because of this property, it can work inside pores and help reduce the congestion. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and is used to treat acne. Because it is a quite strong exfoliator, be careful with using this product too often: it could result in over-exfoliation.
- Humectants (biosaccharide gum-1 0.45% - 1.05%, glycerin 1.00% - 1.60% and arginine 2.80% - 4.20%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Hero Cosmetics" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails for 19.99$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.
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