PRODUCT REVIEW
Institut Esthederm Intensive AHA Peel Gentle Serum
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Product summary
What can the product work for?
Exfoliation
What does the product description say?
lactic acid
2.7% -
4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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)
glycolic acid
3.6% -
5.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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
salicylic acid
0.15% -
0.55%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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)
Anti-aging
glycolic acid
3.6% -
5.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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
lactic acid
2.7% -
4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
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)
carnosine
0.05% -
0.3%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage
Show more
Evens skin tone
glycolic acid
3.6% -
5.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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
lactic acid
2.7% -
4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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)
salicylic acid
0.15% -
0.55%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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)
Moisturizing
arginine
1.3% -
1.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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
carnosine
0.05% -
0.3%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage
lactic acid
2.7% -
4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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)
Show more
Anti-oxidation
carnosine
0.05% -
0.3%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage
tocopherol
0.05% -
0.25%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
laminaria digitata extract
0.05% -
0.15%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Concentration: Insufficient!
Seaweed extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but good research is lacking at the moment
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
Promise | Can it deliver? |
---|---|
Exfoliation |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
100/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 1
Potential irritants
glycolic acid
3.6% -
5.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish
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
parfum
1% -
1.45%
Irritation risk:
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
laminaria digitata extract
0.05% -
0.15%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging
Seaweed extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but good research is lacking at the moment
User reviews (0)
Similar products & dupes
Institut Esthederm - Intensive AHA Peel Gentle Serum | The Ordinary - AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution Sponsored | Erno Laszlo - AHA Resurfacing Sleep Serum | Nécessaire - The Body Peel - Resurfacing Serum with 12% AHA/BHA/PHA, 1% Resveratrol + Peeling Peptide | Facile - Clear Serum | CeraVe - Salicylic Acid Acne Control Gel, Acne Treatment for Face | Beautific - Acne Killa Anti-Blemish Peeling Solution Пилинг для лечения акне 18% с салициловой кислотой и цинком | PHYTO-C - Active Serum | Be Minimalist - AHA PHA BHA 32% | Renee Rouleau - Pore + Wrinkle Perfecting Serum | Jan Marini - Marini Multi-Acid Exfoliating Pads | Paula's choice - Resist Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA | |
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WIMJ similarity score |
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Key ingredients |
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Irritancy | IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
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MEDIUM
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LOW
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LOW
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LOW
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LOW
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LOW
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LOW
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
salicylic acid
0.15% -
0.55%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Exfoliation,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial,
Evens skin tone
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)
glycolic acid
3.6% -
5.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish
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
Show more
Potential irritants
glycolic acid
3.6% -
5.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish
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
parfum
1% -
1.45%
Irritation risk:
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
laminaria digitata extract
0.05% -
0.15%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging
Seaweed extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but good research is lacking at the moment
All ingredients
propylheptyl caprylate
4.9% -
7.3%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
glycolic acid
3.6% -
5.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish
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
Show more
Ingredient list view
Water, Propylheptyl caprylate, Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Arachidyl alcohol, Behenyl alcohol, Arginine, Parfum, Pentylene glycol, Arachidyl glucoside, Xanthan gum, Hexanediol, Caprylyl glycol, Polyacrylamide, Salicylic acid, C13-14 isoparaffin, Propylene glycol, Laureth-7, Carnosine, Tocopherol, Disodium adenosine triphosphate, Laminaria digitata extract
Sources
- Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acid
- Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review
- Beta Hydroxy Acids
- A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations
- Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Study
- Safety Assessment of Isoparaffins as Used in Cosmetics
- Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitis
- Propylene Glycol
- Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycol
- Biological activities of the natural imidazole-containing peptidomimetics n-acetylcarnosine, carcinine and l-carnosine in ophthalmic and skin care products
- Vitamin E in dermatology