What's In My Jar
Indeed Labs Gluconolactone 10%, Gentle Exfoliating PHA
Indeed Labs

Indeed Labs Gluconolactone 10%, Gentle Exfoliating PHA

Efficacy87/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation
Gluconolactone
Works well
What the product description says
“Gluconolactone 10%, Gentle Exfoliating PHA”
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.

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~5.2–7.8%
Moisturizing
Gluconolactone, Betaine
Works
What the product description says
“Advanced 10% gluconolactone has the ability to draw extra moisture into the skin.”
Source: Amazon US

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": betaine.

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).

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~5.2–7.8%
BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~3.7–5.5%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Gluconolactone
Works well

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

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.

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~5.2–7.8%
Evens skin tone
Side benefit · Gluconolactone
Works well

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

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.

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~5.2–7.8%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Gluconolactone, Hypericum perforatum flower/leaf/stem extract + 1 more
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~5.2–7.8%
Hypericum perforatum flower/leaf/stem extractEffect: LowA plant extract (perforate St John's-wort) that might have some anti-oxidant effect. Can be used as a fragrance and be irritating~1.2–1.8%
Calendula officinalis flower extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating~0.45–1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
6 strong irritants: Humulus lupulus extract, Hypericum perforatum flower/leaf/stem extract + 4 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~2–3%est.
Humulus lupulus extractHops extract. Can contain common irritants and allergens geraniol, limonene, linaloolHigh~1.6–2.4%est.
Hypericum perforatum flower/leaf/stem extractA plant extract (perforate St John's-wort) that might have some anti-oxidant effect. Can be used as a fragrance and be irritatingHigh~1.2–1.8%est.
Salvia officinalis flower/leaf/stem extract—High~0.55–1.3%est.
Calendula officinalis flower extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.45–1%est.
Citrus limon flower/leaf/stem extract—High~0.15–0.6%est.
Rosa damascena extractOil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.High~0.1–0.45%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~5.2–7.8%est.
TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
EdtaHelp to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.01–0.05%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Pine Tree Calming Cica Pad
ROUND LAB Pine Tree Calming Cica Pad
Higher efficacy · 100/10061% match
$14.97
Peel Lit Exfoliating Vitamin C Treatment Pads
I Dew Care Peel Lit Exfoliating Vitamin C Treatment Pads
Higher efficacy · 100/10059% match
$31.25
View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Gluconolactone~5.2–7.8%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-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
Betaine~3.7–5.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine
Propanediol~2.7–4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Propanediol
Propylene glycol~2–3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Humulus lupulus extract~1.6–2.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Hops extract. Can contain common irritants and allergens geraniol, limonene, linalool

More about Humulus lupulus extract
Hypericum perforatum flower/leaf/stem extract~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract (perforate St John's-wort) that might have some anti-oxidant effect. Can be used as a fragrance and be irritating

More about Hypericum perforatum flower/leaf/stem extract
Arctium majus root extract~1–1.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Arctium majus root extract
Salvia officinalis flower/leaf/stem extract~0.55–1.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Salvia officinalis flower/leaf/stem extract
Calendula officinalis flower extract~0.45–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating

More about Calendula officinalis flower extract
Saponaria officinalis flower/leaf/stem extract~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Saponaria officinalis flower/leaf/stem extract
Citrus limon flower/leaf/stem extract~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus limon flower/leaf/stem extract
Rosa damascena extract~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Oil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.

More about Rosa damascena extract
Sodium benzoate~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Triethanolamine~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine
Edta~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Help to stabilize the product formulation

More about Edta
Ingredient list view

Water, Gluconolactone, Betaine, Propanediol, Propylene glycol, Humulus lupulus extract, Hypericum perforatum flower/leaf/stem extract, Arctium majus root extract, Salvia officinalis flower/leaf/stem extract, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Saponaria officinalis flower/leaf/stem extract, Citrus limon flower/leaf/stem extract, Rosa damascena extract, Sodium benzoate, Triethanolamine, Edta

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon US
Price unavailable Out of stock
Check

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

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
Indeed LabsGluconolactone 10%, Gentle Exfoliating PHAYOUR PRODUCTAnuaHeartful 77 Clear PadROUND LABPine Tree Calming Cica PadTIA'MAC Fighting PHA 12 Purifying Liquid
Match—64%61%61%
Price——$14.97$19.39
Shared key ingredients—2 of 22 of 22 of 2
Key difference—MadecassosideMadecassosideAllantoin
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop
  • matches yours
  • differs
  • cheaper

More alternatives: I Dew Care Peel Lit Exfoliating Vitamin C Treatment PadsSeriøst Bedre Hud Ansigtsgløden

Cheaper alternatives? Browse formulas in the same category.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acnencbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    The Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone Protects Against Ultraviolet Radiation in an In Vitro Model of Cutaneous Photoagingonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  3. 3
    Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivityncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative studydovepress.com
  5. 5
    A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimenncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    The use of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in photoaged skin
Indeed Labs Gluconolactone 10%, Gentle Exfoliating PHA
Indeed LabsGluconolactone 10%, Gentle Exfoliating PHA
Find on Amazon

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.