Works for
ExfoliationLactic acidWorks well
“Exfoliate Renew Serum , 2% AHA”
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: lactic acid.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · Lactic acidWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: lactic 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-agingNot advertised by the brand · Lactic acidMay help
This product contains lactic acid. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · Glycerin, Lactic acid + 2 moreWorks
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, lactic acid.
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).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Propylene glycol~5–7.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolGlycerin~3.4–5.1%
- 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 GlycerinLactic acid~2.6–3.9%
- 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 acidHydroxypropyl methylcellulose~1.6–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Hydroxypropyl methylcellulosePhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolBenzyl alcohol~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholChlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Sodium hyaluronate~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateIngredient list view
Water, Propylene glycol, Glycerin, Lactic acid, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl alcohol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium hyaluronate
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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.
| KmartExfoliate Renew Serum - 2% AHAYOUR PRODUCT | MaeloveSuper Smooth Resurfacing Serum | It CosmeticsBye Bye Breakout Salicylic Acid Acne Serum | CliniqueMoisture Surge™ Active Glow Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 67% | 67% | 67% |
| Price | — | $32.95 | $36.00 | $46.51 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 |
| Key difference | — | Salicylic Acid | Niacinamide | Dimethicone |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: The INKEY List CA Lactic Acid ExfoliantBella Brighton Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Product summary
"Kmart - Exfoliate Renew Serum - 2% AHA" is effective for: Exfoliation and Evens skin tone
This product could be helpful for: Anti-aging and Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- This product contains acids (lactic acid 2.60% - 3.90%). Their concentration is low, and they will not have a strong exfoliating effect. Instead, they work to support the skin natural acid mantle and to attract water (as humectants). Lactic acid is particularly good in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin and improving the skin barrier.
- Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.10% - 0.35%, lactic acid 2.60% - 3.90% and glycerin 3.40% - 5.10%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 6.00A$ in Australia.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 4
- 5Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
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