Works for
Anti-agingGlycolic acidWorks well
“The results? Refined and improved texture and tone, a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and an overall luminous complexion.”
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.
Evens skin toneGlycolic acidWorks well
“Introducing the Sleep Glycolic (30ml) from Medik8, an overnight peel that brightens, smooths and evens your complexion.”
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
“An at-home overnight peel that works while you sleep, without the redness and downtime peels are known for.”
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.
MoisturizingCaprylic/capric triglyceride, Dimethicone + 2 moreWorks
“Korean clover extract supports the skin's overnight repair and hydration, and glycerin keeps it from drying.”
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:
glycerin.
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, dimethicone.
Anti-blemishGlycolic acidNot delivered
“Visibly resurfacing the surface of your skin, this treatment smooths your skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and minimises dark spots and hyperpigmentation, preventing the formation of blemishes.”
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.
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%
Glycolic acid~5.7–8.5%
- 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 acidCyclodextrin~3.7–5.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of sugar that is used to support delivery of active ingredients and can enhance their penetration into the skin without disrupting the skin's barrier
More about CyclodextrinCaprylic/capric triglyceride~2.8–4.2%
- 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 triglycerideDimethicone~2.2–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeGlyceryl stearate~1.7–2.6%
- 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 stearateSucrose stearate~1.4–2.1%
Sodium hydroxide~1.1–1.6%
Glycerin~0.95–1.45%
- 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolLespedeza capitata flower/leaf/stem extract~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Propanediol~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolXanthan gum~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumEthylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.45%
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerPolysorbate 60~0.05–0.25%
Sorbitan isostearate~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan isostearateIngredient list view
Water, Glycolic acid, Cyclodextrin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Dimethicone, Glyceryl stearate, Sucrose stearate, Sodium hydroxide, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Lespedeza capitata flower/leaf/stem extract, Propanediol, Xanthan gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan isostearate
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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.
| Medik8Sleep Glycolic SerumYOUR PRODUCT | PCA SKINResurfacing Serum | Derma EOvernight Peel | ObagiEXFODERM FORTE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 63% | 62% | 61% |
| Price | — | $115.00 | $13.50 | $101.87 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 4 |
| Key difference | — | Lactobionic Acid | Lactic Acid | Lactic Acid |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Dermadoctor Physical Chemistry Facial Microdermabrasion and Multi-Acid PeelPaula's choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Lotion
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 7 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
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