Works for
Evens skin toneGlycolic acidWorks well
“It’s particularly helpful for skin experiencing blackheads, pimples and hormonal breakouts, and pigmentation , helping the skin to reset and remedy dullness and dry patches .”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic 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.
ExfoliationGlycolic acidWorks well
“Glycolic Scrub 14%”
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.
Anti-blemishGlycolic acidNot delivered
“Designed to deep clean pores and exfoliate skin for the freshest cleanest skin possible.”
This product contains ingredients (glycolic acid) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Glycolic acid, Magnesium aluminum silicateWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains 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.
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · Paraffinum liquidum, Panthenol + 4 moreWorks well
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:
panthenol.
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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, jojoba esters.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol, paraffinum liquidum
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinateMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Glycolic acid~5.9–8.9%
- 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 acidSilica~3.6–5.4%
Ammonium lauryl sulfate~3.6–5.4%
Sodium hydroxide~2–3%
Jojoba esters~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function
More about Jojoba estersCaprylic/capric triglyceride~1.4–2.1%
- 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 triglycerideParaffinum liquidum~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Mineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function
More about Paraffinum liquidumMagnesium aluminum silicate~0.95–1.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and, when combined with zinc carbonate and malonic acid, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating elastin production. Also helps stabilize the product formulation
More about Magnesium aluminum silicateGlyceryl stearate~0.6–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearatePanthenol~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolCetyl alcohol~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholPeg-100 stearate~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateStearyl alcohol~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholXanthan gum~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumMelaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilSodium hydroxymethylglycinate~0.05–0.15%
Disodium edta~0.01–0.05%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycolic acid, Silica, Ammonium lauryl sulfate, Sodium hydroxide, Jojoba esters, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Paraffinum liquidum, Magnesium aluminum silicate, Glyceryl stearate, Panthenol, Cetyl alcohol, Peg-100 stearate, Stearyl alcohol, Xanthan gum, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, Disodium edta
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| InstitutGlycolic Scrub 14%YOUR PRODUCT | SkinstitutGlycolic Scrub 14% | No7Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum Activating Pads | Geek GorgeousSmooth Out | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 70% | 48% | 48% |
| Price | — | $30.90 | $23.63 | $12.80 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Key difference | — | — | Gluconolactone | Anhydroxylitol |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Revuele LIQUID FACIAL EXFOLIANT 9 % AHA/BHA/PHA BLENDCOSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid - Best Korean Beauty Store
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4A review on the extensive skin benefits of mineral oilncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.