Works for
ExfoliationGlycolic acid, Lactic acid + 2 moreWorks well
“Targeted blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) exfoliates while you cleanse to reveal brighter, smoother skin and smaller-looking pores.”
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, lactic acid, mandelic acid.
CleansingCocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, Xanthan gum + 3 moreCleanses gently
“Shasta AHA Acid Wash”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, glyceryl stearate se, hydrogenated lecithin, sodium stearoyl lactylate, xanthan gum) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.
Anti-blemishGlycolic acid, Mandelic acid + 2 moreNot delivered
“The light, non-foaming formula is made to tackle adult acne, clogged pores, rough texture, and overall dullness without stripping your skin of moisture.”
This product contains ingredients (glycolic acid, mandelic acid) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Glycolic acid, Microcitrus australasica fruit extract + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Glycolic acid~22–33%
- 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 acidMandelic acid~4.6–6.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
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
More about Mandelic acidLactic acid~4.4–6.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acidTartaric acid~3.8–5.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acidCitric acid~2.8–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidMicrocitrus australasica fruit extract~2.1–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Most likely used for its fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity
More about Microcitrus australasica fruit extractCalophyllum tacamahaca seed oil~1.8–2.6%
Rosa canina fruit oil~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating
More about Rosa canina fruit oilAloe barbadensis extract~1.1–1.7%
- 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 extractWater~0.9–1.35%
Glycerin~0.8–1.2%
- 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 GlycerinCocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine~1–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaineLactic acid~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acidGlycolic acid~0.45–1%
- 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~0.4–0.95%
- 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 juiceSodium hydroxide~0.4–0.95%
Xanthan gum~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCalophyllum inophyllum seed oil~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glyceryl stearate se~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient
More about Glyceryl stearate seMandelic acid~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
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
More about Mandelic acidMicrocitrus australasica fruit extract~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Most likely used for its fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity
More about Microcitrus australasica fruit extractRosa canina fruit oil~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating
More about Rosa canina fruit oilTartaric acid~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acidCaprylic/capric triglyceride~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triglycerideBentonite~0.2–0.75%
Sodium chloride~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideSodium gluconate~0.15–0.6%
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinCitric acid~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSodium stearoyl lactylate~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl lactylateQuartz~0.15–0.55%
Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.35%
Sodium dehydroacetate~0.1–0.35%
Ingredient list view
Glycolic acid, Mandelic acid, Lactic acid, Tartaric acid, Citric acid, Microcitrus australasica fruit extract, Calophyllum tacamahaca seed oil, Rosa canina fruit oil, Aloe barbadensis extract, Water, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, Lactic acid, Glycolic acid, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Sodium hydroxide, Xanthan gum, Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil, Glyceryl stearate se, Mandelic acid, Microcitrus australasica fruit extract, Rosa canina fruit oil, Tartaric acid, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Bentonite, Sodium chloride, Sodium gluconate, Hydrogenated lecithin, Citric acid, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Quartz, Sodium benzoate, Sodium dehydroacetate
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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.
| HoliFrogShasta AHA Acid WashYOUR PRODUCT | Colleen Rothschild BeautyGlycolic Acid Peel Pads with Blue Agave | CeraVeGel Moussant Anti-Imperfections | COSRXThe AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 51% | 50% | 50% |
| Price | $39.00 | — | — | $10.46−$28.54 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 12 | 4 of 12 | 3 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer | Salicylic Acid | Salicylic Acid |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: EVY Technology Daily Cleanser MousseCinch Skin Cleanse + Glow Micellar Water
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 12 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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